by Krystle Rose
"You wanted to talk," Owen mentioned in a strained tone. "If you want to do that, I'd better not put my hands on you yet."
"There's nothing else that needs to be said. I'm in love with you and if you're in love with me, then now is your chance to show me with more than words."
"Once I start, there will be no stopping me."
"Good," was Nomi's response.
Owen growled and devoured her mouth once more, this time while massaging her back and kneading her breasts through the cups of her brassiere. Nomi returned the gesture under the shield of his t-shirt and melted into his hold. Aggravated with the disadvantage, Owen reached behind him and, with one hand, pulled the garment off and away. Then his skin was pressing against hers and Nomi's thoughts dissolved to ash.
When his fingers found her waist again, he mumbled, "So soft."
Then his lips were trailing down her neck, to her shoulder and a weak moan left Nomi's mouth. Owen took her hands and laid them on his pecs, causing her to blush. He grinned crookedly, then let his tongue trace the outline of pink spreading over her chest. It was no secret that he had always been intrigued by that flush of her skin and now he was free to indulge his attention.
Nomi tentatively cupped his hardness in her palms and felt the peaks of attentive nipples under her touch. She'd never been with someone so well-toned and it was incredible to experience for the first time, especially with Owen. She was eager to learn every bulging muscle and defined line, but Nomi was worried her excitement might come off as hurried or anxious and the last thing she wanted to do was ruin this moment. So, for now, she just rubbed him and allowed Owen to do the same to her.
He released one plump mound from its confinement and ducked to bring it to his mouth. His teeth raked the taut nipple before suckling on it like a hungry babe, causing Nomi to hiccup a cry of pleasure.
"Jesus, Nomi," he strained against her now wet skin. "I'd be tempted to rip all your clothes off and take you right here against the door, but that's not what I want for our first time."
"Then lay me down," she instructed him with a purr.
"With pleasure."
Lifting her into his arms, Nomi's feet left the ground, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. Owen had only been there once before, but he had no problem finding his way to her bedroom and, when they reached her bed, he laid Nomi back onto the sheets and sprawled out over the top of her.
"Condoms are in the drawer."
Without comment, Owen crawled to reach the nightstand and pulled open the drawer. He dug around inside until he found the gold packages and withdrew one.
"They're the, erm, extra-large ones."
"Ambitious," he chuckled.
"Then the rumors aren't true?" She asked.
In response, Owen rolled off the bed and came to a standing position. Even beneath the fabric of underwear and pants, Nomi could decipher the answer, but then, in one easy movement, Owen stripped himself of both and said to her, "You tell me."
They were true, alright. Nomi was glad she trusted her gut and had gotten that brand and size. There was no question that no other ones would fit. Still, the boldness of Owen's words and actions made Nomi wildly uncomfortable and she quickly looked away.
She heard the wrapper tear and then the sound of the condom unrolling. The next thing she knew, Owen's fingers were curling under her chin and urging her to turn her attention back to him.
"Hey. Are you not pleased with what you see?"
"Of--of course I am," she stammered.
"Then don't be ashamed to look. I want you to."
"You're more confident than I am," Nomi explained. Looking him over again, she added, "And for good reason, clearly."
Owen grinned and sunk into the mattress beside her. Moving his hand to cup her jaw, he petted her cheek with his thumb.
"I am confident," he admitted. "And I'm curious and I'm candid. So, if I say or do something you don't like, I expect you to tell me."
"Same," she whispered.
"Oh, Nomi," he guffawed. "I don't think there's a damn thing about you I don't like."
"Even my body?" She asked, self-consciously.
She had shed a little weight since moving, but not noticeably. And while Nomi wasn't ashamed of her look, she couldn't help but wonder if Owen liked what he saw.
"I think I'd better banish any misgivings about that, first and foremost."
His lips left a trail to her ear and his nose sunk into her loose brown hair. She'd purposefully left it down in anticipation for today. He inhaled her aroma, then nibbled her earlobe and flicked at it with his tongue. A coil of desire curled in Nomi's center.
Kisses were scattered across her chest before Owen gruffly directed her to remove her bra. She did as she was told and laid back again. Both of Owen's hands covered the swollen breasts and rubbed them methodically. Then he left a damp smooch on each before lapping the pink peaks with his tongue. Beneath him, Nomi wriggled and writhed in delight.
Most of her past lovers had been greedy and rushed, wanting and taking instead of giving and pleasing like Owen was, now. Yes, he was also enjoying himself, but he wanted to make sure Nomi was just as satisfied. He was taking his time, making the most of their encounter, and although she was practically tearing at the seams to engage in more, Nomi was too enthralled in what was currently happening to think about much else.
Owen's mouth moved down her belly, over her hips, to the waistline of her jean skirt. That was another pre-planned choice in order to have easy access and quick removal. Nomi had already slipped out of her sandals before Owen arrived and once he removed that denim sheath, she'd be left in nothing but her silk undergarments.
"Do you like oral?"
"Ohmigod," she groaned with embarrassment.
"Nomi," he noted, tracing her hem with his fingers, "it's not a trick question."
"I just..." she faltered, "No one has asked me that before."
"Well, I'm asking."
She looked down at him and gnawed her lower lip. Compared to him, she felt like such a prude. But she didn't want to be and she knew that Owen would let her be whatever she wanted, so Nomi summoned her gumption and answered, "Yes."
"Good 'cuz I've been dreaming of tasting you."
He released the button and zipper, then tugged the garment down, taking her pretty pink panties with it. Owen maneuvered them over her feet, then disposed of the clothing before inching his way back up her body. Taking liberties as he went along, Owen kissed and licked at will until he reached her middle. Using pressure on her thighs, he urged Nomi to part her legs. Next, his tongue laved her sex and she murmured in ecstasy. Seemingly please, Owen grinned wickedly against her lips and did it again. Nomi's hips lifted off the bed and she clutched at the blanket under her fingertips.
It had been nearly a year since she'd had intercourse and even longer since she had a man's mouth on her like that. It was intense beyond explanation and it would surely be her undoing. Nomi called Owen's name, begging him to stop and keep going in the same breath. She knew if he continued, it would be over too quickly, but every fiber of her being was arguing to let it happen. It was just too sweet not to revel in.
Owen treated her sex as he treated her mouth: with expert swipes and tickles and massages. She couldn't stand it for too long before she came undone. Nomi cried out as an orgasm rocked her from head to toe and she was reminded that no one could give her a climax quite like Owen. Hell, just his touch had done it for her, before.
He heard and felt her release and elongated it with licks and probes and sucking until her final quiver of completion. When Owen rejoined her at the pillows, he braced himself over her body and grit his teeth.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" She queried.
"I don't want to say the wrong thing again," he confessed.
Her gut twisted with guilt, then she licked her lips and told him, "Tell me."
"I can't wait to know what it's like to feel that from the inside."
"Hmm
," she sighed. Hitching her knee over his hip, she encouraged him, "Are you ready to find out?"
"God, yes," he answered eagerly. Then, taking her hand, he mentioned, "But first… I want you to touch me, back."
Then he placed her palm over his erection and closed her fingers around the shaft. Nomi fought down the initial reaction of shyness and began to stroke him. It's not as if she'd never touched a man in that way before, but everything with Owen seemed as though it came with an expectation. He would never say that, but Nomi felt it. He had been with numerous women, all with varying degrees of experience and openness, and undoubtedly Owen had enjoyed his time with many of them. So, Nomi felt pressure to be at least close to equally satisfying.
And she did so want to please him.
With courage, she squeezed and stroked and rubbed the tip, bringing sounds of agony mixed with joy from Owen's chest. He buried his face in her shoulder and started to suck on the skin there. The idea of him marking her excited Nomi beyond reason. Then, when he pulled away to survey his work, he smiled proudly.
"Every time you look at that I want you to remember," he rasped into her ear, "you're mine."
He pulled her hand away and guided his manhood to her opening. Looking her in the eyes, he asked of her, "Say it."
"I'm yours."
With that, he entered her. Swiftly, yet carefully, and they both sighed in contentment. Then he began to move and Nomi held on for dear life.
Owen pumped into her with a fevered tempo, one that perfectly described his long-awaited desire for her. Desire which he had promised months ago to prove to her. Desire now reciprocated by Nomi.
She groped at his back and locked her thighs around his waist, giving herself over entirely to the sensations which overwhelmed her. Owen joined their mouths and kissed her deeply, breathing hard against her lips while he rocked Nomi to another climax.
"Owen," she pleaded.
"I'm right behind you, baby."
He slowed, let out a grunt, and repeated, "I love you, I love you, I love you," as he came into her.
They both continued to shift and grapple and kiss as they milked the orgasms for all their worth. Then they laid tangled atop the sheets when they were too replete to move any longer.
Owen held Nomi close and conformed his shape to hers, catching his breath while they snuggled one another. She nestled her head on his shoulder and inhaled the scent of their recent lovemaking, a mixture of sweat and perfume and cologne and fabric softener from the blankets beneath them.
It was divine and she hoped to bask in it forever.
How It Ended
"I waited a long time to hear you say those words."
"Which ones?" She asked. "I love you or I'm yours?"
"Both," Owen replied. "And I can't wait to hear them for the rest of my life."
"Oh? Is that a proposal?"
"Damn, woman, you just convinced me to abstain from sex for six months and get into a committed relationship right after. Don't go trying to tie me down completely."
Nomi snickered and went to wrap her arms around his waist. Settling her chin onto his chest, she smiled and enlightened him, "I never asked you to go celibate. Besides, you're already tied down and we both know it."
"Double knotted," he admitted, kissing her forehead.
"Gross," Canaan said from where he sat on a barstool a few feet away. "Can you two please not do that shit around me?"
"What, this?" Owen asked before kissing her mouth with effort.
"Oh, hey, knock it off!" He whined, coming out of his seat and covering his eyes.
"Come on, Canaan," Nomi said, turning so that Owen could hold her around the waist from behind. "You're not used to it by now?"
"It's only been a few months, give me a break."
Since consummating their relationship, Nomi had been around the house more often, in order to spend time with Owen. They traded off visiting each other and soon he would be starting school at Chico State, so they'd see even more of one another.
Canaan, however, still wasn't too keen on seeing them carry on like they were. He sneered whenever he caught them getting close and complained when he saw them exchanging affection. Everyone else appeared to be handling the transition pretty well -- including her parents, surprisingly -- but not Canaan.
"Sorry," she offered before swatting Owen's hands away and leaving the kitchen. Taking a seat at the dining table, Nomi brought her feet into her lap and placed her elbows onto the table.
"Have you found a place yet?" She asked her brother.
Since seeing his sibling's success at growing up and moving out, Canaan had been inspired to do the same. He got a new job in sales and was on the hunt for his own apartment. All while recovering from a broken leg. It was impressive, actually.
"I've toured a few, but haven't found one I like yet."
"That sounds like an awfully good excuse," Nomi accused.
"It does because it is," he chuckled. Nodding toward Owen, he diverted, "How about you? You find somewhere closer to the college?"
"Not yet."
"You know," Canaan shrugged, "If Nomi's so eager to lock you down, maybe you should just move in with her."
Owen sent a look in her direction. She blushed, then shrugged and he smirked, then answered, "That's not a bad idea, actually."
"I was kidding."
"What do you say, Nomi? You want to take our relationship to the next level?"
"Guys. I was joking."
"If you're willing," Nomi obliged.
"Hell yes, I am," he said before going to her.
Nomi got to her feet and threw herself into his arms when he swooped down to seal their deal with a long, hot kiss.
A week later they were unpacking boxes and stealing glances at one another between movements.
Nomi couldn't believe that this was where her life had led. She could only imagine where it would go from here and it looked good from where she stood. To think that her year of celibacy and self-discovery had brought her here, to living with and loving the man of her dreams, felt like… well, a dream. But it was all too real, judging by the handsome guy that was gawking at her from the kitchen over a half-unpacked box.
"Fuck this," he growled as he shoved the box aside and lumbered toward her.
Within two seconds flat, he had her wrapped in an embrace and was kissing her madly. Nomi grinned against his lips and curled into him.
Half an hour after that, they were lying naked and breathless in her bed. It looked like unpacking was going to take longer than Nomi had expected.
"Tell me about your exes," she prodded.
"Well, I haven't had one since high school, so I don't remember much except that breaking up hurt like Hell."
Nomi snuffled and agreed, "It does suck big time."
"I had three, I think. Emily, Johnna, and Amber. Each about six months or so. Amber, she's the one who did me in."
"What happened?"
"She cheated on me with the football captain."
"Wait, weren't you on the football team?"
"Yup. She dumped me for my teammate. I was heartbroken," he told her. "Which is why I chose to stay away from serious relationships after that."
"But then along came me," Nomi teased, drawing circles in his chest hair.
"And you'll be the last."
"That so?"
"Yep."
Nomi hummed and kissed his collar bone. Owen pet her spine with a lazy hand and breathed into her hair.
"Why do you ask?" He questioned.
"I dunno," she mumbled. "I guess I just wanted to know what I'm up against. You know my past."
"Vaguely."
Nomi looked up at him, brow furrowed.
"Do you want to know?"
"No," he said with surety. "I know enough and if I knew the extent of what happened and who did it, I'd be likely to wring their necks."
"I don't doubt that," she replied warmly.
Then he laid a smooch on her lips and added, "Besides, I
don't want to talk about other people. I've got a hot, naked girl in my arms and she's the only one I care about right now."
"Right now?" Nomi quipped, taking a playful bite of his pec.
Owen yipped and pulled back on her thick brown locks, whipping her head back to stare up at him. He looked at her mouth, then into her eyes, then snarled and latched his lips onto hers hungrily.
They proceeded to then make love for a second time.
Afterward, Nomi brushed her mouth over his throat and mentioned, "You know… you marked me. It's only fair that I get to mark you."
"Do it," he whispered harshly.
She sucked a red circle onto his neck where anyone could see. When she was finished, Nomi assessed the mark with pleased eyes. Owen sunk his fingers into her scalp and bit his lip.
"No one, and I mean no one, had ever given me a hickey before."
"How come?"
"I never let them. I didn't want that kind of commitment branded on me so publicly."
"Well…" Nomi's lips curled upward devilishly "You're mine, right?"
"Definitely."
∞∞∞
By December, they were fully engulfed in their relationship and living together while working and going to school. Owen had picked up a bartending gig to pull in some extra cash while taking on a full-time school schedule and still somehow managed to make time for Nomi.
She got to enjoy playing housewife, making meals for him, and having a warm bed for Owen to fall into each night. It was something she would like to let herself get used to, but she was still playing it safe. For now, Nomi would just enjoy what they had.
Her pickle jar was overflowing and so was her heart. Until New Year's Eve, when she came home to find her jar missing. Confused, Nomi combed the apartment, thinking Owen must have moved it, but came up empty-handed. With hours still until he got home, she knew she'd simply have to wait to find out if he had, indeed, misplaced it. Because, as of now, there was no reason to think otherwise. The place clearly hadn't been broken into and there was simply no other explanation to what could have happened to it.
Nomi made pasta with chicken and ate while watching reruns on TV. Then she cleaned the dishes and made up a plate for Owen. After changing into pajamas, she turned on the channel broadcasting the ball drop and waited for her lover to get home. He walked in around eleven.
