Kiera made a face, like she was sure she’d never be able to do what I’d just done. She took the pick when I placed it in her fingers though. She did what I did against the strings, but the sound was anything but beautiful. She just had a knack for being really bad at this. That was a skill in and of itself. I locked our fingers together and strummed our connected hands against the instrument. It sang again, with me doing most of the work.
Kiera relaxed into my body, and playing the song blind, I smiled at her. “This really isn’t so hard. I learned this one when I was six.” It was one of the first songs I had learned on the guitar, back when I’d taught myself to play.
I gave her a playful wink and her cheeks softened with color. “Well…you’re just more talented with your fingers,” she replied.
I froze as my mind instantly went into the gutter. When I laughed, she rolled her eyes and laughed too. “You have such a dirty mind. You and Griffin are a lot alike.”
I grimaced as I remembered Griffin talking about a hooker while he fondled himself. God, I hoped we weren’t that much alike. “I can’t help it if I think that way around you.” Wishing I could do more than just think things about her, I removed my hands from the guitar. “You try.”
To her credit, she didn’t give up until she’d made a noise that was somewhat melodic. I smiled when she giggled in delight at her accomplishment. I loved seeing the way her eyes glowed when she was happy, the way the corners compressed into warm wrinkles.
Once she had that basic chord down, I showed her another one. After a few attempts, she had that one down too, and then she could sort of play the song I’d taught her. She played for a while, but then she started flexing her hand, and I knew she was done for the day.
I set the guitar on the ground, pulled her into my chest, and started massaging her fingers. “You have to build up the strength for it,” I told her.
Perfectly content, her only reply was, “Hmmmm…”
I couldn’t help but notice she didn’t make any pleased noises this time. She was trying to make this easier for me, and I appreciated it. After a time, I stopped and simply held her. It was peaceful and wonderful, but I still wanted more. “Can we try something?” I quietly asked her.
She automatically stiffened, her eyes suspicious when she looked back at me. “What?”
I laughed at her reluctant expression. By her eyes, she thought I was going to ask her for something sordid and risqué. It amused me that I wasn’t the only one with a dirty mind. “It’s innocent…I promise.”
Lying back on the couch, I opened my arms wide in invitation. Her reluctance shifted to confusion, but she eventually nestled herself into the space between me and the couch. A happy sigh escaped me as I wrapped my arms around her. Yes, this is what I needed.
The fruity scent of her shampoo was all around me as I held her close. Her skin was soft and her body was warm. I felt whole and complete as I lay with her, and for the first time today, I was truly happy.
Still seemingly confused, Kiera lifted her head and looked down at me. “This is what you wanted to do?” Was she surprised that my request wasn’t sexual? I’d told her I’d be good. I’d meant it.
I shrugged. “Yeah, it looked…nice…when you did this with Denny…”
She nodded, looking slightly overwhelmed, then she rested her head on my chest, her eyes facing me, and wrapped her arm and leg around me. I nearly purred, it was so wonderful. Why had I never done this before? Because I’d never had anyone who cared about me before, that was why.
Sighing, I leaned my head against hers. I wished this never had to end. “Is this okay with you?” I whispered into her hair.
I felt her muscles release all of their tension and I smiled wider. She was relaxing with me. She was enjoying this. “Yeah…it’s nice. Are you okay?”
I felt her tracing a circle on my chest and I laughed. I’d never been more okay in all my life. “I’m fine, Kiera.” I’m wonderful. I rubbed her back and she clutched me tight. I firmed up my hold on her, savoring the moment. I really didn’t want this to end.
I felt Kiera nuzzle into my neck, then her hold on me relaxed. Her breath washed against my skin in a slow, even pattern. “Kiera,” I whispered. “Are you asleep?” I waited several seconds, but she didn’t respond; she didn’t even grunt like she was partially awake. She just kept lightly breathing. Smiling that I’d made her comfortable enough to pass out, I gave her a small squeeze. “Thank you for doing this.” After a long pause, I found some courage and breathed the words, “I love you…so much.”