N O A H

As Sarah rests her head on my chest, I can't help but thread my fingers through her hair, feeling its softness against my skin. She tilts her face upward, her brown eyes locking onto mine.

There's a warmth that tugs at something deep inside me. Slowly, I trail my fingers along her jaw, my thumb brushing against her cheek. She leans into the touch, her eyes fluttering shut as if she's savoring the moment.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" I murmur, my voice low.

Her lips curve into the faintest smile, but she says nothing. Instead, she moves closer, her fingers gently pressing into my chest as if grounding herself.

I tilt her chin up with my hand, my gaze flicking between her eyes and her lips. Her breath hitches, and for a moment, the world fades away.

When our lips meet, it's slow and deliberate, like we're exploring the depths of each other's emotions. Her hands slide up to my shoulders, clutching at the fabric of my shirt as if she's afraid I'll pull away.

I can feel her hesitance, the way her breathing quickens, and I slow down, wanting to make sure she feels safe.

I break the kiss, resting my forehead against hers. "Are you okay?" I ask softly, my voice barely a whisper.

She nods, her cheeks flushed, but there's a nervousness in her eyes that makes my chest tighten. "It's just... this is all so new," she admits, her voice trembling.

I cup her face, holding her gently like she's the most fragile thing in the world. "We'll take it slow," I promise. "We have all the time in the world, Sarah. I'm not going anywhere."

Her lips tremble, and she leans into me, her arms wrapping around my neck. I pull her closer, the warmth of her body pressed against mine sending a rush of emotions through me.

It's not just desire-it's something deeper, something I can't quite put into words.

I lower her back onto the couch, keeping my movements slow and measured. My hand finds hers, our fingers intertwining as I kiss her again. This time, it's more tender, more heartfelt, like I'm trying to pour everything I feel for her into that single moment.

Her other hand slides up to my face, her thumb brushing against my jaw. I can feel her trembling beneath me, and I pull back slightly, resting my forehead against hers once more. "You're everything to me," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

She doesn't respond with words, but the way she looks at me, the softness in her eyes, the slight upward curve of her lips says it all.

I trail my fingers down her arm, feeling the goosebumps rise beneath my touch. She shivers, but not from cold, I can tell it's something else, something she's never let herself feel before.

"Are you scared?" I ask, my voice gentle.

She hesitates, then shakes her head. "No," she says softly. "Not with you."

That's all I need to hear. I press a kiss to her forehead, then her nose, then her lips, each one slower and more deliberate than the last. Her hands slide into my hair, pulling me closer as if she doesn't want the moment to end.

She sighs contentedly, her fingers tracing absent patterns on my skin. "I never thought I could feel this way," she whispers.

I kiss the top of her head, tightening my hold on her. "You deserve this, Sarah. You deserve to feel love."

The faint scent of her shampoo lingers, sweet and comforting, and I can't help but smile. It feels surreal having her here, in my arms, trusting me with every vulnerable part of herself.

"Are you thinking about something?" she asks, her voice soft and quiet, almost hesitant.

"Always," I reply, running my fingers gently along her arm. "Mostly about how lucky I am right now."

She tilts her head back to look up at me. "Lucky?" she repeats, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"Yeah," I say, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Lucky that I get to hold you like this, that you let me in."

I feel her warmth, the gentle rise and fall of her breath, and it grounds me in a way I didn't know I needed.

I cup her face, my thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. "You are safe," I promise her, my voice steady and certain. "With me, always."

Her cheeks flush, and she ducks her head, but I don't let her hide. I tilt her chin back up, capturing her gaze with mine. "Don't shy away from me," I say gently. "I want to see you. All of you."

Her eyes soften, and slowly, hesitantly, she leans in. Our lips meet again.

As we sink deeper, I feel her tremble slightly in my arms. "You're sure?" I ask again, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nods, breathing heavily. I take off my shirt and toss it aside, hovering over her. My hands run under her hoodie, making her breath grow heavier. As she jerks her head slightly upwards, i grab the chance to pull her hoodie up her head and throw it across the room.

God damn, Sarah!!!

You're not wearing anything inside!!!

She closes her breasts and her eyes, as her lips mutter, "Sorry."

"Sorry? Seriously? Sarah, you're beautiful. Even beautiful is an unfit word." I interrupt, taking her hands and wrapping it around my neck.

I can't believe my eyes as I take a quick scan from her head to waist.

"Fuck, you're driving me crazy," I burst. She avoids eye contact with me, her face turning red.

I lean in, sucking her neck. She squints as my lips travel to her collarbone.

She whispers my name in the way I've never heard before as I start kissing the part between her breasts.

"Noah." Her voice shivers.

Fuck!

Why is she calling me like that!

I'm losing it.

"Noah," She let out a moan as my kiss turns rough.

No. Sarah stop!

Fuck.

I pull back slightly, resting my forehead against hers. "Are you okay?" I ask, needing to make sure.

She nods, her lips brushing against mine as she speaks. "More than okay."

I let out a shaky breath, my hands sliding down to rest on her waist. "You have no idea how much you mean to me," I murmur. "I've never felt this way before, Sarah."

My hand cups her breast and squeezes it gently as I start kissing the other one roughly. "Noah." Her voice echoes against the walls.

She is moaning my name.

My fucking name.

I've turned too hard for her.

I pull her closer, my arms wrapping around her as if I can shield her from the rest of the world. Her warmth seeps into me, chasing away every shadow, every doubt I've ever had.

Her eyes filled with a mix of trust and something deeper, something that feels like it could be love. "I've never been more sure," she says softly.

I kiss her again, letting all the emotions I can't put into words flow through that single connection. Her fingers clutch at my skin, her touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"You're incredible," I whisper.

She laughs softly, the sound light and musical.

I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Stay with me tonight," I say, my voice gentle but earnest.

Her gaze softens, and she nods. "I'm not going anywhere," she promises.

Every touch, every look, feels like a revelation, a reminder of just how much she means to me. I realize that this, right here, with her is everything I've ever wanted.

I carry her to my room with tears falling down.

Happy tears, to be specific.

I love you.

I love you so much, Sarah.