I hold him and use his body as leverage meeting him blow for blow, thrust for thrust. Sweat glistens on his forehead. His eyes are closed, clenched tight. The hold on my body is strong like I’m a rag doll. I don’t mind and secretly crave it. I want him to take me, to use me how he needs because I’ll do the same to him to chase my release.

The fire inside has been lit, the heat starting in my belly and spreading to my limbs. I move against him, with him, taking the fullness and fucking him like he’s doing to me.

As we begin to lose control, I stop chasing and start racing toward the finish line. It doesn’t take much, just a scrape of his nail over my clit, to send me spiraling. “Harbor.”

One name escapes my tongue, and he’s there, looking into my eyes as I fall to pieces. And I know, for certain, that nothing can tear us apart.

The stars shine before the dark sets in, and my body can finally rest. I don’t let go of him, though, not until he’s depleted and falling into peace with me.

His body rests on top of mine, and although it’s harder to breathe under his weight, my arms tighten around him, never wanting to let him go. And I have my answer. “Jersey’s still on, but you’ve just got yourself a new roommate.”

30

Lark

“Don’t tell my dad, okay?”

Harbor gives me a side-eye. “I wouldn’t keep it from him for long. Omissions are considered lies.”

“I know. I know.” I tighten and loosen my fists before dragging my palms down the jeans over my thighs. My nerves are getting the best of me, and I have no idea why. Well, I have an idea . . . six-feet, two-inches of an idea currently digging out a side dish from the back seat. Needing to busy my hands, I ask, “Do you want me to carry the dish?”

“No.” He shuts the door and steps onto the path. “I want him to know that I respect him. He told me to bring a side dish, so that’s what I did.” We start walking together though the path is too small to fit us next to each other. He waits for me to take the lead and then follows close behind.

“Are you nervous?” I ask, wishing I wasn’t. My dad’s not an intimidating guy, at least not to me, but he is overly protective of me. So who knows what he has planned.

“Should I be?” How is Harbor so calm?

“I am.”

“Now you’re making me nervous. Have any tips for me?” I take two steps up and turn around to face him. “Stick to beer, whatever game we’re watching, the food, or me. Don’t go venturing into other territory. That will just end in disaster.”

“What about cars? We have cars in common.”

“He doesn’t like to talk shop, but he likes to talk about cars, in general. Maybe you can give him a ride in yours?”