You both sink into the worn couch, exhaustion and relief mingling after another long day. The dim lamp light makes everything softer—his eyes, your skin, the space between you.

Your hand finds his, fingers brushing lightly at first, then confidently intertwining.

James looks down, smirking softly. “Let’s see what else fits together.”

Heat blooms in your chest as your gaze lifts to meet his, everything unspoken suddenly clear.

He leans in just a little, voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Because this?” He squeezes your hand gently. “Feels like it’s only the start.”