Chapter 18

Buffy held her breath as William pulled the metal bar down, securing them into the chair of the Ferris wheel.

“Why did it take us so long to do this?” she asked as they slowly were lifted into the dark sky. The ride stopped rotating every few seconds to allow more passengers aboard.

“Guess we always had something else to do,” William suggested, motioning Buffy closer and tucking her under his arm.

“It’s so beautiful; the stars seem so much closer.” Buffy sighed dreamily and rested her head on William’s shoulder. “Now I see why you fantasized about this when we were younger.”

With a little grin, she reached for his hand and threaded their fingers together. As the creaky wheel turned, Buffy listened to the sounds of people enjoying the carnival and music of the other rides that surrounded them.

“Buffy,” William whispered, bringing her attention back to their private seat. “You mind if I…”

“Not all,” she answered taking her eyes from the sky to search his face. Assuming that she knew what he was going to say, Buffy caressed William’s cheeks before giving him a light kiss. “I was just stalling before the fireworks.” As if on cue, the first pop crackled above them and colorful sparks filled the air. “For a minute there I was afraid that they’d be too late and that the ride would end too soon--.”

“You set this all up?”

“Well, it didn’t take much, just had to get you in the right place at the right time.” She rested her hand on his knee and as they kissed, her fingers traveled slowly up his thigh.

“Buffy, I don’t think that that’s a good idea,” William whispered when she moved closer and closer to the zipper of his jeans. “The ride’s about to end and--.”

“Wouldn’t want to get anything started that we can’t finish?”

“Exactly.”

“You’re still predictable, even after all these years. I love it.” Smiling, Buffy nuzzled his blushing face. “Here I thought you’d get the hang of public displays of affection--.”

“Oh, pet, there’s a difference between a public display of affection and a public display of fuc--.”

“Language, William!” Buffy squealed, playfully covering his mouth with her palm.

With laughter shining his eyes, William brushed her hand away and pulled her into his crushing embrace. “How can you act so innocent when we both know about your randy little hands?”

“Um…well…”

“You don’t have to answer, Buffy,” he chuckled.

Buffy sat comfortably in his arms and they continued to tease and kiss each other until it was their turn to get off of the rotating Ferris wheel.
***

“I can’t believe she’s taking away all my car privileges for a bloody month!”

Buffy sat on the edge of the bed and handed William a bag of frozen vegetables. “This’ll stop the swelling.”

“I don’t need that. A month…” he whined. “That’s uncalled for.”

“You’ll live, I promise.”

“Did I get in trouble as often when I didn’t live here?” William asked before collapsing on his bed with a huff.

“Don’t you remember taking me down the cleaning isle at the grocery store? You could describe the taste of every bar of soap--.”

“Fine. I get your point.”

“William, you should really put something cold on your face. Mom said that it’d help.” She scooted forward and tried to offer him the bag again. “I refilled the ice cube trays, but they won’t be ready for awhile. Please?” she begged.

After rolling his eyes, William took the frozen peas and dramatically plopped them onto his entire face. “Now my day is complete,” he muttered with a sarcastic tone. “I get beat up, saved by a girl, have my car taken away, and now I have pea face.”

Ignoring his self-pity, Buffy lay out next to him, took the bag off his face, and dropped it on the floor. “You looked cute with pea face.”

“You lie,” he said, rolling on his side. “I just don’t think it’ll do anything other than turn my skin pink, Buffy, and I’m ugly enough with just the war wounds.”

“Okay.” She shrugged, running her fingers through his hair. “I’ll put the peas away.”

William let out a soft moan, enjoying Buffy’s soft touches. He reached for a pillow at the top of his bed and situated himself so he could rest close to Buffy’s chest.

“You weren’t saved by a girl,” Buffy pointed out quietly. “I could’ve stayed on the sidelines, but I had to get in there and knock him around a little.”

“I know.”

“We should--.”

“Let her come in. We aren’t breaking any rules. The door’s open, we’re dressed from head to toe and I’m going to keep all my parts to myself.”

“I was going to say that we should talk more about Thursday,” Buffy admitted with a laugh. “It’s coming up; it’s the day after tomorrow.”

“Oh, that,” he yawned. “Um, just tell me what to do, love, and your wish is my command.”

Buffy grinned as William nestled his head under her chin and brushed sleepy kisses into her cleavage.

“Getting beat up takes a lot out of a guy. First I had Angel jabbing me, then your mom gave me the verbal blows…”

“I can’t wait to see what he looks like at school.”

“Bald, bruised and covered in scratches—possibly a few bite marks.”

“You bit him?”

“Hey, had to take advantage of all I had—teeth included.”

“Ew, William.”

He chuckled and let out a big yawn. “I’ve had this bitter taste in my mouth ever since. How long will it last? You should know since you’ve kissed the guy.”

“God, don’t remind me. You’ll be fine in the morning, aftertaste-wise,” Buffy said, wrapping her arms tightly around him. “I’ll stick around until you fall asleep, William.”

“You’d better,” William joked, closing his heavy eyes.
***

“I am never eating ever again,” Dawn announced as she held her stomach and sluggishly made her way up the driveway. “Cotton candy, hot dogs, pizza, and Tilt-a-Whirls so do not mix.”

“Don’t forget the ice cream and candy, bit.”

“Oh, God, I’m going to die,” she moaned at William’s comment. “Kill me now.”

“That can be arranged.”

“Very funny, Buffy,” Dawn grumbled as she unlocked the front door. “So you guys going to say goodnight or are we having us a little slumber party?”

“I thought you were dying, why should you care?” Buffy teased, waiting on the sidewalk, arms linked with William. “Just give us a minute and I’ll be in to make sure that you aren’t dead.”

“Yeah right. Do whatever you want, I’m too sick to care.”

“Isn’t she a dramatic one?” William said once Buffy’s sister was out of sight.

“But you’ve got to love her…I guess.”

“Sure you won’t need help nursing our girl back to health? I make a good chicken soup.”

“I don’t think she needs to eat anymore…”

“Alright, point taken I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

Buffy grabbed William before he could cross the street. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t want you to stay over. You want to take up Dawn’s offer of a slumber party?”
***

“I heard that it was coming out of both ends,” Dawn said with a bright smile. “She can’t even move without some kind of spew-age.”

William kept his eyes on his cereal and tried not to laugh at her excitement. At least Buffy’s got one of them convinced that she’s really sick, he thought.

“Do you think she’s going to school today, Dawnie?”

“Not unless we tie a barf bag around her neck and attach her to a port-a-potty.”

“That would be amusing,” William snickered. “But, eh, not so amusing for your sister.”

“Nice save, but too late. I’m going to tell Buffy that you think her sickness is funny.”

“Please don’t,” he said, playing along until Joyce walked into the kitchen where they were eating breakfast. “Mrs. Summers, how’s Buffy?”

“She doesn’t have a fever, but she doesn’t seem to be feeling very well at all. I hate to leave her…but I’ll have Rupert check on her throughout the day.”

“Really?” he asked, nearly choking on his cereal. “But Giles is working and—never mind.”

“Dawn, are you about ready to go? I don’t want to be late. William, we can drop you off at the high school if you don’t mind getting there a little early.”

“Oh, no thank you. I’ll walk, Mrs. Summers.”

Joyce nodded as she fluttered around the kitchen, worried about Buffy and afraid that she and Dawn wouldn’t make it on time to their fieldtrip. “Can you check on Buffy before you leave?”

“I’d be happy to...”
***

William nudged open Buffy’s bedroom door and wasn’t surprised to see his girlfriend curled in a fetal position.

“Mom?” she moaned. “I don’t think I can make it to school today…”

Without answering her, he tiptoed closer to her bed and soundlessly took off his t-shirt.

“Mom?”

“She’s gone, pet,” William answered as he slipped off his tennis shoes. “You did it. She called you in sick and didn’t tell you because she didn’t want to wake you.”

“William,” Buffy turned towards him and said his name warmly. “Hey.”

“Good morning, how’s my award-winning actress?”

“Very nice,” she purred, stretching her arms above her head. “You going to join me?”

“In a minute.”

Buffy waited patiently, watching as he unzipped his jeans. “So this not wearing anything under your clothes, you do it all the time?”

“Isn’t everyone naked under their clothes? I’ll admit to having fewer layers than most, but--.”

“Ha, I get it.” She laughed as William joined her under the blankets. “Everything ran smoothly with mom though?”

Humming, his hands moved up and down her body, allowing him to take a mental note of what she was wearing and articles of clothing that he could look forward to removing. “What did you do, Buffy? She didn’t have any doubts; in fact she’s sending Giles to check on you.”

“What? That’s not good!”

“Don’t panic, I already did that for you.” Taking a deep breath, he slid a hand under her tank top. “He can’t get in unless you let him,” he explained as he ran the pad of his thumb over one of Buffy’s erect nipples. “And if you don’t get the door, you can just say that you were sleeping.”

“That…I guess that sounds alright.” Buffy melted under William’s touch and inched closer. “You’re fine with ditching class now?”

“I still think I’ll get caught.” He gently freed her from her shirt and tossed it aside. “But when I think of what I could be missing,” William grinned, taking in the sight of Buffy’s bare chest, “it won’t be so bad. Even if I get caught, it’ll be worth it.”

“We haven’t been caught yet.”

“There’s always the possibility, Buffy.”

“I know,” she admitted, kissing his temple. “I’ll have to make it really, really worth it since you’re putting so much on the line for me. Gosh, if mom knew you were playing hooky, you’d never see your car for years.”

“Don’t…don’t say things like that,” he mumbled, as if she was talking casually about the worst punishment that he could think of.

“Okay, no more talking about getting in trouble.” Rolling over, she settled on his body, and straddled his hips between her legs. William let out a quiet groan as she pressed against him with only the thin fabric of her underwear separating them. “You won’t believe how much I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“I have a good idea, pet.”

Buffy tucked her hair behind her ears before giving William a deep kiss. As their lips fused together, she barely rocked her lower half.

“Oh, William,” she sighed, feeling his excitement grow from underneath her.

With a mixture of lust and affection shining in his eyes, William changed their positioning so he hovered above Buffy. While propping his weight on his arms, he peppered her face and neck with kisses.

“Buffy,” he whispered, “What would you like to do first?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…you know.” His fingers curled under the waistband of her underwear, pulling them to her knees. “We have a few options…um, one or two things that we haven’t tried before…”

“Such as?” she asked with wide, innocent eyes. “William, just tell me. I’m up for anything if you are.” Straining to sit up, she slipped her underwear around her ankles and kicked them away. “Come on, out with it,” she said, wrapping her arms around him and wiggling until she was comfortably sheltered by his body. “Don’t turn this into a guessing game.”

Choosing to remain silent and fearing rejection, William swallowed before giving Buffy a new line of tender kisses.

“William, would your new options have anything to do with you getting all hot and bothered over the way I licked my spoon on your birthday?”
***

William froze and weighed the pros and cons of answering Buffy’s question truthfully. Bet it’s too soon to bring it up…

“William?” Buffy ran her fingers up and down his back, causing a patch of goose bumps to rise to the surface of his naked skin. “Okay, you don’t have to tell me. I think I know what you’re getting at.”

“And, eh, what do you think about it?”

“I think you’re crazy.”

“I know, Buffy, I’m sorry--.”

“Wait, let me finish. Here you’ve been trying to get in my pants for days and now instead of having sex, you want to make things awkward by bringing up other ‘options.’ Yesh, you’re dumb.” She burst out in laughter and between her giggles, Buffy gave him quick kisses. “I love you so much, William.”

“I love you too,” he replied, not understanding what she found to be so funny.

“Let’s make a deal: make love to me and I’ll agree to whatever you want afterwards. I’ll do whatever and let you do whatever. How’s that sound?”

“You’re serious? You’re not teasing me?”

“William,” Buffy giggled, reaching towards the nightstand to retrieve a condom, “I’m very serious.”
***

“How’s the sicky?”

“She’s full of queasiness and ‘I told you so’s.”

William nodded from where he was standing in the doorway of Buffy’s room. His arms were crossed and his eyes were focused on the closed bedroom at the end of the hall.

“What are you looking at?”

“My old room—the door of my old room. Do you always keep it closed up?”

“Um…no.”

“I don’t mind if you do,” he said, uncrossing his arms. “I just wondered. Your old room is closed too?”

“I…”

“Buffy, hey, I didn’t want to frazzle you. I just—forget I said anything, pet.” Afraid that he’d said the wrong things, he stepped forward and looked at her apologetically. “Let’s get some sleep, love.”

“I moved into mom’s room after she died,” Buffy explained quietly. “Mine was too small and filled with too many memories. And yours…we were going to change it back to a guest room, but we never got to it. It looks pretty much like it did when you left. It depressed me to see it so empty and gutted so, I’ll admit it, on most days I’d just close the door.”

I hurt her so much, William thought, as Buffy looked at her shoes in embarrassment. At that moment he was reminded that no matter how well the day had gone, the wounds between them were still sore and not completely healed.

It’s going to take a bit more than just a few days, he realized. I’ll have to give her all the time she needs. I will not mess this up.

“Let’s get some sleep,” he repeated lamely, offering her a hand.

“I am kinda tired.”

“You should be.” He guided her inside the bedroom, shutting and locking the door behind them. “Is there something in particular that you’d like to sleep in?”

“Are you going to dress me?” Buffy asked, lifting a brow.

“Just answer the question.”

“In the top left drawer of my dresser you’ll find my nightgowns, any of those will be fine.”
***

Buffy smiled and watched as William kneeled on the carpet. He untied the laces on each of her shoes with care and delicately handled her feet. Once her feet were bare, he stood and concentrated on taking off the rest of her clothing. She noticed a change in the pace of his breathing as soon as she was left in nothing but her bra and panties.

“You know the bra has to go.”

“Of course,” he said, clearing his throat and placing the nightgown back down.

“Do I get to undress and dress you too?”

“If you ask nicely.”

“Pretty please?”

“Arms up.” With her back facing him, William slipped her nightclothes over her head. “You all set now?”

“Yup and thank you.” She turned and automatically reached for the buttons of his shirt. “How much should I take off since you have nothing to change into?” Buffy pushed the shirt off his shoulders and couldn’t help but run her hands along his chest. She fought the need to fan herself, her body heat rising with each stroke of the muscles that her fingers grazed over.

“Are you alright?” William asked, noticing her sudden flush.

Buffy nodded, reaching for the belt of his jeans and letting it fall to the floor. “I have some boxers you can wear.”

“I’m not wearing--.”

“They’re men’s boxers, I swear. I got them because they have Scooby Doo on them. They could be a little tight, but--.” Buffy grinned ear-to-ear, imagining him in a pair of snug cartoon-covered shorts.

“I’ll stay in my jeans.”

“No,” she whined. “You should wear the shorts! Please?”

“No way. I saw the faces that you were making, missy.”

“Please, please?” she begged, leaning forward and kissing along his collarbone.

“What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?” Batting her away, he started to pull down the sheets of the bed.

“The part where I don’t get my way.” Pouting, Buffy dove under the covers and quickly turned out the lights. Seconds later, she let out a sigh of pleasure as William wrapped his arms tightly around her.

“Good night, my love,” he whispered, putting kisses against the side of her neck. “I can’t wait to see you rise and shine in the morning.”
***
 

Chapter 19

Buffy watched William out of the corner of her eye as they rested under the covers with their shoulders touching in her small twin-sized bed. Chewing on her lower lip, she fought the urge to smile, knowing that William’s toothy grin was big enough to represent both of their satisfaction and then some. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him, thinking that he was sexier than ever as he sighed blissfully, folded his arms behind his head, and seemed at ease with the fact that her brightly colored sheets were riding dangerously low on his hips.

“That was bloody fantastic,” he said, looking thoroughly relaxed and content.

Buffy agreed silently by scooting closer and resting her head on his chest. She hugged him tight and allowed a small smile to float to the surface of her face.

“I told you that it’d get better and better,” she whispered. “You just proved my point and a lot. See what wonders taking our time can accomplish? When you did that thing with your—God, that was nice.”

She started a new trail of kisses below one of his flat nipples and journeyed up his body. When she reached his already swollen lips, they moaned in unison and explored each other’s mouths, instantly rekindling the lust and enthusiasm that they had been fueled by all morning. Like during their earlier lovemaking, Buffy surrendered wholeheartedly to William and pushed away her guilty feelings about faking an illness and lying to her mother. The chances of them getting caught were not weighing heavily on her mind and she just wanted to take full advantage of her empty house, naked boyfriend and their lack of parental supervision.

“So, William,” Buffy gasped, ripping her mouth from his, “care to give me an instant replay of your, ah, fantastic skills?”
***

William opened his eyes and struggled to read the red blurry numbers of the digital clock that sat on Buffy’s nightstand. Realizing that he was up thirty minutes before the alarm was scheduled to sound, William reached out and turned it off, knowing that Buffy wouldn’t have difficulties waking on that particular Monday morning. She was peacefully dozing on her stomach and William grinned as he brushed away her messy hair in order to see her face. After whispering her name, he leaned forward to lightly kiss Buffy’s forehead.

“Wake up, cutie,” he said, wrapping his arms around her as well as he could.

“Go away. I’m sleeping,” Buffy whined. She twisted in his embrace and made stubborn grunts in protest as he continued to kiss her face. When he refused to let go of her, she buried her head in his chest and used it as a pillow.

“Well, good morning to you too. Maybe I should just head across the street right now. A fella can tell when he’s not wanted.”

“No, don’t go. I want.” With a soft moan, Buffy snuggled into his body. “Just give me five more minutes and I promise that I’ll get up.”

“Okay, pet, the next few minutes are all yours.”

“Mmmm…good. Thank you, you’re such a honey.”

With no intention of keeping motionless while she slept, one of William’s hands slipped under Buffy’s nightgown and slid up her smooth thigh.

“William, you’re making it very difficult for me to sleep…”

“Guess you’d better give up on it then. Wake up and let’s put our extra minutes to good use, pet,” he said in a low seductive voice.

“Don’t tempt me.” Buffy put her hand of his, stopping it from pulling off her underwear. “I need to check on Dawn.”

“But--.”

“No buts allowed. Sisterly duty calls.” Buffy reached for William by threading her fingers in the back of his hair. She kissed him twice before rolling out of the bed.

“But, I thought--.”

“William, it’s school day.” Smirking, Buffy put a robe over her pajamas and headed to the door.
***

“How’s every other third Tuesday work for you?”

“What do you mean?” William asked, plopping next to Buffy on the living room couch with his arms full of snack food. She was wearing just his t-shirt and he was back in his jeans.

“I want to schedule in some more sick days. Personally, I think the more the merrier, but mom is going to get suspicious if I start claiming to have every bug and virus known to man.”

“We could switch off,” he suggested while ripping open a new bag of chips with his teeth. “I think I’d be good at the acting bit. I was in this play once--.”

“It was a non-speaking role.”

“Yes, but I did it very well,” he insisted.

“You were a tree, William. You just had to stand there and be tree-like.”

“I was a damn good tree…I had to be completely motionless and completely silent and, ah…”

“Completely leafy?”

“No! Well-never mind that. My point is: I want to do this more often too. No matter what it’ll take, I’m up for it.”

She flashed him a closed-lip smile before heading into his lap. “We just can’t over do it,” she said, leaning forward to retrieve her breakfast of choice. “There won’t be a lot of days where mom isn’t on campus. Today has been a dream, but I kinda doubt it’ll fly too many more times…but on the bright side, we’ll have your getaway car once your grounding is over--.”

“Hey now, wait a minute, you brought up penciling in more ditch days and now you’re saying we can’t?”

“I’m just thinking rationally. Open this for me?”

“Rationally? And here I thought you were just blessed with a bloody criminal mind,” William grumbled, keeping his arms snug around her while he peeled off the top of the ice cream carton that she’d put in his hands. “Be careful with this stuff, Joyce will get suspicious if all the chocolate fudge is missing and there’s nothing left but vanilla. We all know how you dig holes for the good stuff, love.”

“Pft,” she said, wiggling in his lap to find the most comfortable spot. “Be good or I won’t share.”

“Like you would; you’re stingy.”

“I am so not!” she squealed, elbowing him playfully in the stomach. “Sharing is caring and I happen to care about you a lot.”

“Elbow me again. It’s a fine symbol of your undying love and affection…”

“You’re such a big whiner,” she said, humming happily as she ate spoonfuls of ice cream. “I’m so nice to you and you know it.” Buffy paused, listening to the sound of him eating chips in her ear. “Besides, my degree of niceness will reach all new highs if we go oral. And it’s not that I’m against trying new things, but we just passed the written with flying colors and…”

Buffy trailed off, staring ahead, noticing that William had coughed once and then became silent.

“Do you think we’ll ever get over all this nervous stuff?” she asked after a few seconds crawled by. “We get wigged out so easily and we shouldn’t, you know? We’ve known each other forever…”

“It’s not like we don’t feel comfortable around each other,” William added.

“Yeah, we’re like this,” she agreed, showing him her crossed pointer and middle fingers, which represented the closeness that Buffy knew that they shared.

“You’re exactly right, pet.”

“How are you though? You look a little pale and your eyes were bugging pretty bad for awhile there.”

“I’m fine, Buffy.”

She placed a flat hand on each side of his face and searched his expression. “You didn’t forget about our agreement, right?”

“No.”

“I didn’t think you would, but I had to check,” Buffy teased lightly while petting his cheeks in a circular motion. “So, what do you think we’ll do about that pesky agreement?”

“Don’t know. We’ll find out when the time is right, I guess.”

“We do have quite a few hours before the family will be back…it’s not even noon.”

“And I’m sure we’ll make the most of those hours.”

Buffy smiled and gave William a kiss. “Oh, I guarantee that.”
***

“I’ll be there. It won’t be a problem. My sister probably won’t even know that I’m not here because of her new—well, kinda old-boyfriend.”

Buffy’s eyes instantly narrowed as she stepped closer to her sister’s partially closed bedroom door. “You’re already on the phone?”

“Don’t you ever knock?”

“This is my house, I don't have to knock. Who are you talking to? Where are you going?”

“It’s none of your business! Janice,” Dawn said, accenting her best friend’s name, “I’ll see you at school and then afterwards to study.” She slammed down the telephone and glared at Buffy. “Are you happy now?”

“Not really. I need more info, missy, and make it quick, I have my said boyfriend to tend to. I still need the what, when and where.”

“Studying for history test, after school ‘til after dinner, and at Janice’s house. I’ll call when I get there and wave when you drive by to make sure that I’m really at her house.”

“I’m happy to see that you’re picking up on the drill.”

“Well, I have no choice really. Is William really here?”

Buffy nodded. “He spent the night. We talked about it after the carnival.”

“Really?” Dawn asked, all the anger out of her voice. “I must’ve been in a stomachache-induced coma.”

“How’s that, your stomachache? Do you feel better?”

“I think so.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.”

“Hey, that’s all you wanted to know?”

“Yup. Get to school on time,” Buffy said, heading down the hallway. “I have a feeling that I might be late.”
***

A noise escaped from Buffy’s throat that was a cross between a whimper and a sigh. “He is so wonderful and so good to her,” she decided out loud, dabbing her teary eyes with a tissue. “I’m going to marry that guy…”

William’s nose wrinkled and he shot her a dirty look. “Oh, will you? Make a note not to invite me to the wedding, alright?”

“Okay,” she said, ignoring him and keeping her eyes glued on the television set. Afraid to miss a second of her favorite movie, Buffy blindly reached for the bowl of microwave popcorn that was resting in William’s lap. Her hand missed the food and managed to tip over the bowl, leaving William cursing and covered in salty kerns.

“Stop the movie. Stop the bloody movie!”

“But…” Buffy stumbled, upset that he’d grabbed the remote and started to frantically push buttons. “It was getting to the good part—the sad part—but still…it was…good.”

“Turn it back on,” she whined.

“Are you blind? You dumped half a bowl of buttery shit on my pants!” Muttering more colorful words, he cleaned the pieces of popcorn from his lap by tossing them back into the bowl. “How we will explain this to Joyce?”

“Accidents happen, bowls tip over?”

“When you’re drooling over pretty boys on the TV.”

“What’s your deal?”

“I don’t have a deal, but if my deal is bothering you, maybe I’ll just head to class for a few periods and leave you to the heartthrobs.”

Buffy blinked, his words sinking in. “You’re jealous…of actors, of people that I’ll never meet?”

“No, just of your future husband.” Refusing to look at her, he walked into the kitchen on a mission to clean his pants.

“Husband?” Buffy whispered under her breath before running after him. “William, we need to talk! You’re going crazy and you really don’t need to.”

“Talk, I’m listening, but I think I’m entitled to be crazy. After a day like the one that we’ve had, the last thing that I want to hear is your plan to marry some movie star.”

“William, but I’m a girl...”

“So what?”

“How old were we when we first started to play house?”

“I don’t know, kindergarten…maybe first grade.”

“Okay, then,” she grabbed his wrist and reestablished their eye contact, “it’s been since kindergarten or first grade that I’ve decided that we’re going to get married.”

“That was before puberty, the drooling and heartthrobs though--.”

“Shut up,” Buffy said, even though she could tell that he was teasing. “Who cares about all those attractive, rich guys? I don’t, even though they’re nice to look at...they’re nothing like you.”

“Is that supposed to be a good thing, pet?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and pushed him against the sink. “I love you.” William was barely able to say the same before her mouth came crashing down on his.

“I’d love to marry you someday and I think we’d be really happy together, but I also think that marriage isn’t something we should talk about until we both are at least licensed drivers.” Laughing, her hands slipped between them and worked on opening the clasp of his jeans.

“What are you up to, blondie?”

“Just thought it’d be easier to solve your dirty pants dilemma with them off,” she explained, tugging the jeans down and off his hips.

“I like the way you think,” he whispered, lips brushing her skin as he kissed her shoulders and neck. With busy fingers, he hiked up the shirt that Buffy was wearing until it rode at her waist.

Buffy moaned as she was pulled into his chest. She closed her eyes, and tried to stay calm, even though goose bumps appeared on her arms and her heart started to pound. “William,” she began as his heated kisses caused her head to fog and her thinking to be unclear, “I, ah, don’t think water will help the stain. Mom has this-this stuff that we can spray on them.”

“Later, don’t care about that now.”

Recognizing the lust in his voice, she nodded and in one graceful motion, Buffy jumped and latched onto William with both her arms and legs tightly wrapped around him.
***

Buffy returned to the bedroom and found the bed made and William nowhere to be seen. She didn’t search for him long, hearing the sound of running water coming from the master bathroom.

“He made the bed? Love him,” Buffy sang, dropping her robe to the floor and walking into the steam-filled room. After quickly undressing, she tapped on the glass shower door and stepped under the spraying faucet.

“Mind if I join you?”

William swallowed, his eyes taking their time and staring as they traveled upwards from her toes. “How’s, ah, Dawn? Is she still sick?”

“Nope,” Buffy answered, wringing out her hair. “Can I?” She pointed towards the shampoo that was in the corner of the shower. When she reached for it, she purposely bumped into William, causing her breasts to push into his side. “This shower has always been on the tiny side.”

“And if I’m remembering correctly, that’s why we used it whenever possible.”

Buffy smiled, flooded with their shared memories. “I liked the doors. We could recreate those steamy love scenes with the dramatic hand that slaps the glass in a moment of pleasure and then slowly slides down—God, that was a blast.”

William lifted a brow, watching as Buffy shampooed her hair. “But then you always sent me back to clean up the evidence, all those smudgy fingerprints.”

“Remember when mom caught you, Scrubbing Bubbles in hand?” she laughed. “And you had to explain your sudden need to fight water spots when it wasn’t even on your list of chores.” Buffy continued to snicker as she soaped up her sponge. “William, want to wash my back?”

Without hesitation, he took over and washed Buffy’s body with ease and familiarity. “Here I thought I’d only be able to look and not touch…it being a school day and all,” he commented, kneeling to bathe her lower half.

“You’ll just have to keep the time in mind because unlike me, you have kids to teach.”

“Don’t be tardy. I think we can manage that.”
***

William was not prepared for Buffy’s leap. He tried to keep his balance, but found it difficult with his pants around his knees.

“Oh, hell,” he said quietly, taking two steps backwards before losing his footing and crashing to the kitchen floor with Buffy still in his grasp.
***
 

Please review.

Chapter 20

“Oh my God.” Buffy covered her mouth with the palm of her hand as soft giggles shook her body. “This, uh...” she turned to see that they were tangled together and sprawled across the kitchen floor, “I wasn’t expecting this.” Bursting into laughter, she buried her head into William’s shoulder. “This is great!”

“I’m glad that you’re finding our near-death experience so hilarious. It really warms my heart.” With her weight on his body, William struggled to glance at his feet. “Bloody hell, could this be anymore embarrassing?”

“Oh come on. It’s funny.” Buffy flashed him a wide smile before dotting kisses against his skin. “Laugh with me, William.”

“I will, just as soon you move that pointy knee of yours a bit to the left.”

“What—oh! Why didn’t you say something sooner? Was I squishing your—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to squish! Should I move? I’ll...move.”

“Hey now, where are you going? Stay where you are.”

“But I don’t want to hurt you--.”

“Just watch your knee,” he said, pulling her back to his chest and kissing her forehead. “You’re staying put until I say otherwise.”

“Bossy much? But really, William, are you okay? Other than my knee...you’re okay, right?”

“I’m well enough, but that might change once I start walking around. Can you believe that I could be so clumsy, pet? I let you fall. I dropped you.”

“You also softened my landing, be sure to remember that. You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. I know that it was an accident.”

“Yeah, but just look at me, I look bloody ridiculous, Buffy. I’m completely naked except for my bloody jeans, which happen to be twisted around my bloody ankles. No wonder you started to crack up...”

“Okay, Mr. Bloody-This-and-Bloody-That, let me help.” Staring at him as a concentration point, Buffy used her bare feet to nudge his pants down and off his legs. “There. How’s that? Better?”

“Not quite. I’m still naked. Care to lend a hand—or should I say foot—with that too while you’re at it?”

“I like you naked—no, I prefer you naked.” Smirking, she playfully caressed his earlobe with her lips. “In fact, William,” she whispered, “let me give you three very enthusiastic cheers for you nakedness.” She snuggled deeper into his body and treated him to three lengthy kisses.

“Now,” she said, their lips still touching, “do you feel better?”

“I’m getting there.” William tangled one hand into her hair, while the other slipped up her shirt and ran over the smooth skin of her backside.

“William, should we...do you want to go upstairs?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Okay,” Buffy laughed as he pulled at her shirt. “Keep that up and I’ll be naked in no time.”

“That’s the point, genius. Arms up, love.”

“But won’t I just end up looking bloody ridiculous?” she teased, lifting her body to straddle his waist once she was freed of her clothing. “Before we get too carried away, are you sure that getting this naked is such a good idea?”

“In the back pocket of my jeans, I have a condoms,” William said, with a lift of his brow and flirtatious bite on his lower lip.

“Somebody’s all prepared.”

“Does that surprise you?”

“Nope. It’s better to be safe than sorry, am I right?”

“Perfectly. Like always.” Sitting up and holding Buffy securely, William scooted them back until he could rest comfortably against the dishwasher. “I’m never dropping you again, Buffy and you could never look ridiculous. You’re nothing short of beautiful. When I write, I always compare you to the most lovely things...”

“You’re a girl,” Buffy snorted, affection shining in her eyes. “Someday, you’re going to show me your writing.”

“We’ll see,” he whispered, cupping her breasts and pushing them together with his hands. His actions progressed at slow rate, gentle squeezes turning into special attention that was given to each of her nipples.

“I shouldn’t plan on it, should I? You share your poems with teachers and complete strangers, but not--.”

“Quiet, you.” Before she could get out another word, he took one of her nipples into his mouth. Each lick and move that he made with his tongue, caused Buffy to let out a quiet, throaty moan. “Now that’s more like it,” he chuckled, pausing to place light kisses on the valley between her breasts.

“William,” she groaned, gathering his hair into her fists. “You’re so good. This feels very...good.”

“I’m happy to please.” Smiling, he reached blindly for his discarded pants.

“Wait. Let me...I think I can try it now. I want to try it.”

William’s smile faded and he searched her face to make sure that she was serious.

“If you can do that stuff with your mouth, why can’t I?” Getting onto her knees, Buffy backed up and took a deep breath. “If this is disgusting,” she laughed nervously as she took his arousal into her hands, “I’m going to be so mad at you.”

“I...Buffy, you don’t have to--.” His voice sounded tight and he struggled to keep still under every maddening stroke and caress. “Bloody—good lord,” he said, squeezing his eyes shut when Buffy licked her lips and started to open her mouth.

“William, are you paying attention?”

“Yes,” he swallowed, peeking open one eye. An indescribable noise escaped from the back of his throat once she wrapped her lips around his erection.

This isn’t so bad, Buffy thought, her only discomfort resulting from the hard floor that her knees were pressing into. Her fears slowly vanished as she coaxed him to climax. Each time that he trembled and gasped her name, Buffy felt her own excitement grow and intensify.

“William, I’m just gonna...watch,” she whispered, her eyes widening, knowing that he had reached his point of no return. Not wanting to miss a moment, she scanned up and down his body, forcing her eyes to leave his stunning face.

“You liked that, didn’t you?” she said, minutes later once she rediscovered her voice. “You really...wow.”

“Now you’ve done it.” Reaching forward, he gathered her into his arms. “You’ve got a willing slave for life now. I’ll do anything. Already I can’t wait to have your mouth on me again,” he purred, nuzzling her cheek with his nose. “You’re amazing, pet. Hell, I can’t say enough.”

“Mmmm, tell me more.”

“No, I’m going to show you.” He got to his feet and collected their clothing before offering Buffy his hand. “Let’s go somewhere with more cushioning.”

“We aren’t going to have sex in the kitchen?”

“I can’t stand being on the floor any longer. It hurts, Buffy. It’s a real pain in the ass.”

“I know, look at my knees,” she said, pointing at the red spots. “Ow, see what I put up with for you?”

“You won’t get away without being rewarded.” Smirking, he walked forward to press their bodies together and kiss her lips. “Did you...what you did, it wasn’t bad, yeah?”

“It wasn’t bad.”

“Did you like it?”

“I didn’t hate it.”

“Buffy—must you always give me a hard time?”

“Yes.”

“Buffy--.”

“It was very not bad and I liked it.” Buffy laughed, touched by his relieved grin. “I liked it because you did.”

“I more than liked it,” he admitted shyly.

“I love you, William.”

“I know and I adore you. I care about you. I admire you. I love you so bloody much, Buffy.”

Sighing happily, she melted as he captured her mouth in a passionate kiss. “Are you sure that we aren’t going to have sex in the kitchen?”

“You could try that jumping thing again.”

“You won’t drop me?”

“Never.”
***

“You could go see him you know.”

“I can’t. He has papers to grade that he didn’t get done this weekend. I’ll just distract him.”

“So you’ll continue to think about him and make moon eyes?”

“Cordy, I’ve always thought about him. I’m always thinking about him.”

“Oh gag me,” Cordelia laughed. “You really should go see him and now before I throw up.”

“Didn’t you just give me a lecture about public displays of affection being against school policy?”

“I’m not saying that you should go at it on his desk,” she whispered, rolling her eyes. “Buffy, after lunch, you don’t have another break. You’ll have three hours or more without seeing him.”

“Shut up,” Buffy mumbled, taking a bite out of her sandwich.

“And you know, I never saw him get a lunch. Did he brown bag it?”

“Well...no. We were running late and...” She shifted in her seat, instantly feeling hotter due to the memories of their steamy morning together. “Maybe I should bring him up a tray. He’s always loved Taco Day in the cafeteria...”

“Well, get a move on then! You’ve got less than half an hour left.”

“Okay!” Buffy chuckled, gathering the remnants of her food. “Cordy, ah...”

“There’s no need to thank me. Just shoo! Get out of here!”
***

William looked at the clock for the umpteenth time and forced himself to stay put.

“Hell,” he groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes wide and blinked before returning to the dull paper that he was trying to tackle.

“Room service!”

William’s head spun at the three weak knocks and familiar voice. “I didn’t order any room service!”

“But you’re getting it anyway. Hey,” Buffy said, opening the door and closing the door to William’s classroom behind her. “I come bearing the yummy.”

He grinned, putting down his pen and watching as Buffy balanced a lunch tray and two cans of soda in her hands. “You need some help, pet?”

“No, I can do it. See?” She beamed proudly as she placed everything on his desk. “You haven’t eaten, right?”

“Not a crumb.”

“Well, that’s going to change—if you can leave your papers for a minute, I mean. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all.” William stood and held Buffy’s wrists lightly as he kissed her cheek and forehead. “Thank you, baby. I’m very happy to see you.”

“I, uh, had this teensy problem with staying away.”

“I shouldn’t have asked you to.”

“Did you get a lot done?”

“Well...most,” he laughed, gesturing towards a tall stack on his desk. “Those are the un-graded. I’m fighting a losing battle, I swear it.”

“I could go...”

“Over my dead body. Pull up a chair, Buffy.” Once they sat, he rolled her chair closer to his side. “How was your day?”

“Pretty good, but busy.”

“You’ve got to love Mondays, huh?” He took a large bite from his taco and wiped his mouth as he chewed.

“I like your classroom. It’s nice.”

“See, it’s better on the inside. You should’ve come inside a few days back instead of peeking through the windows.”

“Hey, I was stalking. There are certain things that you can and can’t do when you’re stalking your childhood sweetheart,” Buffy joked.

“Buffy.” Seeing her downcast eyes, he wiped his hands on his pants and motioned for her to sit on his leg. “Come here.”

“No. I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“We’re in school, William.”

“I’ve got the blinds over the windows all closed up. Kids never bug me at lunch.”

“Because you’re usually somewhere else with me.”

“Alright. Never mind. Just don’t make that mopey face anymore. It drives me insane. I see your sad eyes and pouty lip and all I can think about is finding a way to make you smile again.”

“I wasn’t trying to make faces. They kinda just happen,” Buffy shrugged, giving the door a nervous glance before sitting on his leg.

“They make me dreadfully guilty,” William whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“You should feel guilty. Remember having sex with Harmony should result in much, much guilt and much, much shame.”

“You’ll forgive me someday, won’t you?”

Buffy nodded, scooping up his face in her hands. “Now you’ve got to promise me not to make that face, William.” She kissed him sweetly and moaned as he slipped his greedy tongue into her mouth. They kissed at an unhurried rate until their lips fell apart as sweetly as they’d met.

“So, uh, are you coming home after school?” Finding their closeness too tempting, Buffy tried to act causally as she returned to her chair. “Dawn won’t be home until late.”

“Oh?”

“She’s studying with a friend.”

“Will you need some company?”

Buffy nodded, biting her lower lip.

“I’ll be there, pet, with bells on.”
***
 

Chapter 21

“Mom!” Buffy cried as she ran downstairs in her patterned pajamas. “How long can it take to finish one lousy test? William promised that he’d be back before I woke up this morning. He said that we’d drive somewhere for breakfast.”

“Buffy, he hasn’t been gone for very long. Maybe he just assumed that you’d roll out of bed at noon like you usually do on the weekends. You’re up early.”

“Well, I couldn’t fall back to sleep…” Buffy muttered as she peered out the window.

“After what?”

“Huh?”

“You said that you couldn’t fall back to sleep, and I was just wondering what it was that woke you,” Joyce explained.

“Oh, well…it was William. He made a lot of noise before he left.”

“That boy is always noisy. Nearly every night I hear strange noises coming from his room.”

“Oh?” Buffy asked, sitting next to her mother on the sofa. “Like, uh, what kinda noises?”

“I just don’t think that he sleeps very soundly. He must toss and turn a lot, because I can hear his bed squeak. Sometimes I swear that he hits the wall too.”

“Oh.”

“You’ve said ‘oh’ three times, Buffy. Is there something that you’d like to talk about?”

“I can say ‘oh’ as many times as I want.”

“And now you’re being defensive--.”

“Mom,” Buffy whined, “I told you not to shrink me!”

“I’m not trying to shrink you,” Joyce laughed. “I’m trying to talk to you.”

“About what? Do you want to talk about school? Let’s talk about school. I like school. I learn a lot in school and I also--.”

“Okay, point taken. There’s nothing that you want to talk about. Not to me, anyway.”

“No-I mean, everything’s fine. Really. If I’m acting weird it’s because of William.”

“You’re feeling nervous for him?”

“Yeah and it’s stupid. William’s nervous enough for himself and twelve other people. Last night, he was so anxious that he couldn’t sleep. God, he’s like one of those little dogs that just shake because they’re that wound up.”

“How do you know that he didn’t sleep last night?”

“Ah…he told me.”

“This morning?”

“Yes, since he was making so much racket—he’s so noisy—I got up and I yelled at him. Afterwards, I wished him luck and that was when he promised to take me to breakfast.”

“I see. I’m sure that he’ll do fine. Mr. Giles told me that William’s quite the driver and that he caught on quickly.”

“So, does that mean that you’ll let him teach me how to drive? Please, mom?” Buffy begged. “You’ve already said that you don’t want to teach me and you shouldn’t make Giles do it.”

“I don’t know…”

“William would be the best teacher!”

“I’ll think about it.”

“But, mom--.”

“I’ll think about it and I’ll see if William is comfortable with the idea. He’s just getting his license today; he might not be ready to teach.”

“But all the stuff that he learned would be fresh in his mind and—did you hear that?”

“I think it could’ve been the sound of a car door slam—Buffy! Don’t just run out there! What about your shoes?”

Not listening to her mother’s concerns, Buffy ran out the front door. “William! Hey, how’d it go? Was driving with an instructor as bad as you expected?”

“It isn’t something that I’d like to do regularly. I tensed up through the entire drive. My shoulders are full of kinks.”

“But you passed, right?”

“Of course,” William snorted, pulling her into his body for a hug. “I passed with flying colors on both the written and driving portions of the test. Wanna see my license? It has an awful picture though.” He pulled back from their embrace just enough to retrieve his wallet and place it in Buffy’s hands. “Don’t make fun of me too much.”

“Aw! You look cute!”

“Cute, eh? I was thinking more along the lines of pasty and toadish. But I guess your eyes might see it differently, you being blinded by love and all.” With a good-natured shrug, he tucked the wallet into the back pocket of his jeans.

“Don’t I get to see?” Joyce asked, sneaking up on the couple. “Don’t you think that you’ve both been hugging for long enough?”

“Mom, we were celebrating. It was a friendly hug.”

“Whatever it was, it can end now. Besides, it’s my turn. Come here, William,” she said, warmly inviting him into her arms. “It’ll be so nice having another licensed driver in the house. I’m so happy that you passed. Buffy, Dawn, and I are very proud of you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Summers,” William said with a little grin.

“Have you told your uncle the good news? Maybe you should drive over to the bookstore and tell him. I’m sure that he’d appreciate it.”

“But what about my breakfast? William, you promised--.”

“You can come with me-I mean, can Buffy come with me, Mrs. Summers? I know that she isn’t exactly dressed to be out in public, but it’d be a short ride and I’d take her to one of the drive-thru places. If you and Dawnie haven’t had breakfast yet, we’d be happy to pick up something for everyone.”

“That sounds like a great idea!” Buffy exclaimed, heading to the passenger door. “Please, mom?”

“You won’t stay out long?”

“No, not at all, Mrs. Summers.”

“Well…okay. Let me get my purse. I have a few dollars that I can give you for the meal. Dawn and I already ate, so you can treat yourselves. But if you’re gone for longer than an hour, I might not be so nice when you ask next time.”
***

“So, when I stopped at a stop sign, they made me look to the left and spell out the word stop. Then I had to look to the right and do the same: s-t-o-p.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope, and then the guy barely spoke a word of English. He just sat there and mumbled the speed limit over and over again.”

“When he wasn’t forcing you to spell at stop signs,” Buffy giggled. “I’ll have to tell mom that if I drive, my spelling will approve tremendously.”

“Just say ‘tremendously’ and I’m sure that she’ll be so impressed, she’ll just toss the car keys at you.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Diction isn’t your strong suit.”

“Okay, Mr. Hilarious, want to guess what mom and I were talking about before you showed up? She was complaining about the sounds that come out of your room at night. Creaking beds, strange banging against the walls... She said that she hears something nearly every night of the week, which isn’t really possible since we switch between our rooms pretty often.”

“What?” William’s eyes widened and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “How did you cover for us?”

“Well, she thinks that you just toss and turn when you sleep. I don’t think she suspects anything more.” When he didn’t respond, she waited until he parked the car behind Giles’s store to continue. “If she did, mom would’ve burst in last night since I was having trouble, you know, with staying quiet.”

“You were vocal last night…”

“I was.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and scooted over so she could rest her head in his lap. “And it’s all your fault, William. I’m exhausted and uh, certain parts of my body kinda ache.”

“You should’ve slept in.”

“I couldn’t. I worried about you taking the test with no sleep and then, I always sleep better with you near me.”

“You really think that she doesn’t have a clue?”

“I think that we can officially start calling her Clueless Mom.”

“Buffy, no offense, but your mother isn’t very bright.”

“Tell me about it,” she laughed as William ran his fingers through her hair.

"But if she does put two and two together...you'll hide me, right?"

"No."

"No?"

"No. What would I do, William? Strap you to the basket on my bike? I don't have a car like some people."

"Pet, the E.T. routine never worked even when we were little. I never did fit in that bloody basket very well."

Snickering at the memory, Buffy sat up. "You were supposed to sit on my handlebars, dummy."

"It didn't matter, Buffy. Either way, you'd still manage to steer us into every dumpster and tree that got in your way. In fact, thinking back, maybe you shouldn't be allowed behind the wheel of any moving vehicle. You've got a long history of accidents and you've barely hit your sweet sixteen."

“You’re not supposed to agree with my mom! It’s always been us against everybody else.”

“Aw, baby’s gonna pout.” Chuckling, he pulled her in for a kiss.

“Take it back,” Buffy moaned, melting against him. “I’ll be extra careful and I’ll have to be a good driver because I plan on having the best teacher.”

“I guess Giles does know a lot…”

“Not Giles. You, William.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you can teach me,” she whispered, between kisses. “It’s the perfect idea. We’d have the greatest excuse to be cooped up in your car for hours on end without supervision. And I know that you’d be an excellent teacher.”

“I would not.”

“You would too. You’ve got this weird teacher thing about you. I can totally see you shaping young minds and giving out too much homework.”

“I can’t tell if you’re insulting me or not.”

“Would I insult you?” Buffy grinned. “Just think about it. I already mentioned it to mom; she’ll ask you about it later.”

“Will you be upset if I refuse?” he asked, searching her eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to…Buffy, if you demolish my car, I won’t be getting another.”

“William! How can you say that?! I won’t--.”

“Oh, look at the time. I’d better go inside now. Can’t be late, you know.”

“You’re such a wimp,” Buffy said, heading back to her side of the car to sulk. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting your stupid car.”

“Aw, come on.” With one foot out the door, William leaned across the seats to kiss her cheek. “I know that accidents happen--.”

“But you think that I’m an accident waiting to happen!”

“Now, you’re putting words in my mouth.”

“Don’t you have to go run to Giles?”

“Buffy…don’t be this way.”

“Just go. We’ll talk about it later.”

***

“I haven’t had this much fun in years, knowing that I have something to look forward to…a reason to run home every night… I have this constant buzz, pet.”

“You have a reason to run to my home every night.” Wrapped to her neck with blankets, Buffy admired William as he sprawled across her bed. Not a stitch of fabric covered his body and he didn’t seem to mind. “You’re never at your house.”

“You’d rather that I’d show up, ask for a shag, and head back across the street? Silly me, I thought we had more going on here than a strand of booty calls. Unless you’re thinking more along the lines of us swapping houses…Monday, Wednesday and Friday we’ll be at my house and then Tuesday, Thursday and the weekends we’ll be at your place. How’s that sound?”

“Bad. I wasn’t thinking about anything near that.”

“What were you thinking then?” Rolling on his side, William slid back under the covers to tangle their legs together. “Give me a hint, gorgeous.”

“Move in with me.”

“Uh, come again?”

“Your toothbrush is here and you’re slowly taking over my closet. I feel buzzes too, but I’m greedy. I want you here every morning and every night and all the times in between.”

“Have you spoken to Dawnie about this?”

“We’ve talked and if she disagreed, I wasn’t paying much attention. I’ve decided to be pretty stubborn about this.”

“Then I’d better start moving in, huh?” With a laugh, he nuzzled her neck and mouthed her earlobe. “I’d hate to upset you, especially if you’re so determined.”

“William…no. I don’t want to force you. I—will you please stop?”

“Love it when you tremble,” he whispered, blowing lightly in her ear for a second time. “Your body shakes against mine and I can barely control myself.”

“William…”

“Don’t know what I should do first…kiss you breathless or hide myself back inside your body.”

“You could do both.”

“I want the left side of the bed.” After making his announcement, William grinned and followed through with Buffy’s suggestion.

“Sure,” she gasped once William freed her lips.

“And my usual spot back at the dining room table, want that too.”

“Okay,” Buffy nodded, still reeling from the initial bliss of having his erection tucked deep between her legs. “Anything else?”

“No more girlie pink in the master bath. In fact, the whole house needs to be manned up a little.”

“It won’t be a problem.”

“Alright then.”

“You’ll move in with me—with us?”

“Yeah. Thanks for asking. It’s about time.”

“It’s about time?” Buffy repeated with a laugh. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I was leaving all these bloody clues…my toothbrush…taking over your closet. Knew it was only a matter of time, baby.”

“You’re kidding,” Buffy snickered.

“Not in the slightest. Now, let’s celebrate.”
***