Chapter 23

Christmas Weekend, 1976

The James’s opened their presents on the morning of Christmas Eve because they would be going to Mrs. J’s parents tonight and to Mr. James’ parents on Christmas day. RJ would be going with them. They’d be away until the 26th. I decided to remain behind, not wanting to intrude on their family traditions. I felt like my presence would put a damper on everyone else’s enjoyment. I was feeling just a little bit melancholy. This is my first Christmas in this reality, and I was feeling unexpectedly lonely.

I called Eve and asked if she wanted to spend the day with me. I told her I would home alone until Monday the 26th. She quickly agreed, and I drove over to pick her up. She had a small overnight bag with her when. I asked about the overnight bag. She said she had packed for all contingencies.

“Are you okay with this?” I asked.

“Oh, yes. I’ve dreamt of spending the night in your bed and in your arms.”

“No pressure.” I thought to myself.

“So, what do you do today?” I asked.

“Michael, It’s Time...”

“Color me confused it’s time? Time for what?”

“Time for you to make love to me.” She answered.

I was able to maintain control of the T-Bird and drive safely, even though the sixteen-year-old in me wanted to get back to the house as quickly as I could. I drove straight home.

When we got into the house, I had her sit down on the living room sofa. I asked her, “Does your mother know about your plans. I’m sure she’ll be calling when she thinks you’ve spent enough time away from home. Most of our dates when we’ve been alone have only lasted a couple of hours or so. Just enough time for a movie and a quick bite to eat, not really enough time for actually getting to know each other.” We did try to make time for brief make-out sessions, but they had never gotten anywhere.

“Yes, she knows of my intention to spend the night. She also knows what my overall goal is as well. She and I talked at length about this last week. My mother has finally agreed that you are a good, caring young man and knows that you love me. She is happy for me, if a little sad, that I will not be waiting until my wedding night to experience lovemaking. She said she understood the desire to have sex with someone you care about.”

I went over to the fireplace and made a fire from some wood from the small pile stacked next to it. I made a point to keep some wood in the house during the winter. There was also a giant wood pile outside on the side of the garage. I made a fire. Soon it was going well. I went outside and got some more wood from the wood pile, and brought it into the house, restocking the stack by the fireplace.

As the afternoon transitioned into early evening, I headed upstairs to the hallway closet to grab a large quilt and a couple of pillows. I laid the quilt out in front of the fireplace and dimmed the lights. Then, I went outside to fetch more wood from the wood pile and replenished the supply next to the fireplace. We settled down by the fire and started to kiss.

I spent what felt like an eternity gently exploring her every curve, planting soft, lingering kisses while my hands roamed artfully over her exposed skin. Slowly, I unwrapped her from the comforts of her sweater and freed her feet from their shoes, continuing my tender caresses in an effort to allay the quiet fears of what lay ahead. With deliberate care, I unclasped the buttons of her blouse, allowing it to fall away in a cascade of fabric that revealed the smooth, inviting canvas of her skin. I then carefully released her bra, letting it slip away, and as I cradled her exquisitely shaped breasts, I marveled at their graceful curves. My touch grew bolder as I caressed them, sending shivers of delight through her; her nipples reacted to my attention, hardening in response to the playful pinch that elicited a soft, involuntary squeak from her lips.

Her eyes, half-closed in mounting anticipation, confirmed that her desire was kindled. Gently, I laid her down on her back, and my kisses became more fervent, celebrating the delicate peaks of her breasts and the sensitive allure of her nipples. I trailed passionate kisses down the expanse of her tummy, savoring the warmth of her skin, until I reached the tender curve at her belly button, where I deliberately slowed, savoring every moment. One button at a time, I unfastened her jeans, each small act of release building a deeper layer of intimacy.

Sliding my hand between the soft fabric of her jeans and the whisper of her white cotton panties, I began a gentle exploration over the thin material that separated us from a more private realm. It wasn’t long before her body responded—arching gracefully, inviting my touch and signaling her openness to what was to come. Sensing her readiness, I swept away her jeans and panties in one fluid motion, tossing them aside near the couch so that her glorious, unadorned beauty could be fully admired. I gazed at her luminous form, captivated by her radiance, and met her eyes that shimmered with anticipation. Leaning in, our lips found each other and the kiss that followed was one of deep, ever-growing passion.

Her silent yearning was unmistakable; she was pleading for more as her desire blossomed into unmistakable hunger. With a playful laugh, I rose and let my own clothing fall away until I stood bare, illuminated by the dancing shadows and golden warmth of the firelight. Outside, darkness had softly enveloped the world, marking the temporal passage of our intimate interlude.

I reached into my wallet and pulled out a condom, but Eve had whispered her wish to forego it for our first time—a wish rooted in her year-long commitment to birth control and her longing for the unmediated connection of skin against skin. Gently, I set the package aside and nestled close to her, promising in hushed tones that I would be as gentle as possible.

Returning her to a comfortable repose, I resumed my exploration with renewed passion. I kissed my way down to her mound, each kiss a delicate note in a symphony of lust. As I neared her most intimate essence, I was embraced by her musky aroma—a heady perfume that stirred a profound desire deep within me. Lapping at that alluring scent, I allowed my tongue to venture inside, seeking the delicate threshold of her pleasure. In a moment of tender audacity, I discovered her little button and teased it with the gentle caress of my teeth before drawing it into a soft, lingering suck. Feeling the unmistakable wetness that spoke of anticipation, I introduced a single finger into her, moving slowly in a rhythmic, explorative dance.

Before long, the soft moans that began to escape her lips transformed into deeper, more fervent sounds, each breath heavier than the last. Sensing her mounting ecstasy, I increased the pace of my teasing, both with my tongue and my gentle ministrations. A raw, guttural cry broke the quiet as her orgasm surged through her, a wild crescendo that took over completely. When she finally found her voice again, she pleaded eagerly for me to finish what we had begun, her desire unmistakable and overwhelming.