Open yourself up a bit – literally

You stand slowly, not wanting to alarm her. “Andi,” you say, pausing to get her attention so she looks up at you. When her eyes meet yours, you continue. “I know you’ve always wanted someone who wants you for more than just your body. And I know how hard this was for you.” You give her your first genuine smile since this morning before breakfast. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” Again, moving slowly and deliberately, you lean down and softly kiss her cheek.

Andi gives you a blushing smile at the kiss as she moves a bit closer to you. Your eyes ask permission as you move to softly kiss her lips. Andi must have just taken a drink of water, for her lips are slightly moist and soft. A slight hint of her toothpaste tickles your nose as her lips meet yours. As you kiss, you softly stroke her hair, being careful not to let your hands roam any further.

Andi finally breaks the kiss. “Thank you, John.”

“Anytime,” you tell her.

Andi still moves a bit shyly but tries to be brave as she turns off the light. The light from the moon and the street lamp coming through the half opened Venetian blinds creates streams of light that dances across her flesh as she pulls the covers back on her bed and lays down. She moves so her back is to you and she looks over your shoulder to see if you will come cuddle with her.

Taking a breath, you stand there. “Andi, I will not betray your trust. And you don’t need to do this. I want you to take your time, okay?” With that, you take another deep breath and slip out of your boxers before crawling into bed beside her. You quickly position yourself so as not to poke her at any time during the night, then put your arm slowly around her waist, not going any higher or lower as you snuggle next to her.

The shyness and awkwardness lingers in the air for a few minutes. But, as The Cure’s “If Only Tonight We Could Sleep” begins to play, the two of you seem to relax. Andi places her arm on top of yours, and soon the two of you are dropping off into sleep.