Chapter Forty-Two - There Is Nothing Stopping Us

Chapter Forty-Two - There Is Nothing Stopping Us
Peyton 

I groan as I open my eyes, feeling a bit disoriented. My head throbs, and I realize I shouldn’t have drunk so much. I had intended to drink slowly once the tension between Gabe and me started to rise, but that plan fell apart. Now, I’ve blown my chances of getting laid. Sitting up, I grab my cell to check the time—it's four a.m. I've only been asleep a couple of hours, but enough to sober up. I recall Gabe helping me into bed—though not into his room, but the spare one—probably on purpose to reduce temptations for both of us and avoid me trying to seduce him. I appreciate him being respectful and not trying anything while I was under the influence, even if I made it clear that I wanted him. 

I turn on the lamp to see if he’s asleep on the sofa or beside me. He's not in sight. Usually, he stays close during the night to check on me because I was drinking. It seems that tonight, that isn’t happening. I guess I can’t complain. It isn’t his place to take care of me all the time any longer. 

I need to use the restroom but don't feel like moving right now. I'll move soon. As I sit quietly, lost in thought, an idea pops into my head that makes me smirk. Before acting on it, I have a couple of things to take care of. This idea is enough to motivate me to get out of bed. I hope it works. 

I quietly sneak into the bathroom, trying not to wake Gabe. I freshen up by removing my makeup, undoing my hair to brush it, and brushing my teeth, ensuring I won't have bad breath for what I plan next. I spritz myself with coconut and vanilla body spray and check my reflection in the mirror one last time. Satisfied with my appearance, I take a few deep breaths, then quietly leave the bathroom and walk toward Gabe’s bedroom. 

I pause outside his door, my nerves overwhelming me. I hesitate over what to do next. Should I knock or just walk in? Either way, I will wake up. 

“You’ve got this, Peyton,” I whisper, placing my hand on the door handle.

I push the door open and cautiously step inside, stopping at the foot of Gabe’s bed. Maybe this isn’t the best idea. I shouldn’t be doing this—I’m not in the right mindset, despite my growing craving for him. I shake my head and turn to leave. 

“Peyton? Are you alright?" Gabe’s weary voice reverberates in the darkness. 

I come to a halt. “Yes, I am okay. Go back to sleep.” 

He turns on the lamp. “Peyton, you obviously had a purpose for coming in here.” 

Taking a breath, I turn to face him. Gabe is sitting upright, his eyebrows knitted in confusion as he runs his fingers through his messy hair. He always looks so good when he wakes up; it’s just not fair! 

I stare at him, my lips parting to speak, but no words emerge. Less than twenty minutes ago, I was ready to say something. Now, I’ve second-guessed myself. His eyes lock onto mine, and he says nothing, yet the sexual tension thickens around us. It feels like my body is urging me to act. Gabe’s tongue flicks along his lips, and I instinctively imitate his gesture. 

“Peyton, what do you want?” he asks, crawling to the foot of the bed and sitting there, feet on the ground. 

I examine his semi-naked body, noting every detail of his skin and muscles, which causes my breath to quicken. I lift my gaze to his face, where desire flickers in his eyes. Slowly, I walk towards the bed and stand between his legs, syncing my breath with his. It is time for honesty. It is time for me to share exactly what I want from him. 

“I want you, Gabe. Right now. Right here,” I finally exhale. 

I wait for his response, and as his silence lengthens, my nerves grow, fearing he doesn't feel the same way. He places his hands on my hips, causing me to shiver. Quickly, he pulls me into his lap, and I find myself straddling him. I wrap my arms around his neck. 

“And I want you. I've always wanted you, Peyton, but I think you know that,” he says, raising his hand to gently touch my cheek with his thumb. 

I close my eyes and give in to his touch, softly moaning. Before I can speak again, Gabe’s lips meet mine. I respond instantly, tangling my fingers in his thick hair. He groans into my mouth, and the kiss intensifies rapidly. Warmth floods through us as I press my hips against his increasing arousal. 

Our lips remain in perfect harmony. Gabe holds me firmly, then lifts and spins us around, gently lowering me onto the bed without breaking the kiss. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer as I gasp, feeling his excitement pressing between my thighs. We're both very aroused, and this is just the start. 

Gabe gently breaks the kiss, and our heavy breaths fill the room again. He looks down at me, his face flushing. “Peyton, are you certain this is what you want?” 

I nod without hesitation. “Yes, I believe I’ve clearly expressed that I want you all night, Gabe. Don’t you agree?” I say between pants. 

“Yes, you have, but I wanted to confirm. I don’t want you to regret it or be gone by morning," he replies, gently brushing the hair from my face. 

“I promise I won’t regret it. I promise I won't run off. Please, Gabe, I need you. I know you need me too. Don’t make me wait any longer.” I beg, rocking against him, trying to encourage him. 

“If you are sure…” 

“I am, so there is nothing to stop us now,” I reply, reconnecting our lips.

I haven’t needed anything as much as I need him right now. 

( The next chapter will continue where this one left off)