Chapter 149

My response was instinctive—I leaned in and pressed my lips against his in a fleeting teasing kiss, a whisper of our connection. I let my lips graze his softly once, then twice, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes again. In that moment, it became clear that it was he who was perfect, not me.

I trailed small, enticing kisses along his jawline, my lips finding the sensitive spot on his neck just below his ear. As I gently sucked on that tender flesh, I ran my hands across his chest, feeling the heat rising within me. Desire pooled between my legs, and in an attempt to draw me closer, he gripped my face, inadvertently knocking the towel from his shoulders to the floor.

My breath hitched in surprise, my heart racing as I stared in disbelief. I blinked repeatedly, questioning my own reality.

"Baby, are you okay?" he asked, concern flashing in his eyes.

When I failed to respond, a flicker of pain crossed his handsome features.

"I'm sorry, baby, I didn't