Salacious Summer

Lara lays on her bed, her blonde hair splayed against her lavender colored pillows like a halo. The night stretches out in a slow, almost suffocating anticipation. Tomorrow, she leaves for summer camp, but tonight is supposed to be something different — something she'd promised herself would be special. She has been with Aaron for almost two years, and tonight, they are finally going to take the step they have both talked about but never quite managed to cross.

Aaron is above her, his body hovering just inches from hers. Their lips meet slowly and gently, a soft, steady rhythm filling the space between them. His hand rests lightly beside her head, bracing himself above her while her hand drifts to his chest, feeling the quiet strength of his heartbeat. The kiss is unhurried and tender.

Lara's heart beats a little faster as Aaron's lips move against hers, the kiss soft and practiced. He pulls back slightly, just enough for their foreheads to rest together, the air between them quiet and still.

"You're really going," Aaron says quietly, his voice thick with something she can't quite place. His thumb brushes over her cheek, his eyes searching hers. "Summer camp, then Columbia University. It feels like everything's about to change all at once."

Above her bed, framed photos hang in neat rows — pictures from her high school graduation, family vacations, and some candid moments with friends. There's one of her and Aaron from the night of prom, their faces beaming in a moment of joy that now feels distant.

Lara's chest tightens, the unease she hadn't realized was there creeping up her throat. She smiles gently, trying to ease the knot in his words. "Change isn't a bad thing."

"I know," Aaron agrees, his tone soft but edged with something unsettled. "I guess I'm just wondering if I'll still matter to you when you're out there. New place, new people. It's a lot."

She studies him for a moment. He has clearly been holding this in for longer than she realized.

"You're not going to disappear from my life," Lara reassures quietly, offering him a small, steady smile. "You don't have to worry like that."

Aaron holds her gaze, searching for something in her expression. His hand slides from the pillow to her cheek, thumb brushing along her skin. Her skin thrums under his touch in anticipation.

"Are you still sure about tonight?" Aaron asks. "I don't want it to be because you feel like you have to. It's not about proving something, or locking me in before you go."

Lara smiles up at him, "I know." She slowly runs her hands up his chest, from his rapidly beating heart to his broad shoulders, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck in an embrace. "I want this. I want you."

He looks down at her for a few more seconds, his green eyes searching her blue ones for any sign of hesitation. Seeing none, he gives a small nod and leans down, pressing his lips to hers.

His kiss lingers, steady and sure, his hand slipping from Lara's cheek to the curve of her waist. His touch is careful and patient, like he is holding back more than he is letting show.

Lara closes her eyes and lets herself focus on the shape of him above her — the way his weight sinks into the mattress, how solid and familiar he feels. His hand slides under the hem of her shirt, his fingertips skating lightly along her ribs. His touch is cautious and testing, like he is waiting to see if she will stop him. She doesn't.

The kiss deepens slightly and Lara feels his hand drift higher, just under the band of her bra. Her breath catches but she doesn't pull away.

He pauses, his forehead pressing lightly to hers. His voice is low, almost careful. "Tell me if you want to stop."

Lara meets his eyes. "Don't stop.”

Her reply spurs him on, and he kisses her again, deeply and deliberately, his tongue making its way into her parted mouth. Aaron’s hand explores her gently like he is still memorizing her, even after all the years they have been together. His touch isn't hurried or rough. He touches her like someone who has thought about this for a long time and doesn't want to waste it on clumsy mistakes.

Lara lets her hands slide under the hem of his t-shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin, the lean muscle of his back. His breath is heavy against her lips, and he pulls back just enough to tug his shirt over his head, tossing it carelessly to the side.

Her eyes wander over him, the familiar lines of his chest and stomach, the faint tan lines across his shoulders from long afternoons at football practice. He dips his head again, kissing along the line of her collarbone while Lara's fingers trace along his spine, grounding herself.

Her mind buzzes with a mix of anxiety and curiosity, a fear of the unknown. She isn't sure what she will feel afterwards, but right now, she doesn't want to stop.

His hand glides down her side before slipping under the hem of her shirt, easing it upwards, pausing just briefly to check her eyes before pulling it over her head. She lets him, her breath catching slightly as the cool air meets her skin.

For a moment, neither of them move. His gaze traces over her, soft and intent — her delicate collarbones that are dusted in the same freckles that scatter across her cheeks, her narrow waist tapering gently into soft hips, her full breasts that are hugged by her pink lace bra.

"You're so beautiful, Lara," Aaron says, his voice low, slightly rough with desire. She smiles up at him and sits up slightly, unhooking her bra.

She removes it slowly, sliding off the garment with a deliberate ease, looking up at Aaron through thick eyelashes. His breath hitches, and he looks at her like he can hardly believe she is real. Almost without realizing, his hand reaches to cup her one of her breasts, soft and natural, large enough to almost fill his palm. He groans under his breath, leaning down and pressing his lips against hers, more desperate now.

She whimpers agains his mouth as he plays her nipples, her fingers moving to the waistband of his jeans.

She hesitates for only a second before working at the button. Aaron's breath catches in his throat but he doesn't rush her. He lets her move at her own pace, only reaching to help when she glances up and gives a small nod.

They shift together, movements tentative but deliberate, working to undress each other between quiet kisses and soft exhales. There is a slight awkwardness to it, human and inexperienced, but neither of them hide from it.

Aaron's touch stays gentle as he settles above her again, reaching for the condom on the bedside table. He opens the wrapper and slides it onto his hard cock, and Lara watches him, her heart beating rabbit-fast in her chest.

Once the condom is on, he cups the side of her face with his palm, almost as if he is trying to ground them both. "Are you sure?"

Lara holds his gaze, her chest rising and falling steadily. She can feel her pulse in her throat, fast and insistent. She nods once. "I'm sure."

Aaron kisses her softly then shifts his weight, moving carefully. His hand finds hers and their fingers tangle tightly as he pushes into her.

The first thrust makes her breath catch, a sharp pain at the intrusion. She's used her fingers before, but never anything bigger. Aaron groans lowly, pressing his forehead to hers as he slowly withdraws and pushes back in.

They move slowly, clumsily at first, both of them adjusting to the unfamiliar closeness. His breath is shallow and quick, and she can feel the tremor in his arms where he braces himself above her.

Lara's body tenses and relaxes by turns, her mind flickering in and out of focus as her body gets used to the feeling of Aaron inside of her, the pain shifting into pleasure.

Part of her is caught in the weight of the moment, the realization that something long imagined is finally happening. Another part is distant, noting how different it feels from what she'd expected. It's less like the movies, less like something transformative.

Aaron's breath grows uneven as they find a rhythm, his lips brushing against her temple as he murmurs her name softly. Lara squeezes his hand, her eyes half-lidded, heart still thudding steadily in her chest.

“Faster," she pleads, her hand tugging at his sandy brown hair, unruly as always. "I need you to fuck me faster."

He groans at the request, obliging. He moves faster, thrusting into her with more speed and force. Lara moans softly, feeling a heat in her core as he hits a certain spot inside her.

Aaron's breathing becomes more ragged, choked moans leaving his mouth as his movements become more erratic. Lara feels him pulse inside of her, a throaty groan escaping him as his hips still.

"Fuck, Lara," Aaron says, voice choked and rough. He almost collapses onto her, but wills himself to pull out, removing and tying the condom.

Aaron eases down beside her, his breath still ragged but softening as he brushes her hair back from her face. He kisses her cheek, then her shoulder, his hand resting gently on her stomach.

"You okay?" Aaron asks again, voice roughened but tender.

"I'm okay," Lara says quietly, her gaze on the ceiling now. She can still feel the weight of his hand, the press of his body just moments ago — but also a faint, nagging emptiness she hadn't anticipated. Not disappointment exactly, but something that leaves her feeling hollow in a way she can't explain.

Aaron doesn't seem to notice. He smiles faintly, brushing a thumb across the back of her hand. "I'm glad it was you."

Lara turns her head towards him, offering a small, tired smile in return. "Me too."

Outside, through the cracked window, the sound of summer crickets continue in the breeze. The room is still and warm, and beside her, Aaron's breathing slows as he sinks into the calm of the moment.

Lara lays still, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts quietly unspooling in the dark.