Uncharted Territory

What was that for!? And who said you had any right to kiss me? I said looking at him with shyness that couldnt reflect my questions.

That was my way of saying thank you for accepting to have a drink and walk with me, he said with a confident smirk on his face.

Well, there are other ways to pay me, you didn't have to kiss me, I said with an attitude that did not match my energy.

Did you not like the kiss? he asked. I could take it back if you want

Take it back how? I asked genuinely curious

He leaned to me again and tried to kiss me again

I instinctively stepped back, my heart hammering in my chest. "Hey! I didn't say you could do it again!" I protested, but the warmth spreading across my face betrayed me.

His smirk deepened. "Then why didn't you move away sooner?" he teased, his voice low and smooth.

I opened my mouth to argue but found myself at a loss for words. I wanted to deny it, to push him away, but the truth was—I didn't hate it.

"I... I just wasn't expecting it," I muttered in an attempt to compose myself while he grabbed my cup and put them both on the pavement next to us.

He chuckled. "Fair enough. But if you really didn't like it, you wouldn't still be standing so close."

I hated that he was right. His presence was magnetic, drawing me in despite my mind's protests and the smell of his cologne was heavenly.

"I—" My words got caught in my throat as he leaned in again, slower this time, giving me the chance to stop him.

But I didn't.

His hands slid firmly around my waist, pulling me closer. This time, he didn't go straight for my lips. Instead, he dipped his head, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against the curve of my neck. A shiver ran through me, my body frozen in place.

His lips brushed against mine, softer this time, as if he were testing my resolve. My breath hitched, my body betraying my indecisiveness.

I should stop this. I should push him away.

But instead... I closed my eyes and let myself melt into the kiss.

With his hands still on my waist, he slowly moved them down, his fingers grazing my curves before gripping my ass, almost lifting up my gown. A shiver ran through me, heat pooling in my stomach as his touch ignited something dangerous. The kiss deepened, lasting longer than I intended—more than two minutes of his hands exploring every inch of my body, making me forget where we were.

Then reality hit me like a cold splash of water.

I immediately pulled back, my breath ragged as I put a hand on his chest to stop him. "We should stop this," I said, my voice firm despite the lingering desire in my body. "I'm not that easy."

He looked at me, his smirk replaced by something unreadable. "I never said you were," he murmured, his hands still hovering near my waist as if he didn't want to let go.

I exhaled sharply and took a step back, gripping my glass of wine tightly. "I won't take any offense, but… whatever this was, it ends here," I added before turning away, leaving him standing in the garden.

The cool air did little to cool the heat on my skin as I walked back inside, my mind spinning with emotions I wasn't ready to face.

He walked back inside after a minute, finding me seated and waiting so we could wrap up the meeting.

"I guess we're done for today," I said, keeping my eyes on my jotter, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes, we are," he replied. "I'll call you later tonight to go over everything. I know you might not want to face what just happened right now, so maybe talking when you're not here will help you process your thoughts and feelings." His voice carried a sincerity that almost seemed real.

"You jerk," I muttered under my breath, barely loud enough for him to hear. I lifted my head slightly, just enough to meet his eyes for a brief moment, before grabbing my bag and jotter.

"Thanks for the drink," I added coolly. "I'll get started on the painting, so calling might only distract me."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away, ignoring the way my heart still raced from everything that had just happened.

I hailed an Uber and went straight home, my mind still spinning from everything that had just happened. As soon as I stepped inside, Alice was already eyeing me suspiciously from the couch.

"What happened, girl? You seem so restless," she asked, her curiosity laced with concern.

I hesitated, knowing exactly how she'd react. "Nothing," I mumbled, avoiding her gaze as I set my bag down.

Alice scoffed, crossing her arms. "Girl, you better talk before you piss me off," she said, giving me that sharp look that meant she wasn't letting this go.

I sighed, rubbing my lips. "Fine. Alexander kissed me."

Alice's eyes widened, her expression unreadable for a moment before she forced a smirk. "Oh? And let me guess… you hated it?"

I sank onto the couch, hugging a pillow. "I don't know. It was… unexpected."

She tilted her head. "Unexpected? Or exactly what you wanted?"

I shot her a look. "Alice, stop."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Rose. The guy is a billionaire. Handsome. Clearly into you. And you—Miss 'I-don't-need-distractions'—are blushing like a schoolgirl."

I groaned, burying my face in the pillow. "It's not that simple."

"Sure it is," she replied instantly. But there was something in her tone—something just a little off.

I looked up, frowning. "You're acting weird."

Alice shrugged, brushing it off. "I just think you should be careful. Guys like Alexander don't do things without a reason."

I sighed, feeling torn. "I know."

But deep down, I wasn't sure if I believed that. Because the way Alexander had looked at me—the way he kissed me—felt real. And that terrified me.