He puts a sliver of space between us. “If it goes too far, just tell me to stop. I don’t want to do anything you’re not ready for.”

I twist my fingers into the curls at the nape of his neck, bringing his lips to mine. “I know. I trust you, Jack.”

A flash of something, bright like lightning, darts through his eyes. “Sadie.” My name is a breath, a whisper.

I don’t let him continue, pressing my mouth to his almost desperately. His strong arms wrap completely around me, his hands flat on my back, melding us together. He holds me for a minute, tightly, as if he’s worried I’ll push him away. But all I want is him closer. I want him everywhere.

His hands slip under the edge of my shirt, his fingers darting across the expanse of my stomach before they circle around to my back.

Finally, I figure, fuck it. I sit up and tug my stupid shirt over my head, tossing it off to the side of the bed before flopping dramatically back on the pillows.

Jack perches above me, his eyes silently sliding over my bared skin. “You’re beautiful.” He reaches out a single finger, tracing over the curve of my breasts, before placing his palm flat against my stomach. “I know you’ve heard that before, how beautiful you are. Because it’s true.” He lowers his head, placing a single kiss on the flat divot at the center of my chest. “But your heart is the most beautiful thing about you, Sade.”

I swallow back the lump that seems to have jumped right up in my throat. It’s by far the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me while naked, and I don’t know if I can handle any more of his perfection. “I’m already half-naked, Jack and the Beanstalk, you don’t have to flatter me.”

He trails his mouth to the right, placing kisses over the swell of my breast. “One of these days, I’ll get you to admit you’re a good person.” His tongue flicks out, teasing my nipple, before he takes it fully in his mouth.

My hips buck and I gasp when his teeth graze my sensitive flesh. “Keep doing that and I’ll nominate myself for sainthood.”

He chuckles, the vibrations making me moan. His attentions turn to my other breast while I tangle my fingers in his hair, my other hand clutching his shoulder. My skin burns all over, every inch of my body lit from within. I’m a dam about to burst, so I yank Jack back up, my tongue sweeping into his mouth. The smattering of hair on his chest rubs against my tight nipples, and my hips continue to roll of their own volition.

Jack slides a hand down my belly, his fingers dancing along the edge of my panties. “This still okay?”