Under The Fading Glow

Jared didn't look at the sunset for long. Instead, his gaze lingered on Jerica. The golden light illuminated her features, her slightly furrowed brows relaxed, her lips curved in a faint smile, and her eyes reflecting the brilliance of the scene before them.

Without her glasses, she looked serene, breathtakingly so, and completely unaware of how much space she took up in his thoughts.

He stepped closer, closing the small distance between them. "You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice low, intimate.

Jerica turned her head toward him, startled by the raw honesty in his tone. Her eyes locked onto his. The way he looked at her—like she was the only thing that mattered—sent a warm flush through her body.

"Jared…" she began, but her voice faltered as he reached up, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. His fingers lingered on her cheek, his touch gentle yet charged with intent.