༻ 3 ༺

Felicity’s heart pounded harder. Brody didn’t let her look away—his closeness still had her breathless. She’d never felt like this before. Her body responded to him instinctively, leaving her stunned at her own reaction. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him.

His breath brushed her lips, warm and quickened. A shiver ran down her spine.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. “Brody—”

His lips crashed down on hers.

She was swept into the kiss, her thoughts scattering as his arms pulled her close. She rose on her toes, hands curling around his neck, and the kiss deepened—urgent, magnetic. One of his hands tangled in her hair, the other held her tight, and she could feel his heart hammering against her chest.

When Brody finally pulled back, their breath came in shallow gasps. His eyes met hers, dark with the same need she felt rushing through her. The chemistry between them was undeniable—undeniably dangerous.

“We should stop,” he murmured, his forehead resting lightly against hers. “Before this gets out of hand. I guess that answers my question.”

Felicity nodded, cheeks flushed. Embarrassment pricked her skin as she stepped back. She took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. “Brody… yes. I’m obviously attracted to you. We have chemistry, but…” Her voice faltered. “I don’t want to break my dad’s trust. And the truth is—I don’t really know you.”

Brody’s face softened. “I get it. I wouldn’t want to hurt your dad either.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “This is… complicated.”

He turned toward the bedroom. “Let me grab my stuff.”

Felicity stayed rooted to the spot, still catching her breath. She couldn’t deny how she felt—but she also couldn’t ignore the voice in her head telling her to slow down.

A few minutes later, Brody came back with a small bag slung over his shoulder. His gaze didn’t meet hers. “Let’s go.”

She nodded quietly and followed him out. The charged atmosphere from earlier lingered, but now a tension-filled silence filled the car.

Halfway through the drive, his voice broke the stillness.

“Why are you using your dad as an excuse?”

She turned to him, startled. “What?”

“You’re an adult, Felicity. Yes, I work for him, but that shouldn’t matter. Not if this—what’s between us—is real.”

She stared at her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry. I just… I’m not ready for anything right now. I’m still figuring myself out. And I’ve been hurt before. Really hurt. I’m not sure I can jump into something serious again. Not yet.”

Brody nodded slowly, his grip tightening slightly on the wheel. “I understand. I do. But I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed. Because I can’t pretend I don’t feel something for you.”

Felicity looked over at him, guilt swirling in her chest. “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I just know I’m not ready.”

He glanced at her, his eyes searching her face—his gaze intense, making her feel exposed. Then he turned back to the road.

“I get it,” he said quietly. “I won’t push. But when you’re ready... let me know.”

A beat passed. “Don’t think my feelings are going to change.”

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