Larissa's POV
We remained still beneath the night sky for several moments, the silence between us thick with unspoken tension. Carson's nearness made my pulse quicken. The lingering scent of his expensive cologne mixed with traces of ocean spray from our afternoon by the water created an intoxicating combination that clouded my thoughts.
My finger traced a path through the darkness toward a brilliant point of light. "Which star is that one?"
Carson's gaze followed my gesture. "Venus. It's actually a planet, not a star."
"The goddess of love," I said softly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
"And beauty," he replied, his voice taking on a deeper quality. "Perfect for tonight."
When I turned toward him, I discovered his attention had shifted from the heavens to my face. His eyes held an intensity that made my stomach flutter, especially when his focus dropped to my mouth.
"Carson," I breathed, uncertain what confession or protest I meant to voice.
