There was nothing worse than arguing against getting what you wanted. “Lou, I can’t let you risk your career—”

Lou cupped my chin with her hand. “It’s my choice, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but—”

She shook her head slowly, side to side. “Declan, I love my job. I would hate to lose it.” She ran her thumb over my bottom lip and we both shuddered at the contact. “But it’s my choice, and I choose this.” Another slow brush of her thumb. “Just like I didn’t get to make the decision for you, you can’t make it for me. You’re taking a risk just as much as I am.”

She stared into my eyes, her hand reaching up to trace my brow, my cheeks, my chin. She sighed, softening against me.

“So…” My voice was husky even to my ears and I felt Lou shiver. “Are we still at ‘wait’?”

Again that slow side to side shake of her head.

My restraint snapped. I captured her mouth, both of us ravenous, like we were making up for years of deprivation. She kissed me back, her hands busy touching, learning my body while I was doing the same to hers. In seconds, she was shoving my boxers down, while I was yanking her tank top up.

“Do you—” she gasped as I nipped at the underside of her breast. “Oh gods, do that again.” She grabbed my head as I continued to nibble, keeping to the soft skin of her breasts. “Should we slow down?”

I paused, mouth hovering over her peaked nipple. I breathed on it and she bowed, her short nails digging into my shoulders. “Do you want to slow down?” I leaned down and gave her areola a long, steady lick. Now that I was here with her, that we’d taken this step, I was content. We didn’t have to move further tonight. I just didn’t want her shoving me away again.

“No,” she said, watching me, her pupils wide. “I don’t want to slow down. There are condoms in my nightstand drawer.”

“I know,” I said, moving to the other breast. Couldn’t play favorites, could I? “I organized your drawers yesterday, remember?” I sucked her nipple into my mouth.

“Ohmyfuckinggods,” Lou said, her eyes rolling back. “I forgot.” Her voice was breathy. “And why is that so hot? You organizing my drawers?”

“Because it means you know that I’ll take care of you.” I leaned to the side so I could reach for her condoms, my other hand sliding into her shorts, the only piece of clothing either of us were wearing now. “And that I’m thorough.” I slid one finger into her, seeing if she was ready. Not every woman has the same response, but I hadn’t found any lube with Lou’s condom stash, so I didn’t think that was something she struggled with.

My fingers closed on the condom and my other hand built a rhythm, stroking her as my thumb pressed gently back and forth over her clit. I listened to the way Lou breathed, to how she moved, trying to learn how she liked to be touched. She was wet, so wet. I could put the condom on and slide into her now, and it would be good. Amazingly fucking good, but I was going to wait. I wanted to taste her first.