Hours later, Derrick checked in on Natalie who was now sleeping. “Works every time,” he whispered to himself and turned off the lights.
“Don’t leave,” Natalie groaned. “Can you sit with me?”
“Huh?” Derrick startled. “I thought you were sleeping?”
“I was, but I felt the lights go out. I haven’t slept with them off since…” Natalie’s voice trailed.
Derrick walked to the bed and laid down on top of the sheets. The warmth of Natalie’s body surrounded him and he inhaled the light scent of her bath oils. A surge of uncontrollable emotions raced through him and he hoped the threatening erection he was feeling wouldn’t be noticeable. Natalie snuggled against Derrick’s chest and let out a heavy breath. Natalie’s closeness felt like the gauntlet being laid and the battle was in place. For several very stressful minutes, Derrick fought unsuccessfully to suppress his desires, until he excused himself.
“I’m sorry Nat, I can’t be here right now.” Derrick walked toward the door. “I…I’ll be back, but for now I just ca…can’t…sta…”
“Come to me Derrick,” Natalie cut him off. “I need you to be here,” her voice cracked with longing and pain.
Like a lamb to the slaughter, Derrick’s feet betrayed him and he walked back to the bed. Natalie eased back the sheets.
“Are you sure?” Derrick asked, full of trepidation.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Though it may not seem like it, I’m completely lucid.”
Derrick wrapped his arms around Natalie and held her close. Natalie pressed her body hard into his and looked up at his face. She could see the confusion and wonder in his eyes though he averted full eye contact. Natalie touched Derrick’s cheek forcing him to look at her. Their eyes locked and their mouths played dodge and tease until their lips finally touched.
Like a power surge, Derrick felt every ounce of suppressed emotion rise from the abyss of his inner being. His hands reached out and caressed Natalie’s face as they continued to kiss. Gentle moans freed themselves from Derrick’s mouth unable to contain the intensity of his feelings. Natalie pulled him on top of her and looked deep into his eyes, searching for and owning everything he felt. She traced his face with hers and ran her fingers up and down his spine.
