Never be the weakest link

 "Hold up, wait a minute," Ari found himself touching Jade ever so carefully before she got ahead of him. "We're doing just fine." He put his arm around her on the couch as A Christmas Story was still in the middle of something epic. He sighed trying to focus on the movie. Evidently, he was not sure this was the right time to start something, even if he looked at his watch and did notice it was after ten p.m. 

It just didn't feel the natural order of things to him. These sorts of sex matters had to simmer, like a garden waiting to pop into bloom. Ari sighed as if he'd get this right yet.

Yes, he was definitely one to jump the gun. That happened the first time, but that was back in high school, and he wasn't sure where the night was going. He thought he was having sex that night and ended up having it in a pillow. No way, did he want that to happen again.

Of course, he'd marked off a lot of his bucket list with Jade. 

1. Showering together.

2. Kissing in public.

3. OK, that was a naughty one he'd rather keep to himself, but it had to do with fingers knowing the magic touch.

Yes, he really hoped having sex in the shower did come true. Honestly, he had no idea why he liked the idea so much but he did and especially with Jade. But it didn't have to happen tonight. Maybe they could save that for New Year's. OK, it would definitely take place before then. Cause, it felt to him they were right in sync. Just where it should be.

"Are you and Mona going to have a Christmas party?" Ari asked as if he liked the idea of it.

"I dunno." She winced as if he was way off base.

"Maybe a Christmas potluck. We could all bring snacks." He nodded as if it was the thing to say. It was best to keep this very cool and ..um, the friend zone.

"I think it's too late for that," Jade said something about New Year's.

He nodded. "Maybe next year." She was right. It was best to keep it very small these days. Nobody wanted to get sick

"So, it'll be just the two of us," Ari practically winked as he snuggled closer laying his hand below Jade's belly. She didn't move. He took that as a good sign.

Yes, to be lovers didn't mean to hurry, but to discover instead.