Page 54 of Diners, Damsels & Wolves

Closing her eyes, she tried to center herself. Goose bumps crept over her skin. Her breath hitched. Oh God, it felt amazing. She’d never had this type of simple intimacy before, she didn’t realize how much she needed it. After all, you couldn’t miss something you’d never had. Suddenly she was starving for it. She felt hollow; her body and soul were ignored and touch starved—she was sick of it.

Even something as simple as him stroking her arm was enough to send her into hyperdrive. Yet, she was content to stay like that, enjoying his presence for as long as he was willing to sit next to her.

Twelve

Clarissa

The movie was over too early for Clarissa’s liking.

“That was better than the last one they made,” Rachel said, stretching her arms into the air.

“First time I’ve seen it, it was good.” Tom started unplugging the wires and packing everything into the back of his car.

“Did everyone finish their food?” Clarissa started picking up the containers and empty bottles.

“Oh here, let me take those inside.” Rachel piled the litter into her arms. “I’ll toss them out before I go to bed. Don’t stay up too late, you two it’s a school night after all.”

Clarissa shook her head as Rachel went inside. “Do you need any help with that?” she asked.

“Nope, I’m already done.” He slid a box into the trunk next to the battery pack and collapsed the small folding table.

Grabbing the beanbags, she hauled them over to the trunk. He tossed them inside.

“Thanks,” he said, slamming the door shut.

“I should be thanking you,” she said. “This was amazing. Thank you, Tom.”

“Are you just saying that because Batman was involved?”

“You caught me.” She laughed. “No, I-I had a really good time. This was perfect, thank you.”

Smiling, he reached a hand out, brushing his fingertips against her cheek. Involuntarily, she closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. He let his hand linger.

“It was my pleasure.” His voice was low, all hints of the previous jest gone. “I like making you happy. Seeing the worry leave your eyes, seeing your genuine smile, hearing you laugh. You make me happy.”

Clarissa wasn’t sure, but she thought she was blushing scarlet. Her body was shaking. She felt a hot prickle wash over her skin.

“But the best thing to happen tonight is this.” He brushed his fingers against her face again. “You didn’t flinch when I touched you.”

Opening her eyes, she saw the unasked question on his face mixed with strain. She couldn’t understand why he looked so miserable.

“I like you touching me, you feel … warm.”

Her voice was so low she wasn’t sure if he heard her. Then the hand on her face tensed, sliding to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer. Caught off guard from the movement, she stumbled, resting a hand against his chest to steady herself. His heart raced beneath her fingers.

Standing so close, she had to lift her face up to see him. His eyes were bright and eager as they searched her face. Leaning in, his words tickled her face.

“Clarissa.” His voice was gruff, almost a plea.

Hearing her name spoken like that on his lips made her heart stop. “Thank you,” he said.

“For what?”

“Trusting me.”

Without thinking, she lifted herself up, closing the space between them, pressing her lips to his. The hand on her neck tensed. His other hand wrapped around her waist. He pulled her in, and she let her body mold into him. Her hand resting against his chest gripped at his shirt; the other snaked its way into his hair.

Pressing her body into him, she opened her mouth, inviting him in. Her knees went weak. Strong hands gripped her, keeping her from falling. He opened his mouth in response, his tongue exploring.