I'm snapped out of the dream I'm having about Hardin and me by the booming of thunder. "Hardin?" I nudge him awake.
"What is it, Tess?" he asks sleepily.
"Do you hear that?"
"Yeah, it's just the thunder. They said there might be a storm tonight. Let's go to the bedroom and try to get some sleep."
Just as we get up from the couch to go to bed, the power goes out.
"That's just great," Hardin groans. He walks over to the door and starts to put on his jacket and shoes.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to see if there's some sort of power box, so I can get the power back on. In the meantime, light a few of the candles from the table."
"Okay. Be careful."
I light a few candles and wait for Hardin to come back. After about fifteen minutes there's still no power, but Hardin walks through the door.
"I couldn't find anything. I guess we're stuck with no power for now."
"Hardin! You're soaked! You better get out of those wet clothes before you get sick." I walk over to him and help him take off his jacket and hang it up to dry. "Your shirt is all wet, too." Without thinking, I reach for the hem and pull his shirt up and over his head. His hair is dripping and stuck to his forehead. I brush the stray strands off his forehead and realize Hardin is staring into my eyes.
Hardin leans down and begins to kiss me. I wrap my arms around his neck and he grabs the back of my thighs and lifts me up. Our kisses are wet from his dripping hair, but passionate. Hardin pulls away for a second and then begins kissing and sucking on my neck.
"Hardin..." I moan and begin to run my fingers through his damp hair.
"Oh, Tess..." he moans in between kissing up and down my neck.
"I want you, Hardin."
"I want you, too, Tess."
"I want all of you, Hardin," I moan.
Hardin stops what he's doing and pulls back to look into my eyes. "Tess, do you mean...?"
"Yes. I want you to make love to me, Hardin."
Hardin gently places me down on the floor. "Come here, Tess," he says as he grabs my hand and drags me over to the couch. "Sit," he demands as he pats the cushion beside him.
"What's wrong?" I ask, confused.
"Tess, I think you need to think about this a little more."
"I have been thinking about it."
"Really?"
"Yes, since before what happened with Neil. Then he ruined everything." I frown. "But you helped me heal and I didn't think it was possible, but I fell in love with you even more because of how patient and supportive you were. I know this is what I want."
"Oh, Tess..."
"That doesn't look like the face of a guy whose girlfriend just told him she wants to have sex with him for the first time. What's wrong?"
"It's just... you know I've never been with a virgin and I don't want to hurt you."
"Hardin, I know you'll be gentle with me," I say as I rub his cheek with my thumb. "What else is bothering you?"
"I'm... Well, I'm... nervous."
"Hardin Scott is nervous about sex? How is that possible? You've done it dozens of times," I say and watch as Hardin frowns. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."
"No. You're right. I have been with a lot of girls and had a lot of meaningless sex. But that's the point. I'm nervous because when I'm with you for the first time it won't just be a first for you. I'll be making love for the first time, ever."
"Hardin, those words are so sweet. You don't have to be nervous. You just have to be in this moment with me," I say and take his hands in mine. "I love you, so much. I know I want to feel as close to you as I possibly can. I want us to share something that's only between us. I want you, Hardin Scott, to make love to me."
"Wow, Tess... I don't know what to say. I didn't think you'd be ready this soon, but if you're sure, I'd love to make love to you. I want to be close to you and I want you to feel all the love I have to give you. There's no one else for me. Only you."
"Then, what are we waiting for?" I wrap my arms around Hardin's neck and stare deep into his green eyes. Eyes that hold only love for me. I give him one last kiss before I stand up, take his hand in mine and pull him up from the couch. I grab a lit candle with my other hand before leading the way to the bedroom as Hardin follows behind.
When we walk into the bedroom, I place the candle on the nightstand beside the bed. I walk back over to Hardin. He looks nervous. I take his hands in mine again. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Tess. And now I'm going to show you just how much," he says as he starts to kiss me.