The Invitation    

[EVE]

What's wrong with him?

The thought crossed my mind as I observed Cole from the corner of my eye. He seemed . . . off.

One moment, it felt as though he might lunge toward me, a storm of intensity blazing in his gaze. The next, he was pulling away, as if physically restraining himself from crossing some invisible line.

It was confusing, maddening even, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his head.

Then my gaze dipped lower, drawn by something I shouldn't have been looking at.

My breath hitched, and my cheeks burned as I saw the undeniable evidence of his struggle.

The tight fabric of his pants did little to hide the hardness pressing against the zipper, straining as though it might break free at any moment. My heart skipped a beat, my mind momentarily blank as the realization hit me like a tidal wave.