Their next meeting wasn't in James' office or the café. Instead, he invited her to dinner at an intimate, candlelit restaurant. The setting was as disarming as the man himself.
Lily sipped her wine, watching James over the rim of her glass. "This doesn't feel like work," she teased.
"It's not," he admitted. "I wanted to get to know you—beyond the manuscript."
His confession threw her off balance. She wasn't used to someone being so direct, so unashamed of what they wanted.
The evening unfolded like a dream. They talked about everything—her inspirations, his career, their shared love for stories that made people feel. By the time dessert arrived, the tension between them was almost unbearable.
"Come back to my place," he said softly, his eyes locking onto hers.
Lily hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She knew that crossing this line would change everything.
But when James reached for her hand, lacing his fingers through hers, she couldn't say no.
---
His apartment was as sophisticated as he was—minimalist, with dark tones and shelves lined with books.
"Make yourself comfortable," he said, shrugging off his blazer.
Lily stood awkwardly in the living room, her heart hammering in her chest. But James crossed the distance between them in two strides, his hands cupping her face as he kissed her.
This time, there was no hesitation. The kiss was deep, hungry, and all-consuming. His hands slid down her sides, pulling her closer as her fingers tangled in his hair.
"Are you sure about this?" he whispered against her lips.
Instead of answering, Lily guided him toward the couch, her confidence growing with every second.
What followed was a blur of passion and tenderness. James was attentive, taking his time to explore every inch of her. Lily had never felt so desired, so seen.
Hours later, they lay tangled together on the couch, the city lights casting a soft glow across their skin. Lily traced patterns on his chest, wondering how this man—who had once been a stranger—had managed to break down her walls.