Alva's eyes snapped open, her voice laced with emotion. "You don't want to hurt me, but you're hurting me now." Cody's expression filled with regret. "I'm sorry, I don't want this to be... rushed. When we're both ready, we'll know how to do this, but not now."
But Alva's determination surprised him. "I'm ready. I'm ready to be with you," she said, her voice firm. Cody's eyes searched hers, and he saw the boldness in her gaze.
He smiled, wondering if this was the same girl who had been crying just moments before. Alva's lips met his in a passionate kiss, and Cody felt himself getting lost in the moment.
As they kissed, Cody's hands wandered, and he delved deeper, his curiosity getting the better of him. Alva's body responded, her legs parting slightly before she tried to close them again.
Cody's lips brushed against hers, and he felt her tension. He saw the struggle in her eyes—the desire warring with uncertainty. But as he touched her, he realized she wasn't fighting him; she was fighting herself.
Alva's legs relaxed, and Cody's hand slipped inside her pants. She didn't stop him; instead, she seemed to be urging him on. Cody's eyes locked onto hers, and he saw the tears welling up, but she didn't want him to stop. Then he pulled off his clothes as they fulfilled their desire.
As night fell, they surrendered to each other—body and soul.
♠♠♠
The next morning, Alva lay on top of Cody, her body curled up like a baby. She wore a tank top and short pajama bottoms, her hair tousled from sleep. As she murmured in her dreams, she whispered, "I love you... I love you... I love you, Cody."
Cody's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed at Alva, a soft smile forming on his face. He tucked her head under his chin, caressing her back gently.
Alva stirred, eyes still closed, and whispered again, "I love you." When she opened her eyes, she smiled warmly, her gaze finding Cody's.
She raised her body up on her elbows and noticed Cody wasn't wearing a shirt. Her chest pressed against his, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
"Put a shirt on," Alva said, trying to sound stern. Cody laughed, his eyes glinting with playfulness. "No. I want to stay like this with you."
Her expression softened. "Was I bad yesterday? I mean... did I cooperate with you?" Cody's smile widened as he brushed his finger across her lips.
"You were perfect," he whispered.
Alva's smile brightened, and she leaned in, kissing him softly. After a moment, Cody teased, "But you were kind of a baby, crying like that. I wanted to stop, but you kept pulling me back."
Alva's cheeks flushed deeper, and she smacked his chest playfully. "I couldn't help it," she murmured. "I wanted you so badly, but I was scared."
Cody's expression turned serious, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Don't be scared, Alva. I'll always be here for you. I love you."
Her heart fluttered with joy, and she knew she felt the same.
Then Cody announced, "We're flying to L.A. today, so before we go, you should take a shower." Alva nodded, but before she could move, Cody scooped her up into his arms.
As he carried her, he tugged off her tank top, leaving her in only her shorts. Alva's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Why are you always the one undressing me? Why can't I do the same?"
Before she could finish, Cody's lips crashed into hers, silencing her. He kept undressing her, his hands sure and quick.
She tried to speak again, but his hand covered her mouth. One finger slipped into her mouth, rubbing against her tongue and lips. Alva's eyes widened—but she didn't push him away.
Once she was fully undressed, she stood her ground. "I'm not going to bathe unless I undress you too." She wrapped a towel around herself and stood firm.
"I'm not letting you touch me, kiss me, or even bathe me unless I get to undress you." Cody's eyes locked onto hers, amused.
"You sure you don't want me doing any of that?"
Alva's eyes danced with mischief. "Dead serious."
It was a challenge—and Cody looked eager to play.
Alva stood before him, towel wrapped around her. "I'm the one doing it," she insisted. The towel slipped from her body, revealing her bare skin.
She pulled Cody up and started tugging down his pants. Soon, he was just as exposed as she was, and her eyes roamed his body.
"Now let's go bathe," she whispered.
Cody lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom. The warm water cascaded over them, making them shiver at the touch.
Alva jerked as her hand brushed against Cody's groin, sending sparks of pleasure up his spine.
Under the shower, she grabbed the soap and ran it over Cody's skin, then her own, the foam sliding down their bodies in slow, teasing trails.
Afterward, he carried her to the tub. Though the tub was large, Alva climbed onto his chest, letting her body press into his.
Their lips met again under the warm stream of water. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, igniting sparks between them.
As they kissed, their hips touched, tension rising between their bodies. Cody pulled her close, grinding her gently against him, the sound of water and heartbeats filling the room.
They melted into each other once more, consumed by the heat and desire that never seemed to fade.