Chereads / love of a Daffodil / Chapter 23 - chapter 22

Chapter 23 - chapter 22

Christopher's touch became more deliberate, his movements gentle and reverent as he cupped Hazel's face, his fingers tracing the curve of her jawline. There was no rush, no urgency-only a tenderness that spoke of his care for her. His lips pressed against hers again, but this time, it wasn't just a kiss. It was a promise, a vow wrapped in softness and warmth.

Hazel felt herself surrendering to the moment, her body responding to his every gesture. The way he held her so delicately yet firmly, as if she was something precious, filled her with a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a long time. It was as though, in his arms, the world beyond their intimate space ceased to exist. The rain outside was just a distant hum, a backdrop to the rising storm between them.

Christopher pulled back slightly, his breath warm against her lips. His eyes searched hers, asking for silent permission, ensuring she was with him in this journey. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hazel nodded, her voice caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know how to explain what she was feeling-this mixture of nervousness and longing. But his touch, his gaze-it reassured her. She felt a wave of emotion rise within her, something deep and powerful, like the beginning of a new chapter.

He leaned in again, his hands sliding down to her waist, fingers lightly tracing the fabric of her dress as he began to ease it over her shoulders. His movements were slow, unhurried, giving her all the time she needed to stop him if she wished. But Hazel didn't want to stop him. She wanted to feel this, to experience the intimacy she had only ever dreamed of.

Christopher paused, his eyes catching hers again, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice full of admiration. Hazel's cheeks flushed as she felt the sincerity of his words, her heart swelling with warmth.

As their clothes slowly peeled away, Christopher's tenderness never wavered. He explored her body as if she were made of delicate glass, his hands careful, respectful. When she trembled beneath his touch, he stopped, his lips grazing her temple. "We can stop if you want," he whispered, his voice full of understanding.

But Hazel shook her head. "No," she breathed, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "I want this. I want... you."

Christopher smiled, his eyes shining with a mixture of love and desire. He kissed her again, softly, deeply, as he laid her gently on the bed. The feeling of his skin against hers sent shivers down her spine, but it wasn't just the physical connection that overwhelmed her-it was the emotional one. For the first time, Hazel felt completely seen, completely loved.

He was patient with her, sensing her nervousness, and each movement was a conversation without words. When his hands roamed her body, they did so with care, and when his lips followed, they left trails of warmth and comfort. Hazel felt herself melt beneath him, every inch of her alive with sensation.

Her heart raced as their bodies intertwined, the slow rhythm of their connection building into something more, something profound. She had never felt this way before-this vulnerable, this exposed-but with Christopher, it didn't feel frightening. It felt like discovering a new part of herself.

His hands caressed her, his touch never pushing, only inviting. And as he moved, his gaze never left hers, silently asking if she was okay, if she wanted to continue. Hazel's heart fluttered with every kiss, every soft whisper of her name, and she knew that this wasn't just a fleeting moment for him. This was real.

When the time came, he hesitated, his forehead resting against hers, his breath shaky. "Are you sure?" he asked one last time, his voice thick with emotion.

Hazel nodded, her body trembling not with fear, but with anticipation. "Yes," she whispered, her voice soft but full of certainty.

With that, he kissed her deeply, and their connection deepened. It was slow, tender, and full of love-a dance between two souls discovering each other in the most intimate way possible. Christopher was careful, guiding her gently through each moment, ensuring she felt safe, cherished. He whispered sweet reassurances, his words wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.

Hazel felt everything-every touch, every movement, every heartbeat. She had never imagined it could feel like this, so full of emotion, so full of love. And as they moved together, she felt her worries, her fears, her doubts fade away, replaced by a warmth that enveloped her completely.

Christopher held her close, his arms wrapping around her as they lay together in the aftermath, their bodies entwined. Hazel's head rested against his chest, the sound of his heartbeat steady and reassuring beneath her ear. She felt a peace she hadn't known she needed, a sense of belonging she had never truly felt before.

"I love you," Christopher whispered, his voice soft, almost reverent.

Hazel smiled against his skin, her heart full. "I love you too," she whispered back, her voice barely audible but filled with truth.

In that moment, with the world outside forgotten, Hazel knew that whatever happened next, she was ready. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, love could be real.