They floated down to reality - slowly becoming aware of the carpet burn on their skin. There were red welts on her back, crumpled papers at their feet. She felt as if time had stopped, the title on her papers slowly coming into focus and branding itself on her mind.
He was still on top of her, she could see the tiniest pores and razor burn on his jawline. She savoured the feel of his heartbeat against her breast, with his eyes closed, he looked vulnerable enough to pull at her heartstrings. Suddenly, there was nothing more she wanted than to fall asleep just the way they were. An old nineties song floated into her mind... I could stay awake... I don't want to close my eyes... by Aerosmith. And she knew she was in a place that she would never come back from.
There would be plenty of time to think about the risks, the heartbreak and the pain she was lining up for herself. But now, now she traced his jawline, his mouth, his brow - thinking that she never wanted to move. But then the prickly carpet really started itching and she had to get up. As she pulled up her clothes, he stirred, opened one eye and smiled. "Hey..." he smiled. She smiled back, her throat catching at how perfect he looked, she had to look away lest a tear should fall, unbidden. Picking up her tee-shirt she got dressed and sat down next to him, leaning on the chair and he promptly shifted his weight and laid his head on her thigh.
It was such a simple, young gesture that this time she had to make a conscious effort to keep her emotions in check. The sex has softened me, she thought.