Hearts on Fire Read online

  I rubbed her back gently. “Don’t be sorry. If you’re not ready for this, you’re not ready. I’m not going to get upset with you. I only want to make you happy.”

  “You do. It’s just…I thought I was ready, but I’m not.”

  I got up from the floorboards and sat on the seat next to her. I pulled her onto my lap and looked into her eyes so she would know I meant what I said. “Kyla, I love you. I’ll wait for as long as it takes for you be ready. I don’t want to rush you.”

  Her eyes softened. “You love me?”

  I nodded, “Yeah, I do. I love everything about you.”

  “I love you, too. I’m not trying to be a tease. I just… need more time.”

  “There’s no rush, Ky.”

  Chapter 9

  Kyla

  Fall turned to winter and winter turned to spring. Our senior year was flying by and Tyler and I fell madly in love. Yes, we were undeniably in love. I had wanted the butterflies in my stomach, the stars in my eyes, the head over heels kind of love. And I’d found that with Tyler! We were practically inseparable. When you saw one of us, the other wasn’t far behind.

  I laid on my bed, drawing in my sketchbook, thinking about us. I drew a flaming heart, with butterflies spreading their colorful wings flying from the center. I spent extra time shading it in with reds, yellows, blues, and purples. I looked at my drawing, thinking it captured my feelings about Tyler.

  Our relationship had moved way past kissing. God, I loved kissing Tyler. Feeling his strong lips on mine and his gentle touch. I felt safe in his strong arms, like nothing could hurt me. I let him feel me up. I had let him move his hands up under my blouse, and under my bra. I loved his hands rubbing against my breasts. Wanting. Kneading. They gently brushed over my nipples and made me moan. When he put his hand between my legs, he rubbed in places that got me so wet. His fingers inside me felt so good. It took some time, but I finally let him make me come. I didn’t know it would be so amazing! And I let him do it again and again.

  I’d made him come, too. I’d been rubbing his dick in the back of his car and his hand was down my pants. We’d gotten so carried away, that neither one of us was thinking. I knew he wanted it as bad as I did. Without warning, I felt him come all over my hand. He felt bad about it, but I didn’t. I wanted to make him feel as good as he made me feel.

  Despite all of our touching, our clothes had never come off. We never breached that boundary. I knew he wanted to go all the way, but he never pushed me. He let me set the pace, true to his promise. I could tell that he was getting frustrated. Hell, I was getting frustrated. I wanted his hands all over my naked body. I wanted to see all of him and for him to see all of me. I wanted to know what it would feel like for him to be buried deep inside me.

  I loved him!

  I looked around my room at all the things that had made up my childhood. The pink curtains and bedspread. The butterflies hanging on the walls. They were symbols of a young girl. I was turning into a woman. I was ready to let the butterflies that hung so quietly… waiting…to fly free and spread their wings. I had held on to my virginity tightly. I was afraid letting go would make me feel dirty. Slutty. I was ready to let go of those thoughts…because Ty made me feel loved, not cheap or slutty. I wanted to share this with him. I was ready!

  I shot off a quick text:

  Ky: C U 2nite?

  Ty: Where else would I be?

  Ky: Got something important to tell you. Pick me up at 5?

  Ty: See you then. You OK?

  Ky: Better than OK. Talk to you tonight.

  Ty: K. Luv u!

  Ky: Luv u 2!

  I heard the rumble of the engine right before five. I headed down the stairs, with a bounce in my step and nervous energy running through my body. I stopped in the kitchen where my parents were just sitting down for dinner.

  “You heading out with Tyler tonight?” My dad questioned. “I like that boy, but he better not hurt my little girl.”

  “Oh dad, really? We’re just going to get some food, then maybe a movie. We’re meeting up with Tori and Chris later.”

  “Leave her alone,” my mom interjected, swatting him on the arm. “Don’t you remember what we were like at that age? Young and in love?”

  “Yeah,” my dad scrunched his eyebrows. “I remember exactly what we were like. That’s why I worry.” His gaze shifted to me like he was reading my mind, knowing all the thoughts rolling around in there. Ewww! Get out of my head dad! You don’t belong there right now!

  I plastered on a smile and gave my dad a tight hug. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”

  Just then the doorbell rang. Saved by the bell! I opened the door and Tyler walked through in his usual jeans and henley. My mom walked over and gave Tyler a quick hug, “You two have fun tonight!”

  “Thanks Mrs. O’Malley. I’ll take good care of Kyla.”

  “I’m trusting you Tyler. Be safe with my daughter,” my dad interjected, a little harsher than necessary.

  “Always, Mr. O’Malley. No worries!” Tyler said, looking a little confused.

  We made a quick exit and escaped down the walk to Tyler’s waiting car. “Okaaay, that was a little weird. What’s up with your dad?”

  “I think he’s realizing that I’m growing up, and he’s not too cool with it. My parents were high school sweethearts and I showed up seven months after graduation,” I explained.

  “Ooooh…that would explain the ‘be safe with my daughter’ comment,” Tyler laughed while imitating my dad. “No worries there Mr. O’Malley,” he mocked. “Where to, beautiful?”

  “Mind if we stop at the park, before eating? I really want to talk to you about something.”

  “Oh shit, sorry babe! I totally forgot. Your dad threw me off. I wasn’t ready for that. You okay?”

  “Yeah, everything’s good. More than good, actually.”

  We drove to the park and walked over to some picnic tables away from listening ears, and sat down on top. I sat cross-legged, while Ty sat the same way across from me. I certainly didn’t need an audience for this. I was kind of scared about saying the words out loud. Because then it would be real. I bit at my lip. How was I going to start this awkward conversation? Just say it! I told myself.

  “What’s up? You look nervous. You know you can tell me anything, right? I love you.” Tyler questioned. He pulled at my lip, releasing it from my teeth.

  “I know and I love you!” I leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “And that’s why I have to tell you this,” I took a deep breath and let it out. “You know how you said my dad had nothing to worry about?” Tyler nodded. “Well, he might. I’m ready!” I looked at him waiting for a reaction. Please don’t make me spell this out.

  Confusion crossed his face and then it lit up in understanding. “Really? Are you saying what I think you’re saying? I promised not to push you and I’m going to keep that promise. Are you sure about this?”

  “I’m sure!” I nodded eagerly. “One hundred percent sure. I want my first time to be with someone I love. And I love you. I can’t imagine being more in love than I am right now.”

  “Baby, I’m… I don’t know what to say. I wasn’t expecting this. Hoping, but not expecting.”

  “Are you happy? I mean, I know this probably wasn’t how you were planning…and it’s not very…..I just…,” I rambled.

  “Ky! Stop talking. I’m happy. More than happy actually.” He cradled my face in his hands and looked into my eyes. “But this isn’t going to be some quickie in the back of my car. I’m gonna make it special for you. For us. We only get one first time and I want you to remember it with no regrets.”

  “I’m not going to have regrets.” I said shaking my head. “As long as I’m with you. That’s all that matters. So, when should this special night happen?”

  Tyler contemplated our options. “Prom? It’s at the Hilton, I’ll get us a room.”

  I pulled back in mocked shock. “Are you asking me to prom, Mr. Jackson?” I gaspe
d in a southern drawl.

  “Why, I think I am Miss O’Malley. Is it a date?”

  “Yes,” I exclaimed, practically jumping into his arms.

  Chapter 10

  Tyler

  “Your brother rocks, man,” I said to Chris as I looked at our hotel room. “I can’t believe he hooked us up like this.” Chris’s brother had booked us two rooms and got us champagne and vodka for prom night.

  “Yeah, he’s cool. He said someone did it for him when he was a senior and he was just passing it on,” he replied.

  Chris and I had stopped at the hotel early to drop some stuff off in our rooms. Candles…check. Champagne and glasses…check. Vodka, just in case the nerves got me…check. Condoms…double check. I was going to make this night special for Ky. Something she would never forget. After waiting this long, nothing was going to mess this up. Except maybe my own nerves. Yeah, I admitted to myself, I was a little scared too. I just wanted everything to live up to her expectations, including me.

  “You alright, man? You’re looking a little green. Cold feet?” Damn Chris, fucking nothing got by him. He was a little too observant.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Just don’t want to fuck this up for her.”

  “Tori and me, our first time was in the back of my dad’s pick-up. Not exactly romantic, but memorable. I got an elbow in the eye. That girl’s a wild cat when it comes to sex,” Chris laughed at the memory.

  “I feel like a pussy, admitting this…but tonight’s gonna be a first for me.

  “I kinda figured that out already. Ain’t no way a guy who’s already had sex, is gonna wait as long as you did for Kyla. I get it though. She’s as innocent as they come. Trust me you’ll be fine. You’re doing this up right,” Chris encouraged. “Just do your thing man, it ain’t that hard.” He turned serious, “Word of advice?”

  “Sure, shoot. I guess it couldn’t hurt,” I answered honestly.

  “Don’t go for the gold right off the bat. Girls want to feel special, like they’re not being used. Pay attention to the details, make her come first. You make her happy, and she’ll sure as shit make you happy.” He patted me on the back and started walking to the car. Turning back, he smirked, “Oh, and Tyler…don’t forget to wrap your junk!”

  I rolled my eyes. That smart ass never passed up an opportunity to bust my balls. But if I was being honest, our “talk” had just made me more jittery.

  Chris was right though. It wasn’t that hard. The only thing hard was me, thinking about tonight and getting inside Kyla’s tight little body. Make her happy. Yeah. I think I can do that.

  Chapter 11

  Kyla

  “Your chariot awaits, my lady.” Ty ushered me out to his freshly washed and waxed black Challenger, looking sexy in his tuxedo. I was so used to seeing him in jeans and t-shirts that the sight of him in a tux took me back a little. I really was a lucky girl.

  Tori and I had spent the day getting mani-pedis and our hair done. Upon her advice, god help me, I had shaved everything. A first for me. Tori and I told our parents we were spending the night at each other’s houses. We’d been doing it since third grade, so they didn’t even bat an eye. I was ready. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for tonight.

  “Thank you, Mr. Jackson,” I smiled at him coyly as he opened my door.

  “Your quite welcome, Miss O’Malley.”

  Tyler ran around to the driver’s side and slid in next to me. “Kyla, you look beautiful tonight. Sexy as sin. I can’t wait to strip you out of that strapless dress later,” he looked at me hungrily.

  My heart skipped a beat as my eyes went wide. Those damn butterflies started to take flight in my stomach. Pushing it all back down, I pulled it together. “All in good time, baby. We’ve got a dance to go to first.”

  He turned the key in the ignition and the engine rumbled to life. “Hell, yeah! You ready to shake that groove thang, girl?” he wiggled his eyebrows up and down and gave me that million-dollar smile. His dimples were front and center.

  “You know I’m ready,” I giggled. “How ‘bout you, you ready to shake it?”

  “Hey, I got moves,” he said, focusing back on the road.

  I laughed, “Yeah, I know you do.” The easy banter back and forth helped to keep the butterflies at bay. I focused on the dance and hanging out with our friends, and put the rest out of my mind. For now.

  The night was magical. Everything was decorated in blue and silver from the floor to the ceiling. A banner across the front of the ballroom read “A Night to Remember”. It was fitting, because I knew I would remember this night forever. We ate. We danced. We laughed. Everything was perfect.

  We strolled out onto the dance floor when Lifehouse’s You and Me came on. We slow danced as Tyler held me tight, pushing his bulging erection into my stomach. I loved that I could do this to him. Suddenly he twirled me around and dipped me low. His face was just inches above mine as I leaned back in his strong arms. He held me steady as he placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “See, I told you I’ve got moves.”

  “You trying to impress me?” I asked breathlessly, as he pulled me back up.

  “Depends. Is it working?”

  I stared up into those deep blue eyes. “Definitely,” I whispered.

  “You ain’t seen nothing yet, baby,” he promised, making my insides go all quivery.

  After a few more songs, we we’re both ready to go. The anticipation was killing me-- a mix of excitement and apprehension. I’d seen Chris and Tori sneak out earlier, heading up to their room. “You ready to get out of here, beautiful?” Tyler suggested. I nodded a “yes” and he led me out of the ballroom and over to the bank of elevators. Pushing the up button, we waited anxiously for the doors to open. We stepped in and he quickly pulled me in tight, wrapping his strong arms around me. Even in my four inch heels, I only came up to his chest. “I’ve been waiting for this all week, baby,” he said softly into my ear.

  “Me too,” I admitted. Just as the doors were about to close, an older couple stepped into the elevator with us. Shit! They looked at us and smiled. I wondered if they knew what we were about to do. I held my breath and stiffened as redness crept up my neck.

  Tyler leaned down and whispered in my ear, “Relax, Ky.” And I did. I leaned back into his chest, letting his warmth comfort me. The elevator stopped and the older couple got out on their floor. When the doors closed again, I let out a breath of relief.

  “Do you think they knew?” I asked.

  “Probably, but it doesn’t matter. It’s just you and me.” The doors opened again and Tyler wrapped his hand around mine and led me down the hall. He reached in his pocket, pulled out the key card and swiped it, letting us into our room.

  I stepped in and froze. There in the center of the room was a king size bed. My eyes went wide and I looked away, scanning the rest of the room. I noticed my overnight bag sitting on the desk. I was thankful the guys had brought it up earlier, so I didn’t have to worry about it. I stepped in further. The reality was setting in. This would be the last night of my virginity. This was it.

  Tyler stepped up behind me, “You okay? If you want to change your mind…”

  I spun around to face him, “I don’t want to change my mind. I’m ready. I just need a minute.” I held my finger up and then pointed to the bathroom.

  “Take your time. We’ve got all night.”

  I stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I looked in the mirror. My eyes were wide and my cheeks were flushed. What the hell are you doing? I asked the girl in the mirror. Holding onto the counter, I hung my head. You can do this. You can do this. You can do this. I repeated the silent mantra to myself.

  After a few minutes, I raised my head, stood tall and looked back at the girl in the mirror. She was sexy and confident. I quickly wiped under my eyes, patted my cheeks and pressed my lips together. I was ready to spread my wings and fly.

  I opened the door and shut off the light. Stepping out into the room, I gasped in surprise
. Soft music played in the background and candles were lit all around the room, casting a soft glow. Tyler stood there in the shadows, holding out a glass of champagne to me.

  “Tyler, this is perfect!” I said, bringing my hands up to cover my gasp.

  He handed me the glass. “I wanted to make this night special for my girl. Thank you for sharing this with me tonight.”

  My heart swooned a little more and I felt warmth spreading through my chest and down to my toes. This was what love felt like. And suddenly, all my apprehension disappeared. I took a drink of the champagne and swirled it around my tongue. Then another, for courage. I handed the glass back to Tyler, and stepped forward so we were just inches apart. I looked up at him from under my long lashes, as my hands reached around the back of my dress. I slowly pulled the zipper down, closed my eyes and let the dress fall to my ankles.

  Chapter 12

  Tyler

  HOLY FUCK!

  Chapter 13

  Kyla

  Tyler’s jaw dropped as he took me in. “You are beautiful Kyla. I always knew, but seeing you like this is just… breathtaking.”

  I stood there before him in my black strapless bra, lacy black thong, and four inch heels. I felt sexy and alive for the first time. I stepped out of my dress that was puddled on the floor and took the champagne glasses from his hands. I took a long sip and set them on the dresser.

  Tyler seemed frozen in place. I turned to him, “You like?” I took his hands and put them on my sides. I guided them down past my waist and over my hips. I reached up, put my hands on his shoulders up under his tux jacket, eased it down his arms and dropped it to the floor.

  His hands reached for my ass and he lifted me like I was weightless. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bed and set me down gently. He reached up to take off his tie as I started to slip the buttons on his shirt through the holes. Tyler kneeled down on the floor in front of me, making quick work of the rest of his buttons and shrugging out of his shirt.