I awoke to the most satisfying touch on my back. Fingertips that move softly up and down my skin with such tenderness I could have fallen back asleep. My naked body is pressed against Rylan's as I lie above her. We are so close that her heart beats steadily and strongly against me. I could live in this moment forever and I would die happily just like that. I would never have thought that I could ever feel this whole. Not for the sake of someone else. I turned and placed my lips on her cheek. Through the kiss, I smiled and breathed her in deeply as if she were the only air I would ever need.
"What time is it?" I asked softly.
"Early," She said and let out a deep breath as if she had held it for a long time.
"How early?"
"Too early for the sun to rise," Rylan replied and I could only smile at her answer. Of course, Rylan would be awake before the sun. But then a brilliant idea popped into my head. I sat up above her and grinned brightly.
"What?" She asked unsurely, but there's a slight smile across her lips. I hesitated to speak my mind as Rylan made my mind wander. She had laid the warmth of her hands on top of my bare thighs. Those delicate fingertips sliding up and down my skin have the power to turn my head off.
"Hadley," As she spoke my name, I brought myself out of my zone. Then I remembered what I was supposed to say before I was distracted.
"Do you," I paused shyly as my cheeks warmed up in a minor embarrassment. Rylan tilted her head and waited patiently for me to finish my question.
"Would you like to go out and watch the sunrise with me?" I finally blurted out and she snorted as she shook her head in amusement.
"You need to stop being so scared of asking me things," She said, almost with concern.
"I'm not going to judge you. No matter what you say or do," Rylan sat up and gazed right into my eyes. The intensity in those blue made me swallow hard.
"Of course, I would love to go and watch the sunrise with you," She wrapped her arms around my back so tight that my breath hitched. Every time my body is in contact with hers, it's an overwhelming feeling. Yet, at the same time, this sort of peace takes over. It's confusing but also comforting.
"What about," I placed my pointy finger on her nose.
"A shower first?" I wondered and she drew in a long breath. Then watched me unsurely.
"We might not be able to watch the sunrise if we do," She said.
"Why's that?" I wondered, even though I knew what she meant. It's just something about hearing her say it out loud.
"Well," Rylan made me stop breathing as she slid her hands from my neck and slowly to my lower back.
"Every time I'm near you, time seems to move much faster than it should," Lips were placed onto my collarbone. I closed my eyes and leaned into every kiss she had to offer. I can't stop myself from wanting it and wanting more. Finally, my eyes snapped wide open and I pushed her away from myself. Rylan's eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
"You are dangerous," I stumbled out of bed.
"Come on," I reached out my hand for her. She took it even though she was unsure. I guided her into the bathroom. Turning the shower on, I laid my hands on her thin waist. As we wait for the water to turn warm. I balanced on my tiptoes to lay my arms around her neck. My hands glided into her long blonde hair. Rylan's eyes closed and the tension in her shoulder vanished quickly. I can't believe I have the capability to affect her like this. That I can turn her mind off and bring her peace. When seconds passed, I pulled her along with me into the shower.
I grinned so strong and bright as I swang our intertwined hands back and forward. Rylan watched me strangely but didn't say a word. Then, before I had known it, she pulled me against herself and kissed my temple. Her lips remained for a little while and the warmth of her sent chills down my spine. The moment we left the apartment building, I almost regretted it. I had forgotten how cold it is so early in the morning. Winter still hasn't been able to leave as snow is covered like a blanket on the ground. The water turned to ice that made me slip only a second into our walk. Thank god, Rylan had held me, or that would have been really embarrassing, to fall on my ass. Not a good impression to make on your first date. I think this is our first date. Is it even a date? I let out a breath to calm down my swirling nerves.
"Are you okay?" Rylan asked. I opened my mouth but then closed it immediately. I want to talk about this, her and me. Yet, I'm too scared it will all fall apart if I do. She's fragile that way and I know I can't ask too much of her at once. But Rylan needs her time and I would give her an entirely if I had to. She's worth more than I deserve and I'll treat her as such.
"Yeah," I smiled.
"Just cold," I shivered, but in the end, we finally reached the coast. The sun is about to rise on the horizon and the sunlight is casting a sparkling blanket as it lit up the ice and the snow. I shivered as the cold wind picked up slightly and spread my arms around Rylan's waist. She smiled down at me, but the moment the sun decided to join us, her blue eyes became so bright. I grinned at the beauty as she stared all over me. It's incredible how one person can make you feel so much at once. I closed my eyes and leaned my cheek against her arm. Bringing in the warmth and the comfort.