Burning by K.D. Carrillo

were happening more often and lasting longer.  If that wasn't bad enough , it was also getting more painful.  The only time the pain went away completely was when Chloë was right next to me.
    I paced the floor, waiting for her to end her call so I could hold her.   My anxiety spiked, and it felt like I couldn't breathe.  Great, now I got to add panic attacks to my infliction.  I slipped into a heavy fog of stress and didn't hear my door creak open. 
    I noticed the disappearance of the pain and the slowing of my heart rate immediately.  A fraction of a second later , smooth, tan skin wrapped around my middle.  I took a deep breath and laced my fingers with Chloë's.
    "Hey, you ok ay?" she asked worried. 
    "I am now," I answered in a rough voice.  
    "Were you having a panic attack?" Her dark chocolate eyes bored into mine, searching for signs of distress.  
    I sat down in my desk chair and pulled her onto my lap.   With her close to my heart, I was able to take another deep breath.  "Yeah. I've been under a lot of stress lately," I admitted. 
    "Why?  Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked, concerned. 
    I laughed.  I couldn't resist her pouty , berry-colored lips, so I pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth.  "Have you ever heard of an incomplete bond?"
    Her eyebrows scrunched together, and she shook her head. 
    "Well I hadn't either, but I told you about the withdrawal-like symptoms I had when I was visiting my parents." 
    "What were you withdrawing from?" she asked innocently. 
    "You," I answered simply. 
    "Me?" she squeaked. 
    "Mmmhmm." I kissed her again.  I wanted to keep kissing her.  My body started burning slightly and urged me to complete the bond.  "My dad pulled me aside and explained it to me.  Apparently I am completely bound to you, but you aren't bound to me.  My body is trying to force me to finish the bond, and until I do, it is physically painful for me to be away from you," I explained vaguely.
    I should have known she wouldn't let it go.  "How exactly do we complete the bond?" 
    I gave her a wicked smile.  I was sure it was wicked because my thoughts after her question strayed past an R rating.
    "Oh, so we would have to..." she trailed off.  Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink, and I kissed her again.  
    "Don't worry about me.  I don't want you to feel any pressure to be with me.  I love you.  When we take that step I want you to know it will be forever.  I can wait," I reassured her.
    "I don't want to rush things this time," she said quietly. 
    "We have been doing the friend dance for the last ten months.  I have waited for you to be ready to give me another chance this entire time.  I can wait longer.  I told you last winter that I'll wait forever for you," I told her again. 
    "Why couldn't you have been this sweet from the beginning?" she asked.
    "I'm an idiot.  It's a character flaw I worked hard to get rid of.  I must have done something right. I've got you right where you belong," I teased. 
    "Oh yeah?  And where do I belong?" she challenged. 
    "Right here.  In my arms and next to my heart," I answered and kissed her again.
    I grabbed her hair and tilted her head.  I could feel my heart racing, and I was desperate for more.  I gently nibbled her bottom lip, and when I felt her gasp, I slid my tongue against hers.  I growled, and my kiss became more frantic.  She turned on my lap until her legs and knees framed mine.  My other arm pulled her tight against my chest.  I wanted to carry her to my bed and make love to her until she was completely mine.  I pulled away from her with the last scrap of my self-control.  I was panting.
      "Sorry.  It is getting harder to control myself with you.  I'm not trying to pressure you," I apologized.  
    "Don't apologize to me for kissing me.   That was the hottest kiss I have ever had," she said, unconsciously touching her lips.  I groaned as I watched her stroke her kiss-swollen lips and then buried my head