We discovered we both had a lot to learn, and there were other things both of us were pretty good at, but mostly we were just... awkward. You have a vision in your head what you think your first time would be like. It wasn't anything like I imagined and yet in certain ways it was better than I could have ever dreamed.

Brynn lay snuggled up with me, currently sleeping peacefully. I kiss the top of her head. It must admit now that we've crossed this threshold it will be hard for me not to want to do it again. I love the way she feels in my arms, her body, so soft, lying next to mine. I want to caress her back but I don't want to wake her. Her breath tickles my chest as she exhales.

"I can feel you staring at me," she mumbles groggily.

"Sorry," I said but now that she's up I start to run my fingers up and down her back and chuckle when she shivers. She instantly moves closer, which I didn't think was possible, and snuggles in.

"I don't want to have to go home," she admits as she begins to draw lazy circles across my chest.

"Well, we don't. At least, not right now."

"I know, but you know that's not what I mean."

"I know."

She rolls slightly and leans her arms on chest her head resting upon them. "Was it... was I ... okay?"

My tick of laughing at inappropriate moments kicks in, and she frowns at me. "Of all the questions to ask, Brynn? Yes. You were much more than... okay." I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "Are you okay?"

I knew it hurt her. I'd seen her wince in pain. I tried to pull away, but she wouldn't let me. I slowed things down but it took some time for that look of pain to be replaced with pleasure.

Brynn smiles at me. "I'm good, in fact... I wouldn't be objectionable to maybe try it again."

"Practice makes perfect, huh?" I tease.

"It's worked out well for our kissing lessons," she reminds me. Brynn didn't take long to outstrip her teacher there but this was something we were exploring together.

"I'm up for it if you are?" I tell her as she glances at the blanket before saying, "Not yet but I think I can change that."

"Brynn Shelby!" I exclaim, with mock surprise that she'd say something so brazen.

Brynn giggles and I roll her off of me, so I can get my chance to drive her crazy first and it works in no time at all we are both more than ready to give things another go, and I have to admit we both remarkably improved.

"You're so beautiful," I tell her smoothing her hair from her face. "I don't think I could ever tire of looking at you."

Brynn flushes and I notice her blush travels. It's not just her face but her chest that gets a pleasant shade of pink. "I almost believe you when you look at me like that."

"Good. " I kiss her lips briefly. "Because it's true. I don't know how I'm supposed to go back to normal life now. I just want to keep you by my side and never let you go."

"But we have school come Monday," she informs me like I don't know.

"And work and family, but now it's just you and me and to hell with them all," I said kissing her again, refusing to let her put an inch of space between us. She sighs.

"I don't want it to end, either," Brynn admits as she burrows in and my arms wrap protectively around her.

"I know we don't know what the future holds but if everything goes the way that you hope it would, would you..."

Brynn looked up at me when I paused. "Would I what?"

"Brynn, you're all I want. You're all I ever wanted. I know most people don't even consider us as adults but I know what I know and I know for me there will never be anyone but you."

Brynn looks nervous suddenly. I pushed too far. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. There are worse things for a girl to learn than she's cherished by the boy she loves."

"Cherished, treasured... I know talking of the future is scary but I need you to know. I love you and I don't see anything ever-changing that... ever."

I notice a tear escaped her lashes as it slowly winds its way down her cheek. I swipe it away. "You make me want to believe, to have hope, to want things I know I shouldn't want." It sounds like a complaint.

"Like what?" I ask removing another tear.

"Like life, a life with you, a home, a family. Things that I know are beyond me."

I pull her closer. "No, they aren't, Brynn. You may not get what you want in this life the way you expected to get it, but you can have and deserve to have all those things. And I want to be the one to give them to you if you'll let me?"

"I want that, too," she admits and my heart wants to explode. "But I'm so scared."

"Shh!" I soothe stroking her hair. "We are in this, together. You aren't alone, Brynn. Not anymore. Never again."

"Promise?" her voice sounded so weak and frightened.

"I promise," I tell her, this was a promise I knew I could keep. Nothing will ever come between her and me again.

It was getting late. We indulged in some chocolate cake, which made for some even more interesting kissing. Chocolate on Brynn's lips is my new favorite flavor. I turned on a romantic movie, and we watched it together until we fell asleep. Who fell asleep first I couldn't really say, I just know when I woke with her still in my arms in the morning I felt complete. Full of the hope of dream fulfilled.

I kissed her forehead and she groaned in protest. "I don't want to get up."

"I don't either, but we should probably take advantage of breakfast before we go."

"You're really sure that's what you want to take advantage of before we go?"

"You're diabolical, woman!" I utter. She showed me no mercy, the last two times we made love she let me lead but suddenly the tables had turned, and she was going to make certain I wasn't going to go anywhere.

Just the way she looked at me had me responding to her and her eyes widened. That knowing grin returned to her lips. Oh, she knew what she was doing, and she refused to waste a moment of our time together and I wasn't about to stop her.

I had to admit this is probably the best way to start the day. We managed to resurface sometime before nine, got dressed, checked out, and got some waffles before the complimentary breakfast ended.

We get back into the car, and we both looked at one another for a long time, neither of us wanting this time to end. "Oh," Brynn says, taking off her necklace and handing it to me.

"Why are you giving this back?"

"I'm at Jessica's house, remember?" I can't very well walk back into the house wearing a necklace they've never seen before. You can give it back to me on Monday. Under our tree," Brynn offers and I take it from her slipping it back in my pocket.

"Okay, Monday it is then."

We drive back to get her car in near silence except for the radio. I look over at her and she had drifted off. Her head resting against the window. We really didn't get much sleep last night, so I thought it's best to let her rest.

I gently shake her shoulder to wake her when we reach Adam's house. Thankfully she was parked on the street, so I actually didn't have to see Adam again.

"I'm sorry, I must have dozed off."

"It's okay, you needed the sleep."

"Thank you."

"We're here," I said pointing over to her car.

"Already?!" She frowned.

"Afraid so." She looks back at me and she looks so conflicted.

"I hate this! I want to stay... with you."

I reach out and take her hand. "Tell you what? Why don't you go, get home, get washed up, spend some time with Gran and your Dad and I'll pick you up for dinner?"

"Really?" she asked with such hope it made me smile.

"Why not? I don't have work tonight. I'm all caught up on my schoolwork. We can go to the diner and I can get myself a milkshake for you to drink."

Brynn swats me. "Ha, Ha. Very funny."

I grin at her and laugh. "Honestly, Brynn I just don't want to go the whole rest of the day without seeing you."

"It would be torture," she confesses.

I let her out of the car, getting out with her, so I can give her, her stuff. Before she can get in I turn her around pin her against the car and kiss her, sound. Her hands go up to my chest not to push me away but to grab hold of my shirt to pull me closer and I sigh against her mouth.

"Until tonight, Brynn."

"Tonight," she promises and I wait until she gets into her car and drives away. I stand there stupidly holding my hands in a heart over my chest knowing she'd look back to see me through her mirror.