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.

pulsing through her veins. Her heartbeat picked up with the intimate contact. Her body grew rigid, and her breathing became

hand, not just her wrist. It was the first time they had held hands so intimately.

the passenger door for her. When he turned to face her, he noticed her

a jolt as he realized he was holding Candice's hand.

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

resisting now. But then, she had been

to let anyone get close. If she was fine with his

tentatively, "Candice, would you like

aback at first. After some thought, she replied,

that might arise, as she didn't want to cancel at the last minute and potentially

into the car and fastened her seatbelt. After Elio closed the door for her, he walked around to the driver's side, got in, and drove her

into Candice's work schedule, usual tasks, and latest projects. Although they only discussed work, their conversation was valuable because it gave them a

Upon returning to Morrison

radiant and spirited, akin to a carefree bird returning to