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“What if I want more?”

I can tell by the way she clamps her teeth that she regrets asking the question the second it leaves her lips.

“Do you?” I take a step closer, not able to stop myself.

She’s like a magnet, pulling me closer. No matter how hard I try to pull away, I can’t seem to break free of her gravitational force.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She blows out a frustrated breath, meeting my gaze.

“I thought this was just sex.” I cock my head to the side.

“It was... It is.”

“Well, which is it? Are we just having sex, or do you want it to be more?”

“What do you want?”

I shake my head. “If you want this to be more, you should say so.”

“Would it change anything if I did?” Her bright green eyes bore into mine.

Would it?

I wish I could honestly answer that question.

On one hand, the thought of ending this feels equivalent to walking on hot coals or peeling off my own skin—impossible. On the other, I’m not sure I’m ready to take this further. At least not yet.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.

“I’m sick of lying.”

“Me too.” It’s the truth. I’ve never been one to spin webs or deceive the people I love, and my body and brain revolt against me every time I do.

“Then why can’t we just tell her? Even if all this will only ever be physical, isn’t it better for it to be out in the open?”

“If she knows, it’ll only make things more complicated.”

“Somehow, I doubt that.” She crosses her arms across her bare abdomen, like she’s hugging herself. “Are you ashamed of being with me?”

“God, no.” I close the distance between us, my hands going to either side of her face as I force her gaze to mine. “You are funny and kind. An absolute spitfire that would give any man a run for his money. Not to mention, you’re incredibly beautiful.” I brush my thumb across her lower lip, having to resist the urge to press my mouth there. “I could never be ashamed of being with you. If anything, I feel honored.”

“Prove it.” She holds my gaze. “Tell your sister the truth.”

“And if I’m not ready?”

She pulls her hands away from her face and takes a full step back. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to reach for her when she does.

“I’m not asking. Either you tell her, or I will.”

“Charlotte.” I shake my head, indecision tearing at my chest.

If I refuse, she’ll end things, and the thought of that makes me feel like I’m treading water, and at any second, the sea is going to pull me under the waves.

If I agree, she’ll take that as me agreeing to more, and I’m just not ready to do that yet.

“Do you want me?” she asks after a long moment.

“You know I do.”