The moment his gaze fell on Summer, his breath hitched.
She stood there wrapped only in a towel, her damp hair clinging lightly to her shoulders, droplets of water tracing down her skin.
His eyes darkened instantly.
A long-restrained surge of desire rose within him. It was raw, powerful. For a fleeting second, all he wanted was to pull her close, lay her down on the bed, and claim her as his.
But he stopped himself. He knew better.
If he crossed that line, she would only resent him more. And that was the last thing he wanted.
Still, controlling his thoughts didn't calm his racing heart.
Summer didn't move either.
The intensity in his gaze held her rooted in place. Her cheeks flushed, warmth creeping up her skin as the air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.
Neither spoke.
Then, slowly, Gideon stepped closer.
Reaching out, he gently took hold of her arm. Without a word, he guided her toward the bed and helped her sit down.
