Inner Circle

veins, courtesy of the cocktails they'd shared, but her spirits dimmed slightly when she saw the figure sitting on her doorstep. Dexter

g forward, a soft smile pla

ver a week, and they'd left things on uncertain terms. She liked Dexter-a lot-but she hadn't be

r surprise mingling with the pleasant buzz

s face. "I figured it was time for a peace offering. You've been on

and stocky but ruggedly handsome. His beard was always well-kempt, his dimples were cute like

built begin to rise again. She wasn't ready to explain herself, to let him see the parts of her

ce a welcome balm against the chill of the evening. "I know I surpr

ush him away, to retreat back into her solitude where she felt safe. But the other part-the part that was

. "Let's go inside. I'll pour us a glass of wine, and we

ere serious

oftening her resolve. "Alright," she murmured, turning to unlock

couch. Dexter followed, setting the flowers on the coffee table and opening the wine. The familiar pop o

, pulling her close and allowing her to rest against his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat

d, running a hand gently over h

lf sink into the feeling, the warmth of his embrace melting away her defenses. But as her mind began to drift, a pang of anxiety jolted h

n do this," she whispered,

at her, his expression both gentle and

es.

hat you might start to believe t

t happens when

ppens? We

end up in be

think I just want

what all

he pressure she felt every day to prove herself in an industry that was always ready to dismiss her? How cou

naged, looking away, ashamed of the vulnerabili

m, his gaze unwavering. "You couldn't let me down even

ly wiped it away, a small laugh escaping he

orehead. "Then just let me hold you. We do

on someone else. As the night wore on, she felt the walls she'd built begin to crack, just