Nina Cox Must Date

Chapter 24 - Sleep Over

Taylor and I enjoy dinner together, exchanging awkward and shy glances.

"We're acting strangely with each other," he says, placing his hand over mine.

"I feel embarrassed. It took me a while to realize I have feelings for you."

"I'm guiltier. I figured it out earlier," he replies.

"Really? When?" I ask as I pack up the leftover food and gather our plates.

"At the Fan Con. You got upset with Evan, and I realized it wasn't out of pity for me. You defended your requests and my rights. You've always seen past my circumstances. I knew I loved you as a friend before, but that day everything changed."

"Taylor, you are more than your circumstances. When I met you in college, all I saw was a handsome guy with crazy blond hair, a dazzling smile, and who smelled of herbs," I smirk.

"That will haunt me forever," he laughs. "The only time in my life I smoked something to try to look cool—and the last time I realized how dumb it was."

We clear the table, and Taylor moves to the couch. I cuddle against him while we select a random movie to watch. I can't concentrate on it; I only think about how it feels to have my arms around him. It's different, even though we have hugged a million times before. The scent of his shower gel makes everything feel familiar and lovely.

I place my hand on his stomach, and his muscles flex involuntarily beneath the thin layer of his t-shirt. I've never seen him shirtless, but since he goes to the gym twice a week, I assume he's toned. His arms are. He needs that upper body strength to compensate for the lack of support in his legs.

I check my phone, trying to focus on something other than his body and realize it's getting late.

"I need to go home," I say as I straighten up and stretch.

"Why don't you stay? It's our first night together," he pleads.

"First night together? I've stayed here before. This isn't the first time," I reply.

"Not as my... girlfriend," he says, and I grin at the mention of the word.

"Is that what we are?" I ask, even though I already know the answer.

"If you think about it, we've been dating for ten years. We are ready for the next step," he winks at me.

"Okay... boyfriend," I say, overwhelmed by the word. "But I have nothing with me. Not even a toothbrush."

"Nina, you have a collection of toothbrushes here. Every time you stay over, you leave one behind," he chuckles.

"Really? Why don't you throw them away?"

"Because they're a silly reminder of you here," he smiles, and I can't help but melt at his words.

Just then, his phone beeps loudly.

"Your bathroom alarm," I say.

"You've noticed those?" he replies, looking mortified as he rakes his fingers through his hair. "This is a step back."

"What do you mean by 'a step back'?"

"I forgot that life with me won't be normal. You might want to reconsider having a relationship with me."

I'm shocked by his words.

"I don't know what you're thinking, but this conversation doesn't make any sense," I say, gesturing to the space between us. "You're in a wheelchair, so what? You have to do things differently than others. My feelings for you are bigger than any limitation you believe you have. You've never found me odd, and guess what? I don't find you odd, either. This," I point to his heart, "is what matters."

"We can't have sex," he says, looking sad.

"Then I will die a happy virgin next to the man I love," I say passionately, looking into his eyes as I place my hands firmly on his shoulders.

"Then I'm the luckiest man on earth," he replies with a small smile and heads to the bathroom.

"You are mine! Get used to it!" I shout to his back, and he playfully flips me off.

I laugh at his rude gesture and start tidying up the place. I wash the dishes and send a short message to Declan, thanking him for the food and his support. Knowing that Taylor needs to take his time in the bathroom, I turn on the TV and watch another show.

"Come to bed," I hear him say softly beside me.

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep on the couch. Groggily, I stand up and turn off the TV. On the bathroom counter, he has set out a face towel and six toothbrushes for me to choose from—all mine. I freshen up and head to his bedroom.

Walking in, I find him in bed, shirtless and looking uncomfortable. I crawl in beside him and pull the blanket over us.

"This is just me; I don't wear a shirt or pants to sleep when I'm alone," he says.

I take in his body, noticing the scars on his rib area and a large one over his shoulder.

"Battle scars from my accident," he explains, glancing down at his torso. "I have a lot more on my back."

I gently trace the scars with my finger and see his breath hitch. I cup his cheek to make him look at me and then lean in to kiss him. Taylor responds by wrapping his strong arms around me and deepening the kiss. I let my lips wander down his neck, and he moans softly. His hands slide to my hips, pulling down my sweatpants along with my underwear. I help him remove those as well as my T-shirt.

"Jeez, Nina, you are hot," he caresses my body as I straddle him.

I kiss his chest and then move back to his neck, which seems to be a sensitive spot for him. The sounds he makes are beautiful and encouraging. I pull away slightly and lift the blanket off him, revealing that he is wearing a simple blue cotton boxer.

"Where do you stop feeling?" I ask, and he looks at me, surprised. "About here," he says, placing his finger just below his belly button.

I move down and pull his boxers low enough without exposing his manhood. I kiss his hips and leave tiny bites. He closes his eyes while I do this. His fists grab the bed sheets. I straddle him again and lower myself to enjoy his mouth while his hands explore me.

"Let me," he pushes me softly until I lie beside him.

Taylor's hand moves between my legs and pleases me while his lips journey from mine to my neck. My whole body quivers and I shut my eyes. When I open them again, I feel like the room spins, and Taylor smiles at me.

I push him back and lower his boxers once more. I bite, suck, and kiss his skin while my hands caress and massage his body. His sudden gasp scares me, and his eyes turn as wide as saucers.

"Are you okay?" I sit next to him and hold his hand.

"Nina, I felt it," he looks at the ceiling. "I had an orgasm. My belly got tight and hot, and then it exploded. I didn't know I could get them," he looks at me again.

"Lovemaking, just different," I kiss his nose.

Taylor pulls me into a tight hug and kisses my face. I saved myself for the right man. While the approach may be unconventional, it is perfect.