Kitt relaxed in Ivans arms allowing her body to mold into Ivans form. His tall, sleek build contrasted against Kitts full frame; creating a sensual image against the wall from the candle light. Ivan held Kitt close, kissed her neck and whispered sweet words in her ears. Kitt ran her hand through Ivans soft hair and tickled the back of his neck with her nails. They danced to half of the CD before Ivan stopped and pulled her to the couch. The softness of Kitts body and the sensual moves of her hips caused almost uncontrollable excitement and Ivan needed to slow the pace down a little. He didnt want their night to get away from them and take them into premature intimacy. Kitt frowned, but understood. She was feeling rather hot too and enjoyed feeling Ivans body against hers.

Ivan rested his back against the arm of the couch and pulled Kitt between his legs with her back on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and felt her ease into him. They sat in silence listening to the rest of the CD and drinking in each others silent gestures of affection. Kitt closed her eyes savoring the tiny and gentle kisses being traced down the side of her face. Nothing seemed to matter to her other than being with Ivan. Gone were thoughts of the outside world, of Melvin, of David, and anything or anyone who might try to steal her joy. Shed even taken the time to turn the ringer down on her house phone and turn her cell off too. Nothing had ever felt like this and it was certainly a memorable moment.

The last song played, then the music stopped. Kitt reluctantly eased out of Ivans arms and turned to face him. His ivory skin now looked caramel under the dim light and his eyes sparkled like stars. The warmth of his smile radiated his face as he looked into Kitts eyes.

I wish you could see how beautiful you are Kitt.

Kitt blushed and turned away. Accepting compliments wasnt easy for her although she was trying to remain relaxed. Ivan held her chin with his fingers and turned her face back to his. He wanted Kitt to believe in him and completely let her guard down. Shed relaxed so much during their recent times together, but he wanted more. He wanted her to allow herself to be vulnerable, but not weak. He wanted her to feel confident and secure without having to justify it. He wanted to be all the man she needed in her life without thinking he had an ulterior motive or a desire to control her. Ivan had fallen hard for Kitt and wanted to nurture that love into something that Kitt could call her own in her own way and on her terms instead of simply settling for someone who treated her well with no intention of permanence.

Kitt felt her heart beating hard in her chest. She felt herself losing control of her emotions and tears welled in her eyes. Ivan did make her feel beautiful and she liked it. She enjoyed the constant flow of undemanding attention he gave her and the assuredness in his words. She had no misgivings about anything he represented other than her own fear of failing to adequately reciprocate at the same level. She knew she was getting very close to him and trusted the stability being with him gave her, but residual fear of complete love still hold her back.

Youre too kind. Kitt finally replied. And you say the nicest things to me.

Ivan eased himself under her and rested her head on his chest.

Only say the truth, he reassured her. I have no reason to lie to you and I wont compromise my integrity either. If I didnt feel these things toward you, I wouldnt be here. Allow yourself to let go Kitt. I promise Ill catch you if you fall.

Ivans words struck an emotional cord and she began to cry. She didnt mean to, but his endearment moved her tremendously. She eased up and excused herself to the bathroom, where she blew her nose and rinsed her face. She looked at her face in the mirror studying her image, trying to see what Ivan saw. She couldnt see it, but decided to allow him to show her. She returned to the living room to find Ivan looking out the window into the nights sky. She smiled and walked over to join him, wrapping her arms around his waist before he could turn around and kissed his neck.

Im sorry for my outburst. This is still very new for me.

Ivan slid around to face her.

Its okay. No offense taken. Ivan smiled and winked. Im a little hungry is there anything we can make to eat?

Uhm, yeah! Came Kitts startled reply. She wasnt used to someone saying we. I have some shrimp and pasta if thats cool?

Ivan nodded slowly, yeah, that would be great. May I help prepare it?

Kitt laughed. Sure, even though theres not much for you to do other than reheat it. I bought it prepared from the little market earlier.

Ivan laughed with Kitt. I guess youre not much of a cook huh?

No, not really, but I do like to eat though. She said while running her hands over her body emphasizing her statement by her size. I have salad too.

Good. Ill put some more music on if you dont mind.

No go right ahead.

Kitt and Ivan prepared the salad, heated the food, and sat at the small table to eat while listening to the soothing jazz flowing through the speakers. Ivan poured some sparkling cider and they toasted to exploring new options. They made small talk over dinner and cleared the dishes once they were finished.

Did you save room for dessert? Kitt asked with a smile. Shed bought a tropical fruit salad and pound cake.

Yes, I have but Im not ready for it right now. Maybe in a little while.

Okay. Sounds cool. Coffee? Tea?

Ivan paused to think. Some tea would be nice.

Gotcha! Go relax and Ill bring it to you.

Ivan went back into the living room, put his feet up on the coach, and leaned back, closing his eyes. He could hear Kitt humming to the music and it soothed him. Her voice was rich and warm to his ears. He smiled!

Kitt returned with two cups of tea and placed them on the table. Ivan sat up and patted the seat for Kitt to sit down. He kissed her cheek and rubbed his nose against it. Feeling his warmth against her face, Kitt turned to face him. She closed her eyes and lowered her mouth to his and smothered him with a warm and passionate kiss. Ivan didnt hesitate to respond and soon they were lying on the couch locked in each others arms.

The intensity of this moment was far beyond the expectancy of their earlier intimacy. Ivan opened Kitts blouse revealing her ample cleavage, feeling the fullness of her ***** caress his entire face as he smothered them with kisses. Kitt threw her head back allowing herself to be devoured and seduced. Ivan moaned, running his hands down her sides, and slid one hand under her thigh, easing it upward making it easier for him to slide between them. She undulated under him releasing her heat into his eager body. Kitt pulled him into her as his kisses trailed downward and onto her stomach and waist. She winched as he gently bit her tender flesh making her moan louder. Her body betrayed her as it weakened and yielded to his mouth and hands. Ivan unbuttoned Kitts pants freeing more of her flesh for him to consume. She held his head back and he tried to lower his kisses.

Im not sure I can take much more Ivan. Kitt revealed straining to breathe. Im so hot for you, but Im afraid it may be too soon.

Ivan eased back onto his heals still holding Kitts thigh in his hand.

I wont do anything youre not ready for I told you that. I have too much respect for you Kitt.

Kitt sat up completely to face Ivan eye to eye.

Im not a tease I swear. She stated slightly embarrassed. Im feelin you, I really am. Im just so out of the loop with the real stuff ya know? Im used to just bumpin and grindin. Sorry if that sounds tacky. Kitt looked down.

You never have to be embarrassed, afraid, or ashamed with me. Ive had my share of the ***** too babe. If you wanna stop, we can. Think about it while I hit the bathroom.

Kitt adjusted her clothes and pressed her hand between her legs. She was so hot that the heat permeated through her pants. Her body was screaming yes while her mind ran interference, causing her to doubt herself. She took a huge breath and let it out, stood up, and walked to the bathroom where she stood until Ivan came out.

Without giving him the opportunity to say another word, Kitt covered his mouth with one hand and led him to the bedroom with the other. She navigated her way through the darkness to the bed causing them both to fall upon it.

Ive made up my mind.