I can’t let that happen.

I swallow the wave of emotions running through me and will them to disappear forever. “Let’s do this,” I say.

His lips meet mine. At first, they’re soft and sweet. My tongue reaches out for his, and I can’t help but move my hips against his in a matching rhythm. He kisses me with a fierce determination that brings me to a higher level emotionally and physically. I’ve never felt like this. His tongue is wet and slippery against mine, and the sounds of our moans mingle with the night air.

I’m totally absorbed in the moment. I’m dizzy and lightheaded all at the same time, but it feels good like this. I feel alive. My worries and troubles seem to have disappeared.

“Are you okay?” he asks. “Can your arthritis handle this?”

“I’m good. More than good,” I whisper.

I lift my body above him and am about to take this to the next level. I feel the pressure—there’s no turning back now.

“Wait,” he says in a strained voice. He grabs my waist and stops me. Reaching for his pants on the floor, he pulls out his wallet from the back pocket. Inside is a silver-foiled condom wrapper.

“Sorry I forgot about that,” I say, hoping he doesn’t notice that my voice is shaky.

“It’s cool.” He guides me over himself, this time with protection. “You’re perfect,” he says.

I lower my body over his as those sweet words seep into my soul.

But when I cringe as I try to move again, he pauses. “What’s wrong? Am I hurtin’ you?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothin’. It’s your arthritis. You set the pace, baby.”

He lets me figure out a rhythm until the pain eases and pleasure builds up right behind it. Vic’s mouth is on me, and his hands roam over my skin, making me crazy with passion. His breathing is ragged as he moves slowly with me and caresses my back then moves his hand between us.

Oh, my. I’ve never… he knows his way around a girl’s body, that’s for sure. I can tell he’s trying to support me with his hands so my joints aren’t feeling so much pain.

Soon we’re panting and sweating, and our hands are all over each other as we move together in sync for what seems like forever. I don’t ever want it to stop.

I feel no pain. Just pleasure.

“I’m waiting for you,” he whispers in my ear in a strained, controlled voice. “Don’t hold back now, baby. Let go with me.”

“I’m scared, Vic.”

He laces his fingers through mine. “Don’t be scared. We’re here together. You’re not alone.”

His words hit home. I’m not alone. He’s here. He’ll protect me even when I forget to protect myself. I give up control up and let myself go.

Vic winces and I can feel him tense up. I look into his eyes. My body shudders uncontrollably as I fly to the stars and slowly come back to earth.

Wow.

I never knew it could be like that.

Our heavy breathing fills the air.

“I can’t believe we did that,” I mumble against his lips as my body starts to calm down. “I’m shaking.”

“Me too.” He brushes my hair out of my face. “That was intense.”

My response is a satisfied sigh.

After lying in his arms for a few minutes, he sits up. “Don’t tell anyone, okay?” he says.

“What do you mean?”

“I just don’t want people knowin’, that’s all.”

My heart sinks into my chest. “I’m not a kiss-and-tell person, but what if this wasn’t a one-night thing?”

He looks at me sideways. “It has to be a one-night thing.”

Those words cut right through me. I quickly stand. “You were right all along, Vic. You’re a jerk. Asshole is more like it though.”

He throws his hands up. “What do you want me to say? It’s not like we can be boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“Right. I don’t want you to say anything,” I exclaim with irritation as I pick up my purse.

“Fine. Great.” He turns away, as if looking at me will make him regret everything that happened tonight.

“Listen, Vic, I didn’t ask you to be my boyfriend or make some commitment to me if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’m not worryin’ about that, but…” He walks farther away, the distance between us growing with each step he takes. “There’s no way we can be together. Trey was my best friend.”