On the Line

by Naomi Loud

“If I could swallow you whole I fucking would, consume all of you just for another taste.”

“Yes, chef.”

I’d crawl on my hands and knees to have you on my tongue again. Ozzy’s heated declaration floats back to me, reminding me that words can act like a healing balm. That words don’t need to hurt. They can glide over my skin, making me shudder with pleasure instead.

“Oh Jimbo,” his voice low and dark, “Not even close.”

He shrugs. “Nothing. I just like staring at you.”

“James, this was never just friends for me. As soon as I first saw you, I knew you were about to change my fucking world, baby. I love you doesn’t even come close to describing what I feel for you,” I profess, kissing her lips, her nose, her cheeks. “But I’ll tell you every minute of every fucking day that I love you if it means I can keep you forever.”

But then she smiles, and it feels like witnessing my very own sunrise.