Chapter 21. Do You Want This?

Calista’s POV

I could tell Cedric was serious about his question, his eyes steady and unflinching. As I watched him, embarrassment flooded through me. I lowered my gaze, feeling the heat creep up my cheeks, and I couldn’t muster the courage to meet his eyes, which seemed to be a masterpiece in themselves.

He let out a soft chuckle. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Calista—”

“Sure,” I interrupted him, my voice firmer than I felt inside. I finally lifted my head to face him, a newfound confidence spreading across my face. I reminded myself that the human body is a work of art, and there was no reason to be afraid of showing it off.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve already seen it anyway—”

“Oh, don’t bring that up,” I chuckled nervously, pulling my top back on and setting it down beside me. His eyes lingered on my body, a mixture of mockery and admiration swirling within them.

I couldn’t discern which prevailed. I was too aware of what