CHAPTER 1

RYAN

Some mistakes wear high heels and carry temptations. They don't knock, they just move in.

The moment I pushed that door open, my world shifted.

She was in my room. Olivia.

And the towel slipped…

It hit the floor.

She stood there, completely naked.

My heart stopped and I shut my eyes almost immediately.

“Get dressed,” I said, louder than I meant to and shut the door behind me with a loud bang. “And get out of my room. You're not supposed to be here.”

I didn’t wait. I turned around fast and took a few steps away from the door while my hands were placed on my chest as I struggled to catch my breath.

What the hell just happened?

I just saw her. All of her.

I couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t erase it.

She was supposed to be in the guest room, not mine. And now her image was burned into the back of my skull like a brand.

I ran both hands through my hair, pacing the hallway.

Was this some kind of game?

The door creaked open behind me. Olivia stepped out, wearing a loose top and leggings, towel now wrapped around her wet hair.

“I didn’t understand what the guy meant when he said ‘second ring,’” she said with her face down as she bit her lower lip. “I thought this was the room. How was I supposed to know it was yours?” Her eyes were moist.

She looked surprised. Maybe embarrassed. But scared? Not even close.

I stared at her, completely thrown off.

That shut me up.

For a full second, I couldn’t even speak. My mouth opened slightly, but nothing came out. My jaw tightened.

She turned and leaned casually against the wall like I didn't just see her stark naked.

“I’m sorry. It was a mistake.”

I didn’t respond. I turned, marched into my room, grabbed her bag, and walked back out with it.

“Your room’s down the hall. Second ring, first door on the left. Don’t come in here again.”

I expected her to take the bag but she didn't move. She just stood there like she had something to prove, it was almost as though she was contemplating if I didn't want her here.

And maybe I was okay with the idea of her staying here…until I saw her.

It's been two years since the last time I saw her. Wasn't expecting her to be this…tempting now.

“I knew it.” She giggled. I couldn't help but wonder why.

And then she stopped in front of a tall mirror beside the hallway.

I stood behind her. Not too close. But close enough to hear her breath twitching.

She met my eyes in the reflection. “Is this how you watch everyone?”

“No. Just the ones I don’t trust.” I responded and went closer to her again. The only space left between us right now is…Nothing.

“Do you trust me?” Olivia's eyes met mine and she bit her lower lips.

I don't know what she's doing but it's damn working well.

“Do you want me to?” I drawled out slowly, my eyes betraying me by trailing down back to her lips even when I didn't want it to.

She didn’t answer.

I stepped closer.

She didn’t move nor did I.

Her eyes gave her away. Her gaze dropped for a second to my lips before she caught herself and looked away.

This was wrong.

So why couldn’t I back away?

I took one more step.

Her back was to the wall now.

She didn’t flinch.

Her chin lifted slightly like she wanted to challenge me, like she wasn’t scared. But her lips parted, and her eyes flicked down again and I knew.

She felt it. Everything I felt for her now.

I leaned in just a little. Too close to feel her back against my chest.

Her breath hitched. My hand reached up like it was on instinct, like I needed to touch her, just once.

But I didn’t.

I stopped and pulled back then took a step away and cleared my throat.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I asked, like I hadn’t just almost lost control.

She blinked, her lashes fluttering like she was waking up from something.

“Seriously?” she asked with her voice breathless at first. Then she pulled herself together and crossed her arms, turning away from the wall. “Why do you care?”

“I’m asking.”

She raised a brow. “You jealous?”

I gulped down the lump that grew in my throat without responding to her.

She smirked and leaned against the edge of the wall. “I’m more into girls, actually.”

I stiffened, my jaw tightened before I could stop it. I clenched and unclenched my fist.

Was she messing with me?

She tilted her head and studied my face. “You okay?”

“You live with me now. I deserve to know who’s showing up at my house.”

“Relax. No one’s showing up,” she replied, her tone casual but her eyes were watching me closely. “Unless you’re worried your cameras will catch something too steamy.”

I could feel a headache coming already. She wasn’t as innocent as I thought she was. I turned and started walking upstairs instead.

I heard her laugh behind me. “God, you’re tense.”

“Your room is this way.” I turned to the left and pointed to the door.

She followed.

When we reached the room, I pushed the door open. She walked in without a word and stood in the middle, turning in a slow circle as she looked around.

“You didn’t have to go all out,” she said quietly. “This room’s beautiful.”

“I didn’t. It’s always been this way.”

She ran her hand over the comforter on the bed, then sat down. “Still. Thank you.”

I stayed in the doorway.

She looked up at me. “By the way,” she said slowly. “I was kidding.”

I frowned as my brow furrowed together.

“About the girls,” she added.

She stood again, walking toward me.

“No boyfriend. No girlfriend,” she stated, her eyes locked on mine. “Not seeing anyone.”

Her voice was soft now.

But the tension was loud.

She stood in front of me. Not too close this time. Just enough for me to see the way her chest rose and fell. Just enough for me to smell her perfume.

“I’m not trying to make things complicated,” she added.

“Too late,” I mumbled under my breath, too low for her to hear.

We stared at each other.

And for one second, I almost said something I’d regret.

Instead, I stepped back, out of the room.

“Goodnight, Olivia.”

She didn’t reply.

But when I turned and walked away, I felt her eyes on my back until I disappeared down the hall.

I stared at the ceiling like it had answers.

I told myself I’d made the right call but deep down I knew something had already snapped.

And if she ever looked at me like that again…. I wasn't sure I'd stop myself next time.