The Wrong Woman

Lust was a common feeling that transcended gender boundaries. It would be hard to believe anyone who claimed they'd never experienced it.

"I'm not immune to lust either. Last time, it was because I—" Elio began to explain, but Candice's phone rang.

She quickly fumbled for her phone, clearly flustered. The ringing drowned out Elio's voice. "I... have feelings for you."

"Hello, Grandma!" Candice greeted, her voice tinged with guilt as she held the phone to her ear. "Don't worry. I'm just with a friend, and I'll be home soon. "No, there's no need for Jasper to pick me up. I'll get a cab. And please, stop treating me like a child. I'm an adult, almost 23. Alright, fine. Bye."

After ending the call, Candice stowed her phone in her bag and looked up at Elio. "What were you saying?"

Elio's expression tightened, his words seemingly caught in his throat. After a few moments of silence, he reached for his car keys. "I'll drive you home." "No, I'll take a cab." Candice rejected.

With his car keys in hand, Elio slipped on his shoes. As he walked past Candice, he took her hand and led her outside. Her back stiffened as she followed him, step by step, her gaze locked on their clasped hands.

palm electrified Candice, sending tingles through her skin and pulsing through her veins. Her heartbeat picked up with the intimate contact. Her body

hand, not just her wrist. It was the first time they had held hands so intimately. Candice's heart pounded louder

to face her, he noticed her

jolt as he realized he was holding Candice's hand. He didn't let go, and

the memory of their business trip when he had slipped into her bed, undressed her, and kissed

as she wasn't resisting now. But then, she had been even shyer than she

him-Candice wasn't the type to let anyone get close. If she was fine with his touch, it likely meant

you like

at first. After some thought, she replied,

at the

her seatbelt. After Elio closed the door for her, he walked around to the driver's side, got

schedule, usual tasks, and latest projects. Although they

Upon returning to Morrison

while softly humming a tune. She seemed radiant and spirited, akin to a carefree bird returning to its nest after a fruitful search for