The warmth from just the touch of Philip’s hand on mine enveloped me. He was larger than life, not just physically, but his mere presence. Except for the first few months after I’d moved here, he’d made me feel safe and protected. Now that I’d been in his arms and felt the touch of his lips to mine, something inside me had shifted. I didn’t want to think too hard about it, but it was there, prodding lightly at me, making its presence known. I had a feeling I knew what was shifting, but I was planning on ignoring it. At least for now.

“So, now we both know where we stand, and we can continue to move forward. We’re in this together, you and me, Philip.”

He squeezed my hand. “Together. Now I at least know what not to say. So, let’s start over. This time, I promise I won’t have such a trigger reaction if something happens. We’ll slow down and discuss what is going on. Just be patient with me.”

Feeling suddenly shy, but also a little bold, I scooted closer. “I don’t want to start completely over. Cause I kind of like your kisses. A lot.”

Philip’s eyebrow shot up, and he sent me a grin I could only describe as cocky. “So, you like my kisses huh? Honey, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

I rolled my eyes, but a blast of arousal shot through me at the thought. What Philip and I had done so far was what high schoolers were doing on dates. I wanted more. It was all I’d been thinking about since Tuesday. His touch wasn’t what set me off. It had been his words. Now that we knew what my trigger was, we knew what to avoid. Which was good, because touching was definitely something I needed more of. Before thinking it through, I threw my leg over him and straddled his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Whoa, there tiger. I wasn’t expecting that,” he laughed even as his hands tightly gripped my hips, but not enough to hurt.

I pulled my hair back and draped it over one shoulder before leaning down, stopping just before my lips reached Philip’s. It was the type of seductive move I didn’t even know I had in me. “I have to keep you on your toes, old man.”

I swallowed his rebuttal as my mouth closed over his. He tasted of divine temptation and raw lust. It was a heady feeling knowing I inspired that in him. He let me lead even though I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing. I was running on pure instinct here. My tongue darted in to tease his. Where I lead, he followed. A rush of power surged through me. I threaded my fingers through his long hair, and his beard tickled my face. My nipples pebbled beneath my shirt, and I rubbed them against his chest, trying to increase the friction to ease the ache.

A tingle began deep inside me, and I didn’t know what to do about it. The sensations were more intense than anything I’d ever felt before, and while my mind knew what it was, my body was still learning. Without conscious thought, I scooted even closer and rocked my lower body against Philip’s in an unpracticed move. My entire frame froze when Philip’s erection slid against my core.

Conflicting feelings poured over me. I pulled my mouth and body slightly away from Philip’s as I gasped to catch my breath. My brain was fighting a battle with itself. It didn’t know whether my body should continue to be aroused or if I needed to fight off an attack.

“Talk to me Casey. I’m right here. What’s going on?” Philip asked, deep concern coloring his voice at my rigidness.

“Just having a moment here. Staving off the freak out as I remind myself it’s you. I’m okay now, promise.” Even still, I moved off Philip’s lap, but remained close, my head on his shoulder as my fingers plucked at the front of his shirt in a nervous gesture. His hand stayed my movement.

“Was it something I did? I need to know so I can make sure that whatever it was doesn’t happen again.”

I shook my head. “No, it wasn’t anything you did, Philip.”

“Well then, what was it? Remember the whole communication thing we just agreed on?” I could tell he was trying to be patient.

I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed over it, but I was. And I hated it, because I felt like some inexperienced virgin.

“It was your…erection.” I said the last quietly as if it were a bad word. “I felt it, and it just shocked me is all. But, I told you, I’m fine now.”

Philip remained skeptical looking. “If you’re sure.”

“I’m positive. Now, let’s talk about something else please. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days, and I wanted to ask you a favor.”

I wondered if he realized he was still holding my hand. I loved the feel of his skin against mine. His fingers were calloused, and even though he was strong, he was always gentle with me.

“What kind of favor are you talking about here?”

I pulled back at the leery tone to look at him. “Don’t sound so nervous. It’s nothing awful. I was hoping you’d be willing to take me out on another date. I want to try being around more people. Not a lot,” I rushed to add. “But some.”

Philip gave me a thoughtful look. “Did you have anything specific in mind? Or are you leaving it up to me?”

“You’ve done pretty well so far in knowing what I’m able to handle, so I guess I’ll leave it up to you.”

He glanced at his watch. “Let me make a quick phone call. I think I know the perfect place we can go.”

I untangled myself from him as he rose from the couch and pulled out his phone. While he had his conversation, I went in the bedroom and changed my clothes. If I was going to go out in public, I wanted to look my best even if the thought caused me to break out into a sweat. Once I was moderately satisfied with what I was wearing, I headed back to the living room where Philip patiently waited.

“You ready?” he asked.

“I think so.”

“You’ll be okay. Just breathe, and if it becomes too much, we’ll leave.”

Philip reached for my hand, and I grasped onto his like a lifeline. I could do this. I needed to do this.