I gulp as I watch him strip off his shirt. His chest is strong and rippling with muscles more than I imagined it would be. I hadn't thought of the deep line going down the centre of his abs or the cut of his hips dipping below his jeans. Or the rigid pipe of his dick imprinted into said jeans.

My girly bits come alive, and the warning bells I'd been getting are quiet for once. I'm left alone with only the sound of my beating heart—yearning for this man. I've never been brave enough to want anything, not new clothes, nothing, but this man has me all flipped around. Aching to be his.

Hudson climbs into the back. He leaves his jeans on and lies down behind me. I start to wriggle backwards like he's a magnet pulling me in, but his hand pins me in place, stopping my movements.

"Maya, go to sleep. It's been a long day." His words are cold, like this morning's dip into the ocean.

Maybe I'm right, and perhaps I'm just imagining that he likes me back. That today didn't mean anything as we held hands all over town.

He removes his hand, and I'm left with the ghostly outline of where it once was.

After a while, I hear his soft snoring behind me. I roll over onto my elbows, still wide awake. Checking his phone, I see it's just past midnight; it's officially my birthday. I look over at Hudson. There's a patch of moonlight bending over his handsome features. Feeling brave, I trace the strong ridge of his nose, down the tip, and over his lips. Pausing for a moment, I wonder what it would be like to kiss him. I lean down but hesitate, a hairs breath away and look away.

My eyes catch on his hard-muscled abs; the cab is stuffy, and a fine sheen of sweat is covering his skin. I sit up fully, the light blanket falls away, and I'm very aware of how naked I am. My old bra barely covers my large breasts. Tempting fate, I slide my fingers down his solid chest. My eyes watch eagerly as little zaps of electricity spark through my hand. I wonder again if he shares these feelings I'm having. I want to know!

I continue to trace my hand over the indentations of his abs, all the way down to the button on his jeans. My breasts heave with the anticipation, and the place between my legs begins to pulse. He's still hard underneath his jeans, even though he's sleeping. I run my hand over it curiously. What would it feel like in my hand or between my legs rubbing against that achy region that won't fade? My cheeks bloom with heat, and I glance back at Hudson. He's still fast asleep, thankfully, and not aware of the lustful thoughts I'm having.

I squeeze my thighs together, hoping it might ease the heat, but it only increases as I stare wantonly at the front of his jeans. One minute I'm on my knees, and the next, I'm straddling his erections. I grin. This newfound courage entices me. I lower my wet panties over his stiff cock. Another set of sparks rocket through my core as I settle over top of him. I let out a little breathy sigh. It's not quite enough. Something is missing. I look around, getting more frustrated by the second as the need teases me relentlessly. My eyes land on Hudson's lips. Maybe that will work? I lean forwards, and the front of pussy grinds against Hudson's jeans. I let out a loud cry at the unexpected surge of pleasure radiating from inside my panties.

"Maya?" Hudson's voice is scratchy from sleep. "What are you doing?"

I bite my lip, intrigued by my revelation, and rock my hips. I can't help it. I need more. Hudson lets out a groan, and his hands lock onto my hips. I move again, but he stops me.

"No, Maya, we can't." Hudson's staring back at me with a pained expression.

"Yes, we can." I try and move again, but I don't move an inch. Instead, my eyes go to his chest, and I lean down, pressing my lips against his salty skin. I trail down one of his pecs, but it's not enough. I let out an angry groan. "Please, Hudson!"

"It wouldn't be right, Maya." He's trying to stay reasonable, but I'm not having it. I rack my hands down his chest and abs. He lets out a growl and his jaw ticks.

"Why?"

"Because people will think I'm taking advantage of you! That's why!" He sits up but keeps one of his hands locked on my hip.

"What does it matter what they think? Am I not good enough?" My voice catches on the last words, but I hold his fierce gaze. Not willing to waver.

"No, that's not what I meant." Hudson pushes back my hair, his eyes softening.

"My whole life, I've done what I'm told. I'm tired of being scared of everyone! Of being alienated and ostracized. When is it my turn to want something? Why am I not allowed!" I hit my fist against Hudson's chest as hot tears stream down my face. He pulls me in closer, wrapping his arms around me.