Page 4 of Curvy Girl for the Cop

I lean against the counter, flashing her a crooked grin. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but I can’t seem to stop myself. "Just couldn't stay away from your charming company, I suppose."

My eyes linger on the delicate flush creeping up her neck. The urge to trace its path with my fingertips is almost overwhelming.

Ava raises an eyebrow, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Is that so? And here I thought you were just here for the books."

"Oh, the books are a definite perk. But I have to admit, the banter is even more enticing."

She laughs softly, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. "Careful there, you might make a girl think you're flirting with her."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" The words slip out before I can stop them.

A beat of silence stretches between us as Ava holds my gaze. Anticipation coils in my gut, mingling with the simmering attraction that grows stronger each time we meet.

"I suppose not," she finally murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you know what they say about playing with fire..."

"Sometimes the risk is worth the reward, don't you think?"

I know I'm treading on dangerous ground, blurring the lines between casual acquaintances and something more. But with Ava, I can't seem to help myself. She awakens a desire I thought long buried.

Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and I find myself mirroring the action. The air between us crackles with unspoken tension, a dance of push and pull that leaves me aching for more.

My gaze trails over her curves, appreciating the way her soft sweater clings to her enticing figure. She shifts under my appraisal, a delicate flush creeping up her neck. I wonder if her skin would feel as smooth as it looks, if her pulse would race beneath my fingertips.

Ava clears her throat, breaking the charged silence. "Did you, um, need help finding anything specific today?"

"Actually, I was hoping you could recommend something." I step closer, drawn to her. "Something that might surprise me."

Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn't back away. "I think I might have just the thing."

She turns, leading me deeper into the store. I follow, admiring the sway of her hips and the way her dark hair cascadesdown her back. She stops at a shelf, her fingers skimming over the spines until she plucks out a worn paperback.

"Here, try this one." She holds it out to me, our fingers grazing as I take it from her hand.

Electricity arcs between us at the brief contact, sending a jolt straight to my core. Ava inhales sharply, her lips parting in surprise. I fight the urge to pull her close, to crush my mouth against hers and taste her sweetness.

"Thanks," I manage, my voice rougher than intended. "I trust your judgment."

"You shouldn't." The words are barely audible, but I catch them nonetheless.

"And why is that?" I lean in, invading her space, breathing in her scent of vanilla and old books.

She tilts her head back, her eyes darkening with an emotion I can't quite place. "Because you don't know me, Ryan. Not really."

"But I want to." The confession hangs between us, raw and honest. "I want to know everything about you, Ava."

Her breath hitches, her chest rising and falling rapidly. I can practically feel the heat radiating off her skin, the tension coiling tighter with each passing second.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," she whispers, but there's a yearning in her tone that belies her words.

"Let me be the judge of that." I raise my hand, slowly, giving her time to pull away. When she doesn't, I brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my knuckles grazing her cheek. "I'm willing to take the risk, if you are."

Ava's eyes flutter closed at my touch, a shaky exhale escaping her lips. I can sense her internal struggle, the warring desires within her. I know I should step back, give her space, but I'm captivated by the way she responds to me.

"Ryan..." My name falls from her lips like a prayer and a plea all at once.

"Tell me to stop, and I will." My thumb traces the delicate line of her jaw, marveling at the softness of her skin. "Just say the word, Ava."

Her eyes open, meeting mine with an intensity that steals my breath. In that moment, I know I'm lost. I'll gladly drown in the depths of her gaze, surrender to the fire she ignites within me.

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