Page 27 of Tempting My Nemesis

As we reach her door, I hesitate. This isn’t just another goodnight.

“I had a good time tonight,” I say softly, my eyes searching hers.

“Me too.” She smiles, but it’s more than that. There’s an intimacy in her gaze that grips my heart. “It was… nice, just being here with you.”

We stand there for a moment, the space between us almost vibrating with things left unsaid. Her eyes drop to my lips and back up again, and I know what needs to happen next.

“Goodnight, Zoe,” I whisper.

“Goodnight, Caleb,” she replies, her voice barely audible.

I lean in slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wants to. But she doesn’t. Our lips meet in a kiss that starts soft—tentative—but quickly deepens as we both give in to the moment. Her hands find their way to my chest, fingers curling into my shirt as if she’s anchoring herself.

The kiss is slow and deliberate, every touch of our lips laden with meaning. It feels like more than just a kiss—it’s a promise, an acknowledgment that something has shifted between us.

When we finally pull apart, her eyes are bright and searching.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say quietly, stepping back even though every part of me wants to follow her.

“Yeah,” she nods, her voice tinged with the same reluctance I feel. “Tomorrow.”

I turn and walk away, each step feeling heavier than the last. As I reach my own room and close the door behind me, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The realization hits me hard—I’m falling for her.

I sink onto the edge of my bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Zoe—the way she looked at me tonight, the softness of her lips against mine. My heart pounds in my chest, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through me.

I don't know what comes next for us—what this means for our arrangement or for my carefully controlled life. But right now, all I can think about is how much I want this—how much I want her.

As I lie back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, I can't stop replaying our kiss. The memory of her body pressed against mine sends a rush of desire through me. I close my eyes, imagining her here, in my room, her skin warm under my fingertips.

A soft knock on my door shatters the silence. My eyes snap open, and I feel my blood rush, a mix of anticipation and nervousness flooding my system. Is it her? Has she come to finish what we started?

I stand, my legs unsteady, my breath caught in my throat. My hand hovers over the doorknob, trembling slightly. Whatever happens next, I know there's no going back.

CHAPTER TEN

CALEB

I barely open the door when a surging wave of primal need crashes over me. There she stands—Zoe, a vision in sexy lingerie, her lips parted, eyes shining with equal parts desire and uncertainty. Something inside me, something raw and untamed, takes control. I pull her inside, feeling her softness press against me. Our mouths fuse, and the kiss is like a spark igniting the passion that's been building between us.

Zoe's hands, slightly trembling, slide up my chest, tangling in my hair as I angle my head to deepen the kiss. My hands grip her body, claiming every inch of her. The taste of her, the feel of her in my arms, sends a bolt of pure desire through me. Rational thought disappears, and all I know is the fierce need to brand her as mine.

With a low growl, I break the kiss, breath ragged. My eyes hold hers, and I see the same fierce hunger there. Without hesitation, I sweep her into my arms and stride towards the bed. We stumble slightly as we cross the threshold, a tangle of limbs and desire, before I gently set her down.

Standing at the foot of the bed, we face each other, the air between us crackling with electricity. My heart pounds inmy chest, and I can see the rapid rise and fall of Zoe's as well. The moment hangs suspended, filled with anticipation and unspoken promises. I reach out, my fingers tracing the curve of her cheek, and she leans into my touch, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Zoe," I breathe, her name a reverent whisper on my lips. The sound seems to break the spell, and suddenly we're in motion again, hands exploring, lips seeking, as we give in to the overwhelming need that consumes us both.

"My turn," she whispers, her voice thick with desire. "Let me take care of you."

Her proposition both surprises and arouses me. Usually, I'm the one leading, the dominant force. But tonight, she wants to flip the script, and the idea sends a rush of heat through my body.

I arch a brow, a silent challenge, and she meets it head-on. Slowly, she backs away, her eyes never leaving mine. Her steps are deliberate, confident, a sultry strut that makes my pulse race.

With a graceful fluidity, she slides her fingers beneath the straps of her lingerie, drawing them down her arms, baring her shoulders, before letting the delicate fabric fall to the floor.

Zoe is standing in front of me in all her naked glory. I swallow hard, my mouth gone dry as my eyes drink in the sight of her. She's a vision of soft skin and inviting curves, and the tug of need in my chest is almost painful.

She moves closer and starts to tug my t-shirt. I oblige and let her undress me until we are both standing naked. She then proceeds to drop to her knees in front of me and something snaps inside me.

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