I hear Lily's footsteps before I see her. She emerges from her studio, her presence shifting the room's atmosphere. She pauses at the doorway, a faint smile playing on her lips as she takes in the scene.

"Hey, guys. What's up?" she asks, her tone casual.

Jake, ever the easygoing host, nods toward the TV. "Just about to start a movie. You in?"

I glance at Lily, then at the empty spot beside me on the couch. The memory of last night’s kiss, that fleeting moment of unexpected intimacy, lingers at the back of my mind. "Come on, Lily. Join us," I find myself saying, gesturing to the space next to me.

She hesitates for just a second, then walks over, taking the offered seat beside me. I can feel the warmth of her body as she settles in, close enough for our arms to brush. The contact sends a subtle jolt through me, a reminder of the tension that we're both trying to ignore.

She leans towards the popcorn bowl on my lap with a playful smirk. "Hope you don't mind sharing," she says, her fingers lightly grazing mine as she grabs a handful of popcorn.

I shake my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Not at all."

The movie starts, but my focus is divided. Part of me is aware of the film, the dialogue, and the action on the screen. But a larger part is acutely aware of Lily next to me, her occasional laughter, the way she absently reaches for popcorn, each movement seemingly casual yet charged with an unspoken energy.

Sitting on the other side of the room, Jake throws occasional glances our way. I can't quite read his expression, but something in his eyes suggests he's picking up on the undercurrent between Lily and me.

I remind myself to stay grounded, to not let my thoughts drift to dangerous territory. This is Jake’s sister, and I'm in Jake’s house. I need to keep a handle on whatever this is between Lily and me.

But as the movie plays on, the challenge of maintaining that distance becomes increasingly difficult. The air around us feels thick with unsaid words and restrained emotions, and it takes all my discipline to keep my eyes fixed on the screen and not on her.

The movie progresses, but the dynamics in the room shift subtly as the evening wears on. Jake, who’s been more observant than usual, suddenly stands up, stretching his arms.

“I’ve got an early start tomorrow,” he announces, a hint of reluctance in his voice. “I’m going to head to bed.”

Lily and I both turn towards him, a synchronized movement that doesn’t go unnoticed. “Alright, night, Jake,” Lily says, her voice light.

Jake pauses at the doorway, turning back to us with a look that’s part teasing, part serious. “No funny business, you two,” he says, a playful tone not quite masking the pointed message beneath. His gaze lingers for a moment, a silent communication passing between us before he heads upstairs.

The moment Jake’s footsteps fade away, the room feels different - quieter, more intimate. Lily and I are left in a charged silence, the unspoken awareness of our proximity hanging heavily in the air.

We both make a half-hearted attempt to focus on the movie, but it’s clear that our attention is elsewhere. The pull between us is tangible, an invisible thread drawing us closer with each passing second. I can feel the warmth of her body beside me, the soft sound of her breathing.

We sit in silence, the movie playing on but largely forgotten. Lily shifts beside me, her movement drawing my attention. She glances at the empty popcorn bowl and then at me.

"I'll get some more popcorn," she murmurs, moving to stand up.

But in that moment, something within me snaps. The restraint I've been clinging to all evening crumbles under the weight of my desire. Before I can think better of it, I reach out, lightly grasping her wrist. The touch is gentle but firm, stopping her in her tracks.

Lily turns to look at me, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and something else, something deeper. Our gazes lock, and the air between us crackles with unspoken tension. I can feel the pounding of my heart, the rush of blood in my veins, the overwhelming need to close the gap between us.

"Wait," I say softly, my voice a low rumble in the quiet room.

Her breath hitches slightly, and I can tell she feels it too—the undeniable pull, the magnetic force growing between us. It's reckless, it's dangerous, but in this moment, none of that matters.

Slowly, deliberately, I pull her closer, leaning in, closing the distance between us. When my lips finally meet hers, it's like a dam breaking, releasing all the pent-up emotions and desires. The kiss is deep, passionate, a mixture of urgency and tenderness that leaves us both breathless.

Lily responds with equal fervor, her hand coming up to rest against my chest. The feel of her touch through the thin fabric of my shirt sends a shiver down my spine. I deepen the kiss, my hand moving from her arm to her waist, pulling her into my lap. She straddles my hips, her body moving sensually against mine, her every curve soft and inviting.

She gasps quietly into my mouth, her hands coming up to my shoulders, her fingers digging slightly into the fabric of my shirt. I want to lose myself in her, to explore every inch of her body, to taste every inch of her skin. I want all of her, and there's nothing I won't do to have her, no matter how wrong it is.

My hand moves from her waist to her thigh, slowly working its way up her leg and under the flowing hem of her skirt. The skin of her thighs is soft and smooth. I reach around and cup her ass, pressing her against me so she can feel the effect she has on me. Instead of pulling away, she grinds herself against me, driving me fucking crazy.

"God, Lily," I murmur against her mouth.

"I know," she responds, her voice breathless. "I want this, too."

She shifts against me, her hips rolling in a slow circle as her lips move to my neck. It's all the invitation I need. I pull her closer, my mouth on her neck, kissing and sucking. Her skin tastes like sweet honey, and I want more, need more. My hands slide up under her shirt, my fingers tracing the curves of her body. She arches into my touch, her hands grasping my shoulders, nails digging into my flesh as I cup her breasts, my thumbs sweeping over her taut nipples.