His hot, rambling whispers in my ear did make my blood rush as he maneuvered me onto my stomach, shoving pillows under my hips.

“You have an amazing ass.” He spread my cheeks and licked along the crease before dipping low to suck my balls. “You like this?”

“Yes,” I answered, loving the sensation of his face at my most intimate places, the faint rasp of stubble perfect. He worked the tip of his tongue inside, and I drew up my knees under me, exposing myself further.

As I shuddered with waves of simmering pleasure, I wanted more. Theo wanted me, and even though I’d believed it before, that kernel of doubt and fear I’d stubbornly kept hold of had remained. It had felt seared into me like the memory of the camera flash.

I searched for it as he licked into me, but it truly was gone. I loved Theo, and he loved me. It was just the two of us. No skating, no competition, no him. Mike. No Mike. I’d denied myself far too much for far too long.

No more.

“Baby?” Theo kissed the swell of my buttock. “Still with me?”

“Yes.” My voice sounded hoarse, and I swallowed hard. “Will you… Do you want to…” It was still difficult to say, which was foolish, I knew. Theo had just been licking me there, so I should be able to make this request aloud.

He stretched out on his side, facing me with our cheeks on the mattress, trailing his fingers up and down my spine. “What do you want to do?” An impish grin brightened his face. “Want me to put on my silver medal while I pleasure the champion?”

“No!” How he could joke about it was beyond me, but I had to laugh. He made everything so much easier, and what was love if not that?

I said, “I want you inside me this time,” and my pulse raced, my head spinning.

And Theo made it easy.

He rolled me over and knelt between my legs, slowly working his fingers into me while he talked. “It won’t hurt, I promise. I mean, maybe a little, but you know that’s part of it. And you know what if feels like when you’re fucking me. Anytime it’s too much, just tell me. Duh, obviously. Right? Right. You’re so hot. I feel like you don’t believe me, but you’re gorgeous. Maybe if I keep saying it you’ll come around.”

I had to smile. “Maybe.”

Grinning, he kissed me, crooking his fingers. I gasped, and he did it again, murmuring against my lips. “Mmm. You like that? I’m going to make you come so hard.”

“I didn’t the first time.”

For a moment, I wondered who’d said that. Somehow the words had slipped out, and I went rigid under him. Why had I said that? Why was I thinking about that terrible first time? I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Hey,” Theo whispered, kissing my cheek. He eased out his fingers. “It’s okay. Do you want to stop?”