●Gem●
"I don't," he replied evenly, "but that doesn't mean I'll just stand at a distance and wait for you to fall for me, Catherine."
His hand slid higher along my back, and when I tried to create space again, he pulled me closer instead, his palm settling firmly at the small of my back. The heat of his body against mine made it harder to think clearly.
"I could convince you," he continued softly, lowering his head until his lips hovered just inches from mine, "that loving me wouldn't be such a bad idea."
The closeness made my pulse race uncontrollably. I could feel the heat rising to my face, my breathing turning uneven as awareness flooded every part of me. His scent, his warmth, the steady confidence in his voice — it all worked together in a way that made my knees feel weaker than I wanted to admit. My body betrayed me again, responding to him before my pride could step in and defend me.
Then, just as suddenly, he pulled away.
