Ross, entirely absorbed in a book, unaware of her presence for the moment, leaning back casually, the sun catching in his hair and casting shadows that made his features even more striking.
Marissa felt a thrill she hadn't felt in years—a combination of fear, excitement, and desire that made her knees go weak.
But there was no hesitation in her steps.
Every click of her heels on the polished floor was a drumbeat of decision, a promise she was finally keeping to herself.
As she drew closer, her heart raced violently in her chest.
She felt heat pooling low in her belly, a sensation she had tried to suppress for days, now rising uncontrollably.
She saw the slight lift of his eyebrows as he finally noticed her, the way his lips curved in that familiar, effortless smile, and she felt a spark that ignited everything inside her.
Without a word, without even a pause to think, Marissa closed the distance.
