Xavier and I have been in a relationship for two years, but we’ve never gone beyond kissing and hugging. It’s always been my boundaries, and though he’s never complained, sometimes I can’t help but feel guilty.

Tonight, I come home late from work, completely drained. As I step inside, I’m surprised to see him lounging on my couch, still in his suit, his tie loosened, and his dark hair slightly tousled. But what catches my attention is the book in his hands—one of mine, the one I had left on the table.

‘’I didn’t know you were coming,’’ I say, setting my bag down.

He looks up, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. ‘’You didn’t answer any of my calls or texts.’’

I blink, suddenly realizing. ‘’Oh, I’m so sorry, my phone was dead—’’ I start walking toward the couch, eyeing the book in his hands.

‘’I got bored waiting,’’ he says, flipping a page casually. ‘’Didn’t know you were into this kind of stuff.’’ There’s a teasing lilt in his voice, but something about the way his fingers trace the spine of the book sends a shiver through me.

I reach for it, but before I can, he grabs my wrist and smoothly pulls me onto his lap, his hands settling firmly on my lower waist.

‘’You look exhausted, sweetheart,’’ he murmurs, his voice rich and low. His warmth seeps into me, his fingers pressing slightly, grounding me. My breath catches as his lips ghost near my ear, and suddenly, the tension between us feels heavier than ever…