Not Letting Go

Chapter 24

When they reached the dorms, Max led Kate to her own room. She opened the door for the other and said, "My father taught me to be chivalrous with fair ladies."

Kate looked down and smiled before stepping inside. When she entered the room she gasped.

"Em, are...are these for me?"

Max closed the door behind her and smiled with satisfaction as Kate's joyful voice continued, saying, "They're so beautiful, I can't believe you did this. What if things turned out different? What if I didn't come?"

"Well, I think wasted flowers would be the least of my concerns."

Kate touched the red tulips delicately while admiring them and said quietly, "No one ever gave me flowers before." Then spoke up, saying, "I mean, besides the hospital, but that's not the same."

"I know what you mean," Max smiled.

"Yeah...so you're the first."

"And you're the first person I ever gave flowers to...in a romantic way."

Kate turned from the flowers to lock eyes with Max. "We'll be each other's first for a lot of things." The way that Kate said those words and how she looked at her made the freckled girl's legs feel weak.

Their minds filled the silence with the exact same thoughts, but neither spoke them.

They both looked away at the same time. Max was still pretending to stare at something on the floor when Kate turned back to her and said, "So...why tulips? I mean, I'm not complaining. I love them. Most people are given roses."

"You are not most people, Katie. Not even close. I wanted something at least a little more special for you."

Kate smiled shyly and asked, "And...why are you all the way over there?"

"I told you I was the the stupid one." Max closed the gap and came behind Kate who looked coyly over her shoulder as the brunette came close and put her arms around the other's waist. It was as if Kate was waiting for this, expecting it. The blonde closed her eyes as she savored Max's touch.

Max was very tempted to let her hands wander. She knew Kate wanted her affection as much as she wanted to give it, but the brunette would respect the other's wishes to keep it slow. Max instead just held her more firmly and took in a deep breath with her face buried in blonde locks, eyes closed.

Kate could not hide her pleasure from their intimate contact. "Mmm...uh, mmm Em...let's get to bed."

Max loosened her grip and opened her eyes.

Kate clarified, adding, "To lay down and talk. It's been a long few days and I'm sure we have a lot to talk about. I wouldn't mind some cuddles too."

"Sure, we can do that. I'll go brush and be right back." It felt really difficult to leave Kate right now. She didn't even want to let go of her. Luckily, Kate had an idea that would solve her problem.

"How about I come with you?" Kate said as she turned around to face Max.

"Uh...sure. Not to sound like a creeper, but I definitely don't mind spending every second with you, still...um, why?"

"I just wanted to try something."

"Okay...not going to tell me?"

"I'll show you."

"'Kay...I guess let's go then."

Kate followed Max to her room with toothbrush and toothpaste in hand and the brunette went to grab her toothbrush and Kate said, "I'll wait for you here. I'll brush after."