Let Me Love You

Chapter 17

"You look unbelievable in this by the way," Alex whispered, when their breathing had finally returned to normal. Her head rested on his chest, left arm draped over his stomach as he ran his index finger over the lace trim of her panties. "I especially enjoyed these..."

She smiled to herself, breathing out a soft laugh. "I thought you might." As she stretched her neck up to peck him lightly on the lips, he twisted a hand into her hair, holding her tightly to him. "Thank you," she sighed, smiling after he reluctantly pulled away.

"Come on," he said, sitting up and pulling her with him. "Let's go take a shower."

She hopped up quickly, reaching for his hand, but stopping short when he whirled back around to face her.

"Wha-", she began, cut off when he swooped down in front of her, throwing her over his shoulder. She burst into a fit of giggles as he carried her down the hall, playfully swatting at his back in mock protest.

He let her down to her feet when they arrived at the bathroom, hands grasping either side of her face the moment she was safely on the ground. He kissed her with all the force he could manage, and her knees buckled in response, hands grasping his wrists to steady herself.

When he pulled away, his eyes were bright, alive with wonder, and she gazed at him questioningly. "What was that for?"

"I'm just really happy... I'm happy I'm here, with you, in your house."

Her eyes softened, her palm reaching out to cup his cheek. "Our house," she corrected.

He smiled down at her, leaning forward to press his lips to hers, softer this time.

"I'm happy too, Alex," she whispered when he pulled away. His arms snuck around her back, fingers finding the clasp to her garter belt and undoing it to let it fall from her waist. He sunk down to his knees, sliding one stocking down her leg, and then the other.

She stepped out of them one by one, combing her fingers through his thick black hair as he trailed his fingers back up the fronts of her thighs and hooked them into her panties. When she was finally just as naked as him, he stood, reaching around her to turn on the water.

Taking her in his arms, he kissed the side of her face. She hummed softly, smiling against his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I think it's ready," she whispered, stepping back to test the water and pulling him with her as they stepped into the tub.

He reached for the shampoo, turning back to her with a smile on his face. "Can I wash your hair?" he asked in a tone so innocent and nervous that she couldn't help but laugh.

His smile faltered slightly, and she instantly realized her mistake, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Of course," she smiled as she pulled away, turning her back to him as she stepped under the stream of water.

He began to lather the soap in his hands, walking toward her and pressing his chest against her back. She gasped at the unexpected contact before leaning back against him as he went to work.

"So," he began. "Tomorrow's Valentine's Day."

Immediately, he felt her body tense up and he leaned over her shoulder in an attempt to see her face better. She stared straight ahead, her fingers tangling with each other and she shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, I guess it is," she sighed; a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Is that a bad thing?" he questioned. His hands dropped to her shoulders, encouraging her to face him. She rearranged her features before turning to meet his gaze, a tense smile on her lips.