As I walked up the hill to the field where we practiced, I wondered who was going to turn out that night. Our team had a game in a few days, and we were in sore need of work on our running patterns. We had yet to have a full team practice since the team had been formed, but that night was supposed to have the majority of our members. As I arrived at the field and bent down to tie my cleats, I thought about my teammates. There was one far above all the others I wanted to see there. I wanted to see Ice. Ice Queen. . . Icicle. . . Ice. These were all names I had affectionately bestowed on Isabelle Cramer Edmonds one night getting drunk at a bar with my best guy friend from work. She had always been my favorite topic of conversation since joining the firm, but she and I rarely had opportunities to converse. I made excuses to go by her desk and email her as frequently as I could in order to try to establish a connection, but she still remained a beautiful conundrum. As much as I tried, she was always distant, and so the name Ice not only matched her monogram, it suited her demeanor. That night though I was going try again to break through and glimpse the fire I was sure was hiding behind those dark brown eyes.

About ten minutes later as I was throwing the football with some of my counterparts, I saw her heading our direction. She was wearing a lacrosse sweatshirt, which I had learned previously had been her sport when she was a teenager, and a pair of mesh running shorts. I had seen those pale freckled legs and fantasized about those toned thighs wrapped around my waist on many occasions, but that night she seemed different to me. The new haircut she sported, which was intended to make her look older than her twenty four years, really only served to highlight her youth, and she wore a reserved countenance as she made her approach.

She stopped near me as I stood there completing a pass. "Hey, Alex," she greeted casually.

"Hey, Ice," I answered as nonchalantly as I could. I had started using her nickname in her presence, but she didn't seem to mind. In fact, I had learned from her it wasn't an original, as her teammates on lacrosse had called her the same. However, it was the first time I had ever heard her use my name. Something about her voice when she said it stirred a place in me that I desperately had tried to forget. Even though I often dreamt about the girl, I knew in real life it just shouldn't be between us. After all, she was involved with someone else, and I never went after the unavailable ones. It usually caused more trouble than it was worth, especially with a co worker, but just then seeing her give a shy smile in my direction, my libido sprang to life. Everything I ever told myself about not seducing her was quickly forgotten as we stood closely together on the field. As I caught a ball that was headed our direction, I asked, "Do you want to warm up?"

"I'm terrible at this game," she said with a little laugh as I tossed her the football. "I can't throw at all." She sent the ball sailing in a precarious whirl down the field. She was right. She didn't throw incredibly well, but it was sufficient enough to hit the mark of her intended receiver.

"As long as you can catch it, that's all that matters," I said, trying to make light of the situation. As the ball came back toward us, I let her go for it. She cradled the catch but then let it slip from her hands to the ground in distraction.

"Looks like I can't do that either," she joked.

"You just need to warm up. You'll be fine." She tossed the ball to me to throw, which I did in a straight spiraling spin to my receiver. We stood a few minutes longer side by side not speaking, catching and throwing the ball before our team decided to scrimmage for practice. Ice and I ended up on opposing teams.

My team started with the ball first, but as we stood in our huddle, my gaze was distracted by her removing her sweatshirt, leaving her in only a gray long sleeved t shirt. For a moment my eyes were glued to her body. I had seen it before, but it was like I was seeing it for the first time. My eyes took in the way the shirt, which was just a little too small, clung to her curves. I had only seen her in clothes that fit, so I hadn't realized until just then how endowed she truly was. I had only thought of her as a tomboy before, but now she looked like a real woman. Those thoughts of what I wanted to do with her returned, but I forced them back as we broke from our huddle to commence our first drive.

When I took to the line of scrimmage, I noticed she was standing opposite me as my defender. At first I decided to be good. After all, we were surrounded by fellow co workers, and I didn't want all of them to know where my interests lay, but after a few plays, I resolved to ratchet up the offensive pressure. On the next snap of the ball, I ran right for her, forcing her to either hold her ground or get out of my way. I was surprised but pleased when our bodies brushed as she held her ground, causing us to bump elbows as I turned to receive a pass. Immediately I felt her hands on my back for the two handed touch that would stop the play. My team had several more attempts that were unsuccessful before we had to play defense, but I didn't care. All that mattered was I was getting closer to Ice than I had ever been.

Even though I could have guarded anyone, I made it a point to line up against her when the time came. When she saw me standing in front of her, she smiled and chuckled a little. On the first play she ran out wide in a lateral pattern where the ball immediately came to her. She made a perfect catch, but I was right on top of her. Out of habit I reached out my right arm and circled her by the waist as my left came around the back of her. Our bodies came together with a light thud.

It was only a brief moment that I stood there holding her, but in that moment I lived a lifetime of fantasies. The first thing I noticed was the clean smell of her red hair as wisps of it struck me across the face from her momentum. The side of her neck, which was closer to my lips than it had ever been, looked incredibly enticing. However, the height of the moment came when she turned in my arms as I was letting her go, and my hand skimmed along the soft skin of her stomach for the briefest of moments. Her brown eyes met mine for a flicker of a second in recognition.

"Good catch," I said, trying to cover for my subconscious actions.

"Thanks," she replied, heading back to her huddle.

I stood there and waited for them to run another play, but my mind was back on the feeling of her body under my hands. By no means was Ice a small girl. She stood 5 foot 9 inches with an intimidating weight of muscle to match. Under my hand, I had just felt that flat hard stomach, but the true distraction was the feeling of the delicate skin on the surface of that toned body. I had always been desirous for pale skinned freckled redheads, and she was the epitome of my dream. A chance to touch her that way, even by accident, was a stolen delight that would be forever locked in my brain to use with other fantasies.

For the next several drives, we managed to find a way to touch on every single down. A little push here and little shove there made it that much more competitive, but to me it felt more like adolescents on the playground playing tag with their crush. The game of wanting to touch and yet not wanting it to look like we did was childish but alluring all the same. All the while she would laugh and complain that contact was against the rules, but she was equally guilty of the indulgence. The game became more intriguing after every down as the same thing would happen. I started to make it a point on offense to run right for her, forcing her to make contact, and every touch of her hands to my frame was like a kindling spark to dry splintered wood. All too soon my body started to smolder. Forgotten was the football practice. My thoughts were all about feeling Ice's skin on mine in whatever way possible.

Back and forth the two teams went for half an hour. I knew I had to concentrate harder on what I was doing lest I completely become useless to my team, so I decided to switch tactics. As we lined at the line of scrimmage, I saw Ice waiting for me. Just to see what would happen, I stared right into her brown eyes and put on my most intimidating face. The reaction was immediate. She flinched under my gaze and backed up several feet to give me space. Upon the snap, I ran right into the opening she had given me to receive the ball. Her hands were on me once again to stop the play. She giggled as I turned toward her.

"Don't ever do that again. You scared me to death," she confessed.

"There's no reason to be scared of me," I replied with a charming grin over my shoulder as I started back toward my huddle. She gave me a beautiful smile in return.

We played until it was dark that night. Ice and I continued our physical banter. Our hands would not stay off each other for the rest of the evening, but I hadn't gotten a chance to feel her entire body against mine again, so when the last play of the night was called, I decided to take the chance. Lining up on offense, I saw her ready for me. When the ball was snapped, I ran right for her. My left shoulder bumped against hers as I planted my foot to cut across the field. However, my left arm hooked through both her arms, pinning them behind her back as I pulled her to me. Her body slammed into mine firmly, and for a second her frame rested against mine.

Ice laughed. "You can't do that. That is so against the rules," she said with a bright smile as I loosened my grip to let her go. She turned, brushing her body against mine for a moment as our eyes met again. Those around us had called the game and were preparing to leave as we stood there a moment longer than necessary.

"Good game, Ice," I complimented.

"You too, Alex."

As we moved together toward where our things were sitting, I contemplated a way to stay in her company longer. I didn't want the moment to end between us just yet. I was high from the contact we had during our practice, but I wanted more. Ice was a drug to which I was addicted, and I would have done anything just then to make the feeling last. Thinking fast as we headed toward the parking lot, I said, "You know, my place is just right around the corner. You want to come have a beer or something?"

"Oh, I don't know. I really should get home," she half heartedly protested.

I could tell I could convince her with just a little motivation. "I'll even throw in dinner of some kind. Come on. It's just five minutes from here."

She shrugged her shoulders in an uncommitted fashion. "All right. A beer sounds good after such a strenuous practice," she joked. "I'll follow you."

We drove in separate cars to where I lived. As I parked my car in the garage, she pulled into the driveway right behind me in her large SUV. Together we cut through the garage to go inside. "The place is a bit of a mess," I mentioned as my dog came running for us. I bent down to pet her red coat and shower her with attention as she jumped all over me.

"What a cute dog." Ice leaned to pet her as well. "What's your name?"

I answered for my pet. "Her name is Spastic, Spaz for short."

My company laughed. "That's a good name. Hi, Spaz. Aren't you just the prettiest thing?" My dog, being the equal opportunity lover, barraged Ice with affection as well.

"Come on. The kitchen is this way," I said, leading her and the dog upstairs to the main level of my townhouse. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable," I suggested as we passed through the living room. "I'm just going to get us something to drink." A quick trip to the kitchen and then I was back, taking a seat next to her on the sofa. My dog was still greeting our new guest. "Spaz, go lie down," I instructed. She ignored me. I turned to my company and smiled. "Excuse me for a moment, will you?"

"Sure."

Getting up from the sofa, I called, "Come on, Spaz. Here girl." The dog followed me to the kitchen where I gave her a treat and then blocked the doors, so she couldn't bother us again. Going back to the living room, I reclaimed my seat. "Sorry about that. She doesn't know what to do when I have guests. She just thinks it's more people to pet her."

"My dog is like that, too. She loves company."

There was a moment of pause between us as we both drank our beer. I finally had Ice where I wanted her, but I wasn't sure I should pursue what I truly desired. She was involved with someone else. However, after the display earlier at the field, I was sure she was interested in me. The question that remained was if she was attracted enough to accept my advances. I still wasn't sure, so I played it safe at first. "So, what do you feel like eating for dinner? I can make just about anything. What strikes your fancy?"

She shrugged. "I don't want you to have to cook for me."

"I don't mind."

She shrugged. "Let's just order something. It'll save time."

"Are we in a hurry?" I teasingly questioned.

She shook her head as she took a sip of her beer. "No. After all, it's Friday, and I have nothing planned."

"Me neither, short of taking the dog for a walk. She needs to go out after we order dinner at least for a few minutes. What do you feel like eating?"

The two of us talked about our choices for several minutes before settling on Thai food. I called in the order for us before moving back into the living room. "Well, let me just let Spaz out in the backyard."

"We can walk her. I don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. She'd feel better being walked."

"All right. Let's go. The food will be here in 30 minutes, so we have the time." Putting the leash on the dog, the two of us took her outside. We walked together in quiet around the neighborhood where I lived. No one else was out that night. "It's finally getting chilly," I said.

"Yeah. It took long enough. It's downright cold tonight," she remarked, stuffing her hands into the front pocket of her sweatshirt.

"Here. Take my jacket," I offered. I had grabbed it as we had left the house in case one of us needed it.

"Thanks."

I watched as she slipped it on and zipped it. Minutes later she shivered. "Are you still cold?" She nodded, so I slipped my arm around her shoulders. I felt her arm come around my waist. "Come on. We should head back then. I don't want you to get sick on me."

Once back at the house, I bent over to unhook the dog from the leash as Ice stood near me. I felt her body brush against mine as she leaned down to pat Spaz on the head. I took my jacket back from her before we returned to the living room. I removed my shoes and socks, and she followed my lead, leaving us barefoot before making herself at home on the couch again.

"How much longer until the food gets here?" she inquired, picking up a book from my coffee table.

I consulted my watch. "Not too long. You want to eat at the table or in here?"

"Let's eat in here."

"Okay. TV or music then?"

"Music," she answered, her head buried in the book.

Going to the stereo, I contemplated my choices. Music could make or break an atmosphere. I knew my mood and decided I was going to let it be known through my music choice instead of trying to say something alluring to seduce her. Selecting the right CD, I placed it in the CD player and then hit play. Within a few seconds the captivating sounds of Marvin Gaye filled the air. Turning back to the couch, I saw brown eyes gaze at me over the top of the book as a small smile played at the corner of her lips. I knew my intensions were exposed, but her casual response was a positive sign. The gaze continued to hold as I came back to sit next to her. I reached out to the book she was holding, brushing my hand against hers as I made a move to hold it with her. "Do you like photography?" I asked of the book choice she had picked up off the table.

"Somewhat. This is an interesting book."

"I love black and white prints. Something about them makes it easier to see the real person underneath. They can't hide behind the camouflage of color. It's all laid bare in black and white," I whispered, allowing my fingers to caress the back of her hand down to her wrist. The tip of my index finger traced the smooth skin of her inner wrist and then moved down over the top of her sleeve to the inside of her elbow. She shivered.

"You're giving me chills," she said quietly.

"I can warm you up." My arm went around her shoulders as I leaned in closer.

Ice's brown eyes connected with mine again. She gave a demure smile. "Alex, you know that I'm seeing someone, right?"

"I know."

"And you know he wouldn't like it if he knew I was here with you right now."

"That's probably true."

"Alex, I like you? as a friend."

"I know that, too." Her gaze dropped to my fingers tracing a light pattern over her arm. I sensed she wanted to say more, but I beat her to it. Leaning to her ear, I exhaled against it slowly. "All you have to do is tell me no." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as my caress continued along her arm, and I made my way back toward her hand as it held the book. My fingertips traced along the contours of her fingers, stroking the length of each one and then down in between them to the softest part of her hand. Growing bolder I leaned even closer, so my body was pressed heavily into her side. My nose skimmed the hairline of her temple. She trembled lightly. "Do you like the way that feels?" I murmured, kissing her hair above her ear.

Breathlessly she answered, "Yes. I mean? no."

"Well, which is it?" My touch on her arm and hair didn't cease. I knew she was wavering. She just needed a little encouragement.

"I? I? I don't know," she stuttered. I stopped and pulled back slightly, but I still held her closely to me. We sat for a moment without words between us. I knew she needed time to process what was happening. After a few moments she spoke again. "Alex, I really like you."

"I like you, Isabelle, very much," I whispered, using her real name. The intimacy surrounding us demanded it. This wasn't as much of a game as when it had first started. I could tell she was struggling with her emotions as we sat cuddled together.

"I don't know what it is about you. I've never felt this way around someone."

"How's that?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. I always want to talk to you and be around you, but I get so nervous whenever you're near me that I can't talk. I don't know what to say."

"You're talking to me now just fine."

"Well, now I know how you feel about me. Before this I didn't, and I didn't want it to be just me. I mean, I thought that maybe you liked me, but I wasn't sure."

"It's not just you. I feel it every time you're close to me." My touch resumed along the back of her hand.

"I have a boyfriend," she stated.

"I know."

"I shouldn't feel this way about you."

"That's where you're wrong. Just because you're involved doesn't mean you won't feel things for other people. You're not dead. You're an attractive woman with needs just like everyone else."

"He's supposed to fulfill those needs, though."

"Does he?" I asked.

She paused a moment before answering, "If he did, would I still be sitting here with you?"

There was my triumph. She knew of my interest and returned it. Cupping her face in my right hand, I stroked her cheek with my thumb as my other arm pulled her to me. Our cheeks rested lightly against each other. Her skin was soft and inviting. I kissed her gently on the cheek and exhaled heavily. I wanted her more just then than I ever had. "Tell me what you want from me, Isabelle, and I'll give it to you. I'd give you anything you asked of me."

There was a moment of hesitation before she made her request. "I want you to kiss me."

"Are you sure? Because once I do that, there is no going back. You're going to like it too much to go back to the way it was."

"I'm sure, Alex."

There was another pause before I couldn't bear any longer. I had to know what she felt like, so leaning in with my mouth, I hovered for just a second to build the anticipation. Her breath swept across my face in nervous exhale before our lips met for the first time. A little whimper escaped her, causing me to moan in response. It was ecstasy incarnate to feel her lips quivering, and her tongue interlocked with mine in the moist haven of her mouth. She held the faint essence of her beer but with a sweetness that seemed entirely her own. It fueled a longing to know what the rest of her might taste like. Long moments followed with us sharing the close connection as a slow burn began to flame inside of me. I needed more than this. I had thought I had been addicted to her before this moment, but I quickly realized I wouldn't be satisfied with just a kiss. She was my craving, and I needed everything she could offer. Finally when air became paramount, our mouths unsealed themselves. Both of us were breathing unsteadily.

"You were right," she whispered. "I don't want to go back."

"You don't have to. I'll give you everything you ever wanted."

Just then the doorbell rang, and Spaz began to bark incessantly, signaling the arrival of our dinner. I looked deeply into her eyes for a moment. It was as if we were truly gazing at each other for the first time, only without the shroud of supposed friendship. Her dark eyes seemed deeper and more complex with emotion. "I'll be right back," I said, rising from the sofa to answer the door.

A few moments later I returned with our food and placed it on the coffee table. Then I went into the kitchen for napkins, plates and utensils. I deposited those on the coffee table as well before one last trip to the refrigerator for fresh beverages. I had noticed she had consumed her beer rather quickly, and I knew the more she had the longer she would have to stay. When I returned to the sofa, Ice was already serving the food for us. We worked in companionable silence as we filled our plates.

She reclined once again against the back cushion to get comfortable and then took a bite. "This is really good. I don't know of a lot of good Thai places, especially ones that deliver."

"I know. I just discovered this one recently. Chinese and pizza can get old after awhile. Thai can be pretty healthy if you get the right thing."

"Which you didn't," she teased, looking at my plate.

I shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for any dish that has coconut milk in it. I don't know why. I just love the way it tastes."

Through the rest of the meal, our attention was on Spaz who entertained us by whipping her toys around the room and then fetching them. Both of us laughed at her antics. "I think you named your dog correctly. She is really is spastic, isn't she?"

I nodded. "The girl has more energy than I ever could. You should see her in the mornings. Around five o'clock she'll start nudging me wanting to play, and she won't stop pestering me until I'm out of bed. Crazy dog. But I love her. She's been the best companion I've ever had. She loves me for me, and I can do no wrong in her eyes. Who wouldn't love that?" I joked.

"I feel the same way about my dog."

"What kind of dog do you have?"

"A miniature schnauzer named Lilo. My younger sister named her. She is a glutton for attention and will follow you around everywhere if you let her. Still, it's nice to come home at the end of a bad day and have her there waiting for me. I can tell her anything."

"I know what you mean. I tell Spaz everything. She knows a great deal about you," I mentioned with a grin.

"Lilo knows a lot about you, too."

"Maybe we could take our dogs to the park together sometime. Spaz loves the park. She goes crazy."

"That would be fun. We should do that."

When dinner was over, I collected everything off the table and took it to the kitchen. Things were going well, but I was definitely ready to progress the evening. I wondered best how to do that as I reached for a third round of beer for us. She laughed at me when I put the open bottles on the coffee table.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" she teased. I nodded, seeing there was no sense in lying about it. She laughed again. Putting her hand on my arm, she leaned toward me. In quiet seriousness she softly replied, "There's no need to do that."

We sat for a moment just looking at each other. Her eyes told me all I needed to know, and when she beckoned me with a raise of her red brow, I answered her unspoken need. Bringing her into my arms once again, I kissed her slowly. Her arms encircled me. I felt one hand squeeze the back of my sweatshirt as the other gently caressed the nape of my neck, playing with my short dark hair. I felt like I was freefalling, spiraling out of control from the simple pleasure of her running her hands through my hair. The sweetness of her touch was in direct opposition to my need to possess her. However, I knew I would have to play her game now if I was going to get what I wanted in the end. She held the power over my desires.

When our kiss broke, I kept my eyes closed as our noses skimmed over each other. "That feels so good," I confessed.

"I've always wanted to feel your hair in my hands. It's beautiful."

"I think you're beautiful, Isabelle," I professed, opening my eyes to look at her face. The flush over her cheeks in response was lovely. I couldn't help myself. I kissed her again. We went on for several minutes exchanging slow kisses, but then I could feel a change in her. She began to respond more fervently. Her breathing started to turn to irregular panting across my face as she clutched me even closer. Sensing her eyes open, I opened mine in turn to find dark brown boring into me.

"Take off you sweatshirt. Please, I want to feel you," she requested.

I did as she asked, slipping my sweatshirt from my body and dropping it to the floor, leaving me in a short-sleeved t-shirt. In turn, I slipped my hands to the hem of hers and gently worked it over her head. Hers joined mine at our feet. Her left hand went to my arm and ran along the length, stopping to knead the muscle of my forearm.

"You know, tonight when you wrapped me in your arms for that tackle I thought my knees would give out. It felt so good to have you holding me."

"Why do you think I did it? I couldn't let my chance escape to feel you at least once."

"Why do you think I didn't try to run?" she asked with a little grin. "This has been going on a long time, hasn't it? How long have you felt this way?"

"Since almost the beginning. The first time I saw you my heart actually jumped into my throat. I felt like I couldn't speak, even though I desperately wanted to make a good impression. I still remember my lame attempt at conversation. I felt so awkward."

She chuckled. "I remember that. You pretty much told me my job sucked."

"Yeah, I remember. I didn't mean that. I just said it without thinking."

"You were right, though. My job does suck, which is why I'm trying to transfer to another department. I'd like to join yours, but we'll see if a position comes open."

"How long have you thought about us like this?"

"Since I saw you coaching third base at softball. I remember standing on second just looking at you. You were always such a cheerleader for everyone. I loved the fact that you never said anything bad to anyone even if they messed up. You were the only one on our team that did that. There was just something that happened to me as I was standing there. I don't know what, but I suddenly realized I really wanted to be closer to you. Of course it took me a while to realize what that meant."

"What does that mean to you now?"

"That I want to be with you? like this," she acknowledged, squeezing me for emphasis.

"I'm glad we feel the same then," I said. Our lips met again to resume our activities.

A few more minutes passed before we parted for air. "So, is this music some sort of ploy?" she asked. The glint of her eyes told me she knew it was.

"I couldn't stand the thought of having you here and not having you know how I felt. Sometimes I have a hard time finding the right words around you."

She shook her head. "No. You always know exactly what to say to touch me. I just didn't know how to respond to you." She paused and then cracked a grin. "Should I take a hint from the music and venture a guess as to how you feel right now?" We listened to the sensuous vocals of "Let's Get It On" for a moment. Deciding the truth was best, I whispered, "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want you that way."

"Do you think about us like that?"

I nodded. "I know that I could make you happy and give you pleasure in a way you've never known," I said, leaning into her neck. My nose and lips skimmed over her skin. Her head tilted back to give me more access as a moan escaped her throat. "Do you think about it?"

"Alex," she whimpered. "Please."

"Please what, beautiful? Tell me. I'll give you everything. All you have to do is tell me your fantasies."

"Touch me," she murmured, clutching to my back.

I followed her request. My hands slipped under the hem of her t-shirt to the bare skin of her sides. She was so soft and yet firm to the touch. The combination of the converse feelings of her body made me anxious to see if she was truly that way all over. I had to know, and I wouldn't be stopped in my pursuit, but I figured only a delicate approach would get me to my goal. Therefore, I mapped out a slow progression over her frame, staring with her bare midriff.

My fingers played over the skin in a light pattern as my lips concentrated on her neck. The feeling of her was incredible. She was more than I imagined she ever could be. Letting my right hand drift higher, it rested just at the edge of her breast while the left ran up the center of her back. I sensed no resistance from her, so I took the next step. Meeting her mouth once again, my lead hand moved across the cotton material covering her left breast. Instantly she broke the kiss and gasped breathlessly. Her heart rate increased exponentially under my hand. I paused only briefly in case of rejection, but when none was forthcoming, I carried on with my glorious task. My right hand skimmed the contours of her chest, taking in the fluid curves that made her wonderfully feminine as our lips explored each other's again. Her body began to press into my touch as the moments passed. Patiently I bided my time until I felt it was right to move once again onto another challenge. Nimbly my left hand reached for the closure that kept me from touching her bare skin, and skillful fingers released the hooks that held her confined. She didn't seem to notice at first until my right hand brushed over even softer skin until it reached the crest of her breast. It began to harden against the palm of my hand as I gently squeezed the pliant flesh.

"Alex," she called, clinging to me.

"You are so pretty, Isabelle, so lovely," I murmured against her neck. It was starting to get a little uncomfortable sitting on the couch. In an effort to solve that problem while at the same time keep us moving the direction I intended, I gently leaned her back with my own body until she was resting against the arm of the sofa. Instinctually trying to become more comfortable, her legs came up onto the couch as did my own, leaving my body pressing into hers as our legs commingled in a tangle of limbs. Our bare feet and naked lower legs rubbed against each other as our shorts-clad thighs met. Hers intuitively parted at the heaviness of my weight, allowing my hips to slip between her thighs. It was my turn to moan when I felt her hips roll upward to increase the contact between us. I wanted things to move much more quickly just then, but I knew I had to refrain. Too fast would scare her and I would never receive the prize I so desperately craved. However, when I felt her hands caressing my back under my t-shirt, I knew that it was time to act on instinct once again. The next move would truly reveal more of my intentions, but I was ready to take that chance.

I kissed Isabelle on her ear and whispered, "You are so perfect. I love the way you feel against me." My hands began to raise her shirt by the hem as I met her mouth in a slow deep kiss, not giving her the ability to dissent verbally unless she truly wanted to reject the notion. She didn't. Her frame raised willingly off the couch enough to slip off the t-shirt. It joined the sweatshirts in a pile on the carpet, leaving her with only one barrier between my hunger and her bare torso. I disrobed her of it. My eyes surveyed the magnificent curvature of her upper body. Her light skin was layered with freckles visually creating almost a second covering by their vast populace, leading from her extremities and fading to just a spattering on her breasts and midriff. I could see just the faintest outline of the muscles of her abdomen as they flexed when her hips rocked into mine. Our dark eyes met. "I can't even being to describe how beautiful I think you are, Isabelle," I murmured, nuzzling into her neck again as my right hand went back to its course. Within a few minutes my mouth joined the exploration.

"Alex," she whined as the fingers of her left hand threaded through my dark hair while her right gripped the muscles of my back.

I could tell she was anxious, and I ventured probably torn about her feelings versus her obligations. I knew soon she would have to make the decision that would either grant me all I wanted or leave my unfulfilled, but I was determined to make it as easy for her as I could by stirring a place inside of her that had never been discovered previously. When her hands began to push my t-shirt up to be removed, I knew I was starting to be successful. I helped her with it and the other clothing that kept our semi-naked forms from each other. Dual groans erupted as we pressed closely together.

The paradoxical urges to rush and linger were slowly driving me insane. There was so much more I wanted to feel, and yet I wanted to experience every inch of her to its fullest potential. As much as I wanted to loiter, I knew I had to keep that methodically constant pace that pressed us closer to what I needed or risk losing her to her conscience. With that in mind, I planned my next step. Continuing with my mouth, I utilized my tongue to foretell of pleasure to come. Working slowly and alternating between her sensitive breasts, I licked and sucked the tender flesh until her peaks were rigid against my tongue. Her breathing was coming in loud gasps as her hips swayed more insistently against my own. The pressure was beginning to build. I could feel it in her legs as her firm thighs started to flex. I didn't want to ignore any part of her body, so I flitted back and forth between her twin feminine features, her soft neck and her succulent mouth. The triple assault put her into sexual elation. Her moaning had started to grow into a constant mewling.

"Alex, please," she begged.

I knew without a doubt what she as demanding. Her body needed the relief as much as mine did. "I'm going to take care of you. I'm going to give you everything you need, Isabelle," I promised. It was a pledge I intended to keep.

Knowing she was ready, my right hand slipped under the mesh material of her shorts. I groaned at the feeling of her athletic thigh tightening in response to my touch. She was getting close to the point of no return. It was time to act. I had to move on even though I was enjoying the rest of her body. Using both hands, I went to her waist and began to remove the two articles of clothing that kept her dressed. Instantly her hands were on my forearms stalling my progress.

"Wait, I," she started to protest, but her breathing was too erratic for her to articulate her words. Nevertheless, I felt I had a moral duty to wait. After all, I didn't want to take from her, only give as her heart desired. In my pause I kissed from her shoulder up to her neck.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"I? I've just never? done? this before."

I wasn't sure to what she was referring just then, whether it was her first time being this intimate with someone else or simply her only time stepping outside the confines of her current relationship. Either way I had to reassure her in order to proceed. "It's okay, Isabelle. I just want to be close to you and love you the way you deserve. You deserve to be happy, and I can make you happy. All you have to do is let go. Just feel, Isabelle. Just feel me loving you."

Her body was still tense, but she didn't refuse me with words. Trying another tactic, I moved over her body with my mouth again. Starting with her mouth, I kissed her sweetly, reassuring her of our common desires. In the meantime my hands worked over her frame, touching and teasing her with light strokes as I started my decent. I lingered on her breasts for just a few moments before licking a path to her navel. I rimmed it teasingly as if projecting my intention. I could taste the dried perspiration along her skin. She moaned deeply. I smiled against her stomach and kissed down to the waist of her shorts. The distinctive aroma of arousal met my nose, and my mouth began to water in longing. I eagerly wanted to know how she tasted. Instead of taking the most direct route, I decided to inch us along, hoping to ease her into it, so I kissed down over the front of her shorts until my head was between her thighs. I gave a heavy exhale, sending my hot breath through the mesh material.

"Alex," she called out, cradling my head with her hands.

I groaned. "You smell so good, Isabelle. I bet you taste so sweet. I just want to drown in you. I just want to please you." I continued to tease her through her shorts, using my nose to find her most sensitive spots as I gave her strong closed-mouth kisses against the seam of her shorts and waited for the right moment. I felt the moment in her hips as they strained upward off the sofa toward my face. Reaching with my hands again, I started to pull her clothing from her body, but this time I was successful in my endeavor. Gently I worked them off her legs, so she was lying naked underneath me.

Isabelle looked beautiful in her nakedness. Strands of red hair were starting to stick to her forehead in light perspiration, and her ears and cheeks were flushed. Her mouth was open as she panted for air, causing her chests to rapidly rise and fall. My eyes trailed down her abdomen and between her legs. Her hair, just slightly darker red than that on her head, was damp with her sweat and need, and I knew I was mere moments away from partaking in a real gift. I managed to slip out of the rest of my clothes as I kissed her inner thighs and teased them with the tip of my tongue. Unable to resist expressing my sentiments, I whispered, "You really are an incredible woman."

She couldn't answer with words. Instead her response came out as a loud cry as my mouth covered her. "Oh God," she called. Her head rocked back and forth against the arm of the sofa as she gasped for air.

My eyes closed as I focused on the feeling of her. Her thighs strained against my shoulders, and her hands grasped at the back of my head. The cocoon of her fervent embrace empowered me to forge onward toward the summit of pleasure she was sure to reach under my masterful prowess. She was so warm, so wet, so vulnerable that I almost caved to my immediate desire to be one with her, but I managed to resist that urge and focus my attention on giving her pleasure she would never forget.

Using my hands I tenderly spread her open to allow myself the opportunity to delve deeper. The sight of her essence exposed and swollen with need was overwhelming. I had always thought her beautiful, but seeing her in such an unguarded state made me realize the high esteem she felt toward me. She entrusted me with everything, her entire being, and I felt honored for the faith she showed through her openness. It made me want to prove my worth to her.

Leaning in once again, I let my tongue tip lead. I drew a lazy pattern over her wetness. She tasted divine, like velvety chocolate that melted with the first taste but with a hint of citrus. I needed more and flattened my tongue against her completely. Her cries from above my head urged me further. I did my best to keep time with her surging hips as they started to work in an uneven pattern seeking more pressure.

"Please, please," she beseech in a strained whimper, pushing me further into her.

I reacted to her pleadings by pressing harder against her with my tongue. Finding her most receptive place just north of her entrance, I sucked it into my mouth and held it captive with my teeth as my tongue circled and flicked against it in random succession. Her entire body started to stir restlessly, rising off the sofa and then slamming itself back again. I could tell she was getting close, so I back off slightly.

"No, don't stop. Please? don't? stop," she implored, trying desperately to redirect my efforts.

Stopping was the last thing I had on my mind just then, but I switched strategy a little and focused my attentions on her opening, repeating the same move I had done to her navel earlier. However, I withheld my touch to the inside of her, knowing that special moment would come in its own time. Instead I alternated between her two most sensitive spots, only spending enough time on each to drive her to higher heights. Soon it didn't seem to matter. Everywhere I touched her was like fire branding her body. She was writhing feverishly at the slightest stroke and crying out my name in desperate need.

"Alex, Alex, oh God, Alex!"

Knowing the time was at hand, I gave her the last little push she needed to fall into oblivion, using my teeth to get her there. She shook uncontrollably and yelled out her delight at the sensation of reaching pinnacle. I moved up her body and wrapped her in my arms to hold her. She seemed unbelievably fragile as she trembled and mumbled incoherently. Seeing her in such a state further instilled the sense of protectiveness I had always felt for her. I knew right then I was the only defense she had from the world, and I guarded her vulnerability fiercely. Long moments passed between us as she tried to recapture her steady breathing, and I simply held her, but finally she looked at me with a content gaze. The smile that followed struck the core of my heart.

"Wow. That was incredible," she whispered, taking a deep breath.

I smirked, glad to know that she was pleased but also that I had other surprises. "And we've only just started," I said, kissing her lips lightly.

She curved her arms around my back, clutching me closer as our kiss deepened. Our bodies pressed harder together, mine on top of hers, pushing her further into the cushions of the sofa. My right hand cupped her cheek as I bestowed gentle kisses to her sweet lips. However, after a few minutes, it moved slowly down her frame, taking in the same spots it had previously, but this time it reached its goal between her thighs and stopped. I just let my hand cup the juncture, allowing her the chance to get used to the feeling of me touching her that way. Our eyes met. I could see her brown ones glittering with passion, but something else lurked underneath that ardor. Without words I imparted my want to possess her, and in turn she acquiesced but with timidity I found intriguing. It gave me pause, but hearing no verbal dissent I forged ahead with my own agenda.

Opening her to my touch again, I slid my middle finger through the copious wetness. She jumped and gasped at the caress. That wasn't the response of excitement as much as nervousness. Bewildered I felt the need wait and just gently rubbed over the surface of her need. The reaction was the same. Puzzled I decided to simply ask the question running through my mind. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she replied breathlessly.

I wasn't convinced. As much as I wanted her, I had to have her only knowing she wanted the same. Anything else would have been unfulfilling. "I just want to bring you pleasure, Isabelle, in any way you desire."

"I know."

"You'd tell me if I did something you didn't like, right?"

She nodded. "Just go slowly," she requested.

Giving her a reassuring gaze, my left thumb tenderly traced her right brow before I leaned to kiss her again. As my tongue slipped passed her sweet lips, I delicately pushed into her to touch her from the inside. The groan that followed coupled with the tightness of her muscles made me fully understand her declaration from earlier. Immediately my mind and heart flooded with the ramifications of what she had just given to me. It stilled me completely for a moment. I just lied there on top of her warm body, taking in the feeling of her arms and legs embracing me and thinking about the amount of trust she had granted me. Feelings began to swell within me. Suddenly this was not only a physical conquest but also an emotional one. However, I wasn't sure who the conqueror was just then. Even though I had her body, I was the one feeling naïve as profoundly unfamiliar emotions swept through me.

Feeling that I should acknowledge her offering, I cuddled her even closer and kissed her on the ear. "Are you all right? I didn't hurt you too much, did I?"

"No. I'm okay. It was for just a second."

"I'll go slowly, Isabelle. You let me know if it gets to be too much for you. I would never hurt you," I promised.

She cupped my face in her hands and pulled my head up, so our gazes could meet. "I trust you, Alex," she replied with a lovely smile. It made my heart beat faster. Kissing her gently I remained still inside of her to just allow us both the chance to feel our unity in the moment. However, the feeling of her muscles clutching me inside of her brought me back to my undertaking.

As promised I tenderly began to thrust in time with the leisurely rocking of her hips. She was beautiful lying underneath me with her eyes closed and lips parted taking shallow breaths in response to my probing. I couldn't take my gaze off of her. I saw it all on her face, the way she methodically moved toward the summit of release, the furrow of her red brows joined with moans when I found an especially pleasurable spot for her. The emotions she showed through her countenance were so raw that they almost overwhelmed me. I had never seen someone so willing to be exposed.

Closing my own eyes, I focused on the feeling of her. Her body was welcoming in ways I had never experienced. From the inside she was a diminutive hollow of molten fire that only seemed to tighten through the moments. Each stroke I made passed through a hotter core than the mere moments previous. Isabelle's moaning turned to whispers and then cries as she pulled my body closer to hers.

"Alex, oh God," she called, clutching my lower back. Her nails scratched lightly at my skin as she kept pulling me to her, so our hips could meet. Hers began to speed up their pace as I delved deeper and then harder at her request. I knew she wasn't going to last as long as I would have liked at that pace, but I also knew there was no stopping us now that the momentum of our desires had taken hold. She needed to reach fulfillment, and she had entrusted me to guide her there. Knowing it was coming fast, I kept time with her body as it writhed underneath mine. Her legs began to stiffen as her body started to convulse. "Alex!" she screamed, clasping me to her frame as her insides began to quake.

I held her closely, kissing her on the neck and ear. "I have you, Isabelle. Just let it go. You're so beautiful like this."

She panted desperately for air as she shook in my arms. I had never seen anything quite like it. No woman had ever made herself that vulnerable to me, and I realized I was completely disarmed. She had won me, not the other way around. Isabelle had given me her body, but she had taken my heart in return.

Neither of us said anything for several moments as we lied in each other's arms. Long after I felt her heartbeat return to normal against my own, I slowly withdrew from her. She shuddered a little and opened her eyes. I gave my most reassuring smile. The one she gave in return melted me. "Are you all right?" I whispered.

She nodded in a daze. "Thank you," she mumbled.

I was slightly confused. I had never been thanked before. "For what?"

"For everything. For waiting for me to come to you. For helping me realize this is what I really wanted."

"I'm just glad you're pleased."

Another moment passed. "Alex," she whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Could I?," Isabelle paused.

"Could you what?"

"Could I touch you?" she asked timidly.

I smiled down at her. "Of course. You can do anything you want."

"Really?"

"Really. However, I have an idea."

"What's that?"

It was my turn to falter a moment. Finally though I asked, "Would you spend the night with me?"

"There's nothing I'd like more," she answered with a smile.

"Great. Then let me give you the rest of the tour. You haven't seen the upstairs yet." With that I wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my shoulders once more before easing us off the couch, her securely in my embrace. She held to me tightly as I slowly walked us across the room to the staircase.

As we ascended the stairs with her in my arms, she leaned down to kiss me. "I love the tour so far. I want you to show me everything, Alex," she whispered.

"Oh, I will," I assured with a grin. "It will be my pleasure." With that we made our way up to my room to continue the first night of our beginning.