Chapter 2: Building Tension
The cool evening air nipped at Lori's bare arms as she pushed open the heavy wooden door of her apartment, the hinges creaking softly in protest. The aroma of stale cigarettes and old books wafted through the dimly lit hallway, a scent that was both familiar and comforting. Mike followed closely behind her, his tall, broad frame filling the narrow space. The silence between them was thick with anticipation, the air positively crackling with unspoken desires.
Lori's heart pounded in her chest like a wild drum, each beat echoing the words "What the fuck am I doing?" in her mind.
She paused at the door to her apartment, her hand trembling slightly as she fumbled with the keys. Behind her, Mike waited patiently, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the hallway lights. Lori finally managed to unlock the door and pushed it open, stepping inside.
"Welcome to my humble abode," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned to face Mike, her body brushing against his as she gestured for him to enter.
The warmth of his skin sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she could feel her nipples hardening beneath the thin fabric of her dress. Mike stepped inside, his eyes scanning the cluttered apartment with genuine interest.
"Shit, Lori, you've got a lot of stuff," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I like it. Gives the place character."
Lori laughed nervously, her heart still hammering in her chest. "Yeah, I've got a bit of a hoarding problem," she admitted. She took a deep breath and decided to dive right in. "Would you like a drink?"
"Honestly Lori, I mean can I be honest here?" he said.
"Yes of course", she said smiling, "Best policy and all."
"Well, what I really want id to deepen what we have, to sit and talk and share myself with you and you with me, and at some point Lori Bolnick, I am going to deeply kiss you, and then we'll know..."
A huge rush went through her and she was so excited at his words she just blurted out
,"Well then Mike, come on, let's see what we've got here!" She was so hot and horny she was almost trembling with excitement and anticipation, the cool air of the room now making her nipples stand out even more. She sat down on the couch and allowed her skirt to ride way up on her thighs, and she looked up at him signaling he should sit next to her. She could feel her erect nipples against the fabric of her dress and saw his eyes flick down to them a couple times.
Mike chuckled, a low, sexy sound that sent a shiver down Lori's spine. "So it begins," he murmured, as he sat down close next to her. "What do you want to talk about first? Maybe, how I end up making love to you?"
Mike asked, his voice a low rumble, sending a wave of heat coursing through Lori's body. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry.
"Maybe," she managed to reply, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel the heat of his body next to hers, the scent of his cologne filling her nostrils. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.
Mike reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed against her lower lip, sending a jolt of electricity through her. "You're so beautiful, Lori," he whispered.
"I've been dreaming of this moment since I first saw you."
His words sent a thrill through her, and she leaned into his touch. "You have?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Mike nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Every night, I fantasize about what it would be like to be with you." He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers softly. It was a tease, a promise of what was to come. Lori's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't believe how quickly she was responding to him, how much she wanted him. "But Lori," he said, "I know it isn't likely on a first date anyway, but I want you to know, that even if you do want me too, it won't be tonight. I don't do first date, one night stand sex. If we decide to do this, it is about us wanting to spend time together. So tonight, we can do everything, BUT. Ok?"
She melted at this and was so sure she had made the right choice, James being a million miles from her mind at that moment.
"Mike, I want that too. I want us to explore each other, to learn about each other. And yes, I know it won't be tonight, but I'm so turned on right now all I can think about is how good it will feel when we finally do," Lori admitted, her voice husky with desire.
Mike smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Good. Then let's explore.
Let's get to know each other better," Mike suggested, his voice low and sultry as he gently traced the line of her jaw with his thumb.
Lori's heart pounded in her chest, her breaths coming in short gasps. She could feel the heat of his body, the way his touch sent sparks of desire coursing through her veins. She wanted more, so much more, but she knew he was right. They needed to take their time, to savor this moment and each other.
She nodded, her eyes locked onto his.
"What do you want to know, Mike? Anything."
He smiled, a slow, sexy curve of his lips that made her heart race even faster. "Everything, Lori. I want to know everything about you."
She laughed softly, a sound filled with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. "Well, that's a tall order. Where do you want to start?"
Mike's hand drifted from her cheek to her shoulder, his touch light and teasing. "How about we start with your favorite things? What makes Lori Bolnick happy?"
Lori took a deep breath, her mind racing with possibilities.
She loved this game, the slow dance of discovery that came with getting to know someone new. And with Mike, it felt different, more intense. She could feel the excitement building between them, a palpable energy that seemed to fill the room.
"Well, I love traveling," she started, her voice soft but steady. "I've been to dozens of countries, and each one has a special place in my heart. I love the way traveling forces you to live in the moment, to experience new cultures, new foods, new people."
Mike's eyes lit up at the mention of travel. "That's amazing, Lori. I've always wanted to do more traveling myself.
What's your favorite place you've been to?" Mike asked, his voice filled with genuine interest.
Lori smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she began to recount her adventures. "Oh, that's a tough one. But if I had to choose, I'd say it's a tie between Italy and Thailand. In Italy, the food, the wine, the history—it's all so rich and vibrant. And in Thailand, the beaches, the culture, the people—they're all so welcoming and full of life." "I can only imagine...So what makes you melt in the bedroom Lori?"
Mike asked, his voice low and sultry. Lori looked up at him, her heart fluttering in her chest. She knew where this was going, and she was both excited and nervous about it. She took a deep breath and decided to be honest.
"Well, Mike, I have to say, I've always been more of a... receiver, if you know what I mean," she admitted, her voice soft but steady. "I love when a man takes control, when he knows what he wants and goes for it.
But it's more than just that. I love the connection, the intimacy. I love when a man looks at me, really looks at me, and makes me feel like I'm the only woman in the room. Like I'm the only woman he wants. And I love when he takes his time, when he explores every inch of my body, like he's unwrapping a present." Lori's voice was soft, but her eyes were filled with a mixture of desire and vulnerability.
Mike listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers. He could see the passion in her, the longing for something more. He leaned in, his voice a low rumble. "You mean like I'm looking at you RIGHT NOW? Pure desire and thinking every moment how beautiful you are and how badly I want to taste your lips..."
"Lori, I don;t care how I got THIS lucky, and I plan to run with it, but what about James...how should I be thinking of him in all this?"
Mike's voice was soft, yet intense, as if he were carefully choosing his words. Lori's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by his directness. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Mike, I... I don't know. I've been with James for a long time, and I care about him. But lately, it feels like we're just going through the motions. We've grown apart, and I don't think either of us is happy anymore," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mike nodded, understanding her predicament. "I see.
And how does he make you feel, Lori? When you're with him, I mean. Do you feel loved? Cherished? Desired?" Mike's voice was gentle, probing, but not judgmental. He was offering her the space to be honest, to unburden herself.
Lori looked down, her fingers playing with the hem of her dress. She took a deep breath before answering. "No, not really. I mean, he tries, I think. But it's just... different now. It's like we're strangers living in the same house. We don't talk, we don't laugh, we don't...
we don't make love," Lori admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "It's been months since we've done anything more than a quick peck on the cheek. And even that feels forced sometimes."
Mike's eyes softened with sympathy, but there was also a spark of determination in them. "Lori, you deserve to be with someone who makes you feel alive, who makes you feel like the most important person in the world. Someone who can give you what you need, both in and out of the bedroom."
Lori looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear. "But Mike, I'm still with James.
I can't just... leave him and jump into something new. I need time," Lori said, her voice wavering slightly. She looked up at Mike, her eyes searching for understanding.
Mike nodded, his expression serious. "I know, Lori. And I'm not asking you to. I'm just saying that you deserve to have what you need. And if that means taking some time to figure things out, then that's what you should do. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here, waiting, for as long as it takes."
Lori felt a rush of gratitude and warmth at his words.
She reached out, her hand gently cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his jawline. "Thank you, Mike. That means a lot to me," she said, her voice soft and sincere.
Mike covered her hand with his own, his fingers intertwining with hers. "You don't have to thank me, Lori. I mean every word I say. I've been where you are now. I know what it feels like to be in a relationship that's lost its spark, to feel like you're just going through the motions.
And I also know what it feels like to find someone who makes you feel alive again. Someone who makes you laugh, who challenges you, who desires you."
Lori felt a lump form in her throat as she looked into Mike's eyes. She knew he was telling the truth, that he understood her situation better than most. It was this understanding, this patience, that made her feel safe with him.
"But for now," Mike continued, his voice gentle, "let's just enjoy each other's company. Let's talk, let's laugh, let's learn about each other.
And who knows, maybe later, we'll do more. But for now, let's just be here, together," Mike said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Lori felt a wave of relief wash over her. She smiled, her eyes never leaving Mike's. "I'd like that. I'd like that very much."
They sat there for a moment, simply enjoying the silence, the warmth of each other's company. Lori could feel the tension easing from her shoulders, her body relaxing into the comfort of the couch. She reached out and took a sip of her wine, the cool liquid sliding down her throat.
"So, can I be honest?, she said. He nodded. "Well, I think I really need you to kiss me. Is that Ok?" Lori said, blushing.
Mike smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement and desire. "I think that can be arranged," he said, his voice low and husky. He leaned in, his hand gently tilting her chin up so that their faces were mere inches apart.
Lori's heart pounded in her chest as she looked into Mike's eyes, seeing her own desire reflected back at her. She couldn't believe how quickly he had managed to make her feel so comfortable, so safe, and so turned on all at the same time.
Mike's lips brushed against hers softly, a gentle tease that had Lori's breath hitching in her throat.
She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of him so close, the warmth of his breath mingling with her own. His lips were soft and firm at the same time, and Lori could feel the heat building between them, a slow burn that threatened to consume her.
He paused, his lips hovering just above hers, his eyes searching hers. "Is this okay, Lori?" he whispered, his voice low and intimate.
Lori nodded, her eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze. "Yes," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "More than Ok, I want you so bad right now, I feel like I'm flooding my damn panties." Her blush was REALLY deep now...
"Ok, so, here it is...give me your hand..." and he took her hand and ran it over the front of his pants, and she gasped lightly as she could feel the steel hardness of him in his pants and how incredibly excited he had him...
"Wow!, that's for me? I made that?" He nodded. "Now your turn? ", He said, Can I feel what you said is happening?"
Lori blushed deeper and took Mike's hand and placed it between her legs, where the wetness had soaked into her panties. Mike felt her heat and wetness through the fabric, and his eyes darkened with desire. "Fuck, Lori," he breathed, his voice hoarse with need. "You're so wet, so ready. I want to taste you."
Lori swallowed hard, her body on fire with need. "I want that too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want your mouth on me, Mike. I want to feel your tongue exploring every inch of me."
Mike groaned, his eyes never leaving hers. "Not tonight, we promised..." But I will do this, and he slid his hand into her panties, and started to lovingly tease her and get his fingers moving closer and closer to her seriously throbbing clit...
Lori's breath hitched in her throat as she felt his fingers brush against her most sensitive spot. She gasped, her hips bucking slightly, hungry for more. Mike smiled, his eyes locked onto hers as he gently began to rub circles around her clit, applying just enough pressure to send waves of pleasure radiating through her body.
"Oh god, Mike," Lori moaned, her voice thick with desire. "That feels so good."
Mike leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "You like that, don't you, Lori?
Feeling my hand on you, knowing that I'm the one who's making you feel this way?" Mike's voice was a low growl, his breath hot on her ear. Lori nodded helplessly, her hips moving in time with his fingers, her body begging for more.
"Yes, Mike. I do. I want more."
Mike's fingers continued their slow, torturous path, building her desire Higher and higher. He knew how to draw out her pleasure, to make her cry out for more. And he loved every second of it.
"Good girl," he murmured, his voice thick with desire.
"You're so responsive, Lori. I can't wait to see what else makes you moan like that."
Lori's breath came in short gasps, her body tensing with each stroke of his fingers. She was so close, so desperate for release. But she didn't want this to end too quickly. She wanted to savor every moment, every touch, every whisper.
"Mike," she managed to gasp out, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, I need... I want..."
Mike's hand stilled for a moment, and he looked up at her, a wicked smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"You want what, Lori? Tell me."
Lori's breath was coming in short gasps, her body on fire with need. She knew what she wanted, what she needed, but asking for it felt almost dirty, almost wrong. But she also knew that she was safe with Mike, that he would give her what she wanted.
She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. "I want you to make me come, Mike. I want you to make me come so hard I can't remember my own name."
Mike's smile widened, and he nodded slowly, his eyes darkening with desire. "Your wish is my command, Lori. But not yet, let's keep you on the edge for a while."
"Ohhhhhh...Myyyyy....Goddd...I am SO close...Soooooooooo Cloooose"
she moaned, her body writhing under his touch. Mike knew exactly what he was doing, teasing her just to the brink of ecstasy and then pulling her back just enough to keep her on the edge. He loved the way she responded to him, her body arching and her breath coming in short gasps.
"Mike, please...I'm begging you," she pleaded, her voice strained with desire.
Mike chuckled, a deep, sexy sound that vibrated through her. "Patience, Lori. We have all night." He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear.
"I want to hear you beg for it, Lori. I want to hear you scream my name."
Lori's breath hitched in her throat, her body on fire. She knew she was close, so close to the edge, but Mike was right. They had all night. And she wanted to savor every moment, every touch, every sensation.
"Please, Mike," she begged, her voice ragged with need. "Please, make me come."
Mike's fingers finally found her clit, and he began to circle it with firm, steady pressure. Lori gasped, her hips bucking wildly as waves of pleasure washed over her.
Mike's fingers worked her clit with expert precision, drawing out her orgasm in slow, deliberate strokes. "Mike...oh god, Mike," she moaned, her body convulsing with each pulse of pleasure.
Mike's other hand gripped her hip, holding her in place as she rode out her orgasm. He watched her intently, his eyes filled with lust and admiration. "That's it, Lori," he whispered, his voice hoarse with desire. "Give in to it. Let go."
Lori's body shuddered one last time before collapsing against the cushions, breathless and panting.
Mike's fingers slowly trailed down her inner thigh, finally pulling away and bringing them to his lips. He sucked them clean, savoring her taste, before letting out a satisfied sigh.
"That was... amazing," Lori managed to gasp out, her voice barely more than a whisper. She looked up at Mike, her eyes dazed and dreamy, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Mike grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Glad to hear it. But remember, that was just the beginning."
Lori laughed softly, her body still tingling with residual pleasure.
"But tonight, beautiful Goddess, we're done...you have a lot to think about, and if I go any further, I don't know what will happen..." he said.
"Oh No! She said, that isn't how this works," and with that she pushed him back on the couch and went to work on his belt and zipper and the front of his shorts, and within seconds she had his throbbing erection in her hand, the tip covered in sweet lube, and she said "I get 15 minutes too!" and lowered her mouth over the head of his wet thick hard cock...
As Lori's warm, wet mouth enclosed the tip of his cock, Mike let out a low, guttural groan. He had meant to stop her, to remind her of their promise, but the feeling of her mouth on him was too intoxicating to resist. He watched in awe as she slowly took him deeper, her red lips stretched wide around his thick shaft. She moaned softly around his cock, the vibration sending shockwaves of pleasure through him.
"Fuck, Lori," he breathed, his voice hoarse with desire. "You feel amazing."
Lori hummed in response, the sound sending another jolt of pleasure through him.
She was taking him deeper and deeper, her head bobbing gently up and down, her tongue swirling around the sensitive underside of his cock. Mike groaned again, his hips bucking slightly as she took him to the back of her throat, her nose nuzzling against his pubic bone.
He looked down at her, his eyes heavy with lust and admiration. She was everything he had hoped for and more. She was enthusiastic, eager, and so damn sexy. He knew that she was breaking their promise, but he also knew that he couldn't stop her. He didn't want to stop her. And he was glad to know that she wasn't one of those women who just slid up and down, and she was doing things with her tongue that brought him up that steep incline to orgasm quickly...
too quickly. He put a hand on her shoulder, his breath coming in short gasps. "Lori, you gotta stop, or I'm gonna..." he managed to gasp out, his body tensing.
Lori looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and desire, her cheeks flushed and her lips swollen from her efforts. She slowly pulled back, her mouth releasing his cock with a soft pop. She licked her lips, savoring the taste of him, before smiling up at him mischievously.
"Is that so?" she teased, her voice husky with arousal.
"I guess we'll have to do something about that, won't we?"
Mike let out a low, strained laugh, his chest heaving as he tried to regain control of his breathing. "You're a dangerous woman, Lori," he said, his voice thick with desire. "I don't think I can handle much more of that tonight."
Lori pouted playfully, her hand still wrapped around his throbbing length. "Oh, come on, Mike. You can't leave me like this. I'm so wet, so ready for you."
Mike groaned, his eyes locked onto hers. "We promised, and I'm a man of my word...so take this. If you want me when you wake up tomorrow, all you have to do it tell me, and I will be back, and ready to give you ANYTHING you want. Deal?"
Lori looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and desire in them, and nodded. "Deal," she whispered.
She pulled her mouth away from his cock, her lips leaving a wet trail as she moved up his body. She settled herself beside him on the couch, her head resting on his chest. Mike wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. They lay there in silence for a moment, their bodies pressed together, their breaths slowly returning to normal.
"You know," Lori said softly, tracing the lines of Mike's chest with her fingertips, "I've never done this before.
The whole 'let's just see where this goes' thing. I've always been the type to dive headfirst into relationships, no questions asked." She looked up at Mike, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the nearby table lamp. "It's... scary, but also kind of exciting."
Mike's chest rumbled with a quiet chuckle as he looked down at her. "Scary and exciting? That's a dangerous combination, Lori." He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his hand absently stroking her hair. "But I understand what you mean. I've been there too. The commitment-phobe phase, I mean.
It can be agonizing, not knowing where things stand, where they're going, if they're going anywhere at all. But it can also be freeing, in a way. It's like... exploring a new city without a map. You don't know where you're going, but every turn brings new sights, new experiences. And sometimes, those unexpected detours lead you to places you never even knew existed."
Lori's eyes sparkled with curiosity and a touch of nerves. "So, what's been your favorite detour?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Mike's eyes softened as he looked down at her, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "My favorite detour? That's a tough one. I've had a lot of... interesting experiences, especially in the last few years. But if I had to pick one, I'd say it was a trip I took to New Orleans a few years back."
Lori's eyes widened with interest. "New Orleans? That sounds amazing. What happened?"
Mike settled back against the couch, his arm still wrapped around Lori as he began to recount his tale.
"I was there for a conference, but I ended up skipping a few sessions to explore the city. I got lost in the French Quarter, wandered into this tiny little jazz bar, and ended up spending the entire night dancing with a group of locals. They were teaching me how to play the washboard—yes, the washboard, Lori. It was the most ridiculous, most amazing night of my life."
Lori laughed, her eyes shining with amusement and delight. "That sounds incredible, Mike. I've always wanted to go to New Orleans. The food, the music, the culture—it all sounds so vibrant and alive."
Mike nodded, his voice filled with warmth.
"That's the thing about New Orleans. It has a way of drawing you in, of making you feel alive. I left that trip with a newfound appreciation for music, for spontaneity, and for the people I met along the way. It was a detour I never saw coming, but it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
Lori's eyes were filled with a mix of awe and longing as she listened to Mike's story. She could picture the lively jazz bar, the laughter, and the warmth of the local people.
It was a side of Mike she hadn't seen before—vibrant, spontaneous, and full of life. She found herself falling even more under his spell, drawn in by his charisma and the promise of shared adventures.
"I've never been to New Orleans," Lori admitted, a wistful smile on her face. "But I'd love to go someday. Maybe with you."
Mike's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'd love that," he said, his voice soft and sincere.
"We could explore the city together, get lost in the French Quarter, eat our way through the best restaurants, and maybe even learn to play the washboard ourselves."
Lori laughed, the sound light and carefree. "That sounds perfect," she agreed. "And maybe, just maybe, we could find our own unexpected detour along the way."
Mike's hand drifted down from her hair, his fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw. He used his thumb to tilt her chin up, so that their eyes met. His gaze was intense, filled with a mix of desire and something deeper, something that made Lori's heart flutter in her chest.
"You know, Lori, there's something about you that draws me in. It's like... like a magnet, pulling me closer, closer, until I can't resist any longer."
Lori's breath hitched in her throat, her heart pounding like a wild drum. She felt it too, that magnetic pull, that undeniable connection between them. She reached up, her hand gently cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his jawline.
"I feel it too, Mike," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like... like we're meant to be together.
Like this wasn't just some casual fling, but something... meaningful." Mike's voice was low and intense, his eyes never leaving hers. Lori could see the sincerity in his gaze, could feel the weight of his words resonating deep within her. She knew what he was saying was true, but it was also terrifying. She had been with James for so long, had built a life with him, and now she was standing on the precipice of something new, something uncertain.
But she also knew that she couldn't deny the connection she felt with Mike, the way her body responded to him, the way her heart raced whenever he was near.
She took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening.
"You know, Mike, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. About my life, about the choices I've made, and the ones I still have to make."
Mike's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Lori, what are you trying to say?"
She looked up at him, her eyes searching his for understanding and support.
"I think... I think I need to make some changes, Mike. Big changes.
And I think I'm ready to make them."
Mike's expression softened, his hand cupping her cheek gently. "Lori, I know this is hard for you. But I'm here for you, no matter what you decide."
Lori nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I know, Mike. And that's what makes this so much easier. I trust you."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "I think I need to tell James how I feel. I can't keep living like this, in limbo.
I owe it to both of us to be honest, to give us both the chance to move on." Mike nodded slowly, his eyes filled with empathy. "I understand, Lori. And I'm here for you, whatever you need. Just promise me one thing." Lori looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and fear. "What's that?" Mike's voice was soft but firm. "Promise me that you'll take care of yourself, no matter what happens. Promise me that you won't let James or anyone else dictate your happiness. You deserve to be happy, Lori.
And if that means making some tough decisions, then that's what you need to do." Lori took a deep breath, her decision solidifying in her mind. "I'll do it, Mike. I'll tell James. I'll tell him how I feel, and we'll go from there." She looked up at Mike, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for being here for me, Mike. I don't know what I'd do without you." Mike smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the warmth in his voice. "You don't have to worry about that, Lori. Now, how about we get some sleep?
You've got a big day ahead of you, and I don't want you to be exhausted when you face James," Mike said gently, tucking a strand of hair behind Lori's ear.
Lori nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You're right. It's been a long day. And I need to be at my best tomorrow."
Mike stood up, offering his hand to help Lori to her feet. "Come on, let's get you to bed. I work a short day tomorrow, and then I'll be here if you need me, okay?"
Lori took his hand, nodding, allowing him to lead her to her bedroom.
As they walked down the short hallway, the soft light from the living room cast long shadows on the worn hardwood floor. Lori's place wasn't large, but it felt cozy and lived-in, a reflection of her eclectic personality.
Mike pulled back the comforter on the queen-sized bed, its mismatched sheets and pillows giving it a well-loved look. Lori slipped out of her dress, letting it pool at her feet before climbing into bed. She curled up on her side, her back to Mike as he pulled the covers up to her shoulders.
He leaned down and kissed her gently on the shoulder. "Sleep well, Lori. I'm heading home, but call me if you need me." Lori turned her head slightly, looking up at Mike as he stood beside the bed. "I will," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. For everything."
Mike smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the warm glow of the dimly lit room. I mean it when I say I'm here for you." He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, beautiful."
Lori's eyes fluttered closed as Mike's lips brushed against her skin. She could feel the comforting warmth of his touch lingering, even after he had pulled away. Once he was gone, she fell asleep quickly knowing tomorrow would be a big day in her life.