What Happens Under The Sun

Tom kissed me back tentatively, his arms tightening around me. I pried his lips apart with my tongue and it became evident where all of this was headed.

It was different this time though, it wasn't as rushed or heated as it usually was. This time, even as we stripped each other's clothes off, it was slow. Every movement was measured, especially on Tom's part. He seemed to be testing the water to make sure he wasn't pushing me.

He carried me to his room bridal style, doing his best not to remove his lips from mine while he avoided bashing my head against the doorframe.

He laid me down on the bed and situated himself on top of me as he unbuttoned my pants. His pants and both of our shirts had been discarded in the living room.

He kissed from the hemline of my panties up my stomach, between my breasts, up my neck and back to my lips. He kissed me deeply as I arched my back into him, giving him room to undo my bra.

He slipped it off and I dragged my fingertips lightly down his torso. He let his body come down a bit so that our chests were pressed together and he slid his arms around me as we kissed.

His hands slid down by back and into my underwear, just a bit. I reached around and put my hands on top of his, helping him to slide my panties down and then let him take them off.

His boxers went next and he grabbed a condom. After what happened the other day, I didn't think he'd be neglecting that step ever again. He eased into me slowly and I gripped the sheets.

This time, there was nothing rushed or wild about it. This time, he was slow, caring.

Tom picked up a steady pace and gently kissed my neck as he went. I put one hand on the back of his neck and the other on his chin, pulling his lips up to mine. I kissed him deeply as he gently caressed every inch of my body. We hadn't been this kind of intimate since my last night on the island.

I moaned lightly into his mouth when he hit my spot. I could feel the muscles in the pit of my stomach reaching their limit and I knew I was close.

A few more thrusts and I fell over the edge, moaning as I came. What I didn't expect though was that Tom would climax with me. That had never happened before; we'd never been that in sync before.

He rode it out and collapsed on top of me like always, his head on my chest. I stroked his cheek with my thumb and I could feel his breathing going back to normal.

This was what I had chosen. I had chosen the amazing feeling that I got after being with Tom. And at the moment, I was quite happy with that choice.

He moved off of me and pulled me against him. He still hadn't asked any questions about why I was here, I didn't know if he would, but I did know that they were burning inside his head.

''Kate?'' he said softly and I looked up at him.

He opened his mouth to speak but then snapped it shut. He sighed.

''I'm glad you came.'' He said, although I knew that wasn't what he was going to say.

''I'm glad you let me in even though I started crying as soon as you opened the door.'' I said and he laughed lightly.

''I'm glad…I made you feel better.'' He said, pausing to think of something to say. It was a game now.

''I'm glad…I'm not pregnant.''

''I'm glad you're not pregnant.'' He said, his eyes popping slightly as he said it. I laughed softly. He tightened his arms around me.

''I'm glad the party's tomorrow night.'' I said, thinking of the party Jessica and I had helped my dad put together.

''Speaking of that…'' he trailed off.

''Tom, you know what the answer's going to be. You know what my dad would do and you know this can't change.'' I said referring to the pseudo relationship we currently had.

''Yea yea, I know, I just thought you might like a date for the party.'' He said.

''I'm sorry, but this can't change, we can't change.'' Why did I always have to be the one to remind us of that. I felt like the Grinch or something.

And with the reminder of that fact came a reminder of another fact. The time. It was getting late and I knew Jessica would be waiting to hear how it went with Derek. I would have liked to stay the night, cuddled up in Tom's arms until morning but since I had to decide to be the barer of harsh reality checks, it had gotten tense between us.

I started to move away from Tom and an almost pained look flashed across his face.

''Jessica's waiting.'' I said as I started to gather my clothes.

''It's always something.'' He sighed.

''Not always.'' I retorted.

''Always except once.'' He said, rolling his eyes.

''Whatever, Jessica's waiting for me, take it or leave it.'' I said.

How was it that we managed to go from sappy lovers to bickering fuck buddies in a matter of seconds? Maybe that was the reason, because that's all we could ever be, fuck buddies, friends with benefits. With that thought I felt a tugging on my heart, but I ignored it.

''I'll see you tomorrow night then?'' he asked as he walked me to the door.

''Well, you have to be there and so do I, so I guess I will.'' I said lightly.

''Bye Kate.'' Tom said as I stepped out the door.

''Bye Tom.''

And with that, I left…again.