"I..." I hesitate for a moment, unsure how to respond. It's true that when we're together like this, it feels different. Safe and comfortable... but is that all there is to it? Or could there be something more? Something deeper between us?

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear before he whispers, "Maybe you belong here." His hands move up and down my back, trailing fire across my skin. "With me."

"I understand," I say quietly, trying to keep my breathing even as his touch sends shivers down my spine. "And I promise... whatever happens between us, it won't affect what we have here." I pause for a moment, gathering courage from somewhere deep inside of me. "Can we try... to keep this just between us?"