Refusal!

But I held back, swallowing hard. 'Nah, just checking. Night, Georgia.' My voice cracked slightly as I pushed away, retreating to my room with my heart pounding like a drum. I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, her husky tone echoing in my ears.

Craving her touch consumed me, but I wouldn't cross that line—not yet. Sleep came fitfully, dreams fragmented with flashes of her skin, her scent, that teasing smile.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the blinds as I dragged myself out of bed, the events of the night leaving me groggy and aroused. Georgia was already up; I heard the shower running down the hall.

She had university classes today—something in design, she'd mentioned—and I had work soon, a meeting at the office that felt trivial compared to the storm inside me. I brewed coffee, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, trying to shake off the lingering tension. When the water shut off, I called out, 'Coffee's ready if you want some!'

'You're a lifesaver,' she replied, her voice brighter now, less husky but still carrying that warm undercurrent. She emerged a few minutes later, dressed in a fitted blouse and jeans that hugged her hips, her damp hair tied back.