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“Sorry,” he chuckles, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “But I couldn’t help overhearing your little pep talk.”
“Great, just great,” I mumble, feeling my face heat up even more.
“Hey,” he says softly, stepping closer. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’m actually flattered you were… admiring the view.”
“Uh, yeah…” I stammer, my mind racing for an appropriate response. “Well, you know what they say – if you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
“Is that an invitation?” Josh asks, his voice low and seductive, making me shiver.
“Maybe…” I reply, trying to match his flirtatious tone. “Or maybe I’m just saying I appreciate a good workout.”
“Either way, I’ll take it,” he smirks, his hand brushing against mine for a moment before he heads back into the gym. As he goes, he adds, “And Pearl? Don’t be a stranger.”
“Fuck me,” I whisper to myself as I watch him walk away, his toned ass flexing with each step.
JOSH
“Hey, Pearl, wait up!” I call out as she reaches our floor, her lingering embarrassment evident in the flush that spreads across her cheeks.
PEARL
My heart pounds in my ears as I hear Josh call out to me. What more could he possibly want? As much as I want to keep walking and pretend I didn’t hear him, I can’t do that. I stop and turn around, facing him with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation.
“Uh, yeah?” I ask, trying to sound casual, even though my palms are sweaty and my mind is racing.
“Look,” Josh says, running a hand through his tousled brown hair. “I don’t want you to feel embarrassed about earlier. We all get caught staring sometimes, right?”
“Right,” I reply, forcing a laugh. “Totally normal.”
“Besides,” he continues, his voice taking on a playful tone, “if I’m being honest, I’ve been checking you out a few times too.”
“Really?” I can’t hide the surprise in my voice. The idea of Josh Hamilton, golden boy, banking executive, checking me out sends a thrill down my spine.
“Yeah,” he grins, stepping closer and looking me up and down appreciatively. “You’ve got curves in all the right places, Pearl. I can’t help but notice.”
“Wow, I…I didn’t know you felt that way.” My face reddens at his words, but I can’t help the small smile that forms on my lips.
“I do,” he beams.
* * *
Josh walks me to my condo, our arms brushing as we walk side by side. I feel the tension building between us with each step, a slow burn of desire that makes me crave his touch.
When we reach my door, he leans against the frame and gazes down at me intensely. “I had a really nice time talking to you, Pearl.”
“Me too,” I admit, biting my lip.
“Can I kiss you?” The question catches me off guard, but before I can answer, he cups my face in his large, warm hands and presses his full, soft lips to mine.
The kiss starts off slow and sensual, but soon deepens into something more passionate. Lips, tongues, teeth. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as our tongues intertwine. He tastes amazing, and I never want it to end.
But eventually we break apart, breathless and flushed. Josh rests his forehead against mine, his gorgeous eyes searching my face. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I can be just neighbors anymore.”
“Neither can I,” I whisper, my heart soaring at his words.
He grins, pulling me into another searing kiss. “Good. Because there are many other things I’d like for us to explore…”
Heat pools between my legs at the promise in his voice. “Would you like to come in?”
