𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 - 𝑻𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒕

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑡𝑦

The car ride had been mostly spent in easy silence after the phone call with Carlos. Before I knew it, we were pulling up outside Zoe's penthouse. Zoe parked and cut the engine, then got out and walked around to open my door for me with a gallant gesture. I tried not to let my heart flutter at the small act of chivalry. It was silly, I told myself, to feel flustered by something so small. But Zoe had an effect on me, whether I wanted to admit it or not.

I stepped out of the car, my heels clicking against the pavement. Zoe closed the door behind me, her hand rested on my back.

Zoe led me into the kitchen, a vast and open space with gleaming steel appliances and countertops. She opened the double door refrigerator and began examining the contents.

"Any cravings?" she asked, her voice casual as she moved items around, clearly on a mission to find something.

"Hmmm, maybe something with cheese?"

Zoe glanced over at me, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Cheese, huh? I can work with that."

She pulled out a block of cheddar, then turned to rummage through the other drawers. After a moment, she grabbed some tomatoes and other ingredients. "How do you feel about a grilled cheese sandwich?"

"That sounds perfect."

Zoe, feeling a little playful, held up a loaf of white bread like a trophy, a wide grin on her face. She wiggled the loaf for emphasis. "The bread for our grilled cheese sandwiches, m'lady."

"Now that's a true winner," I joked, reaching over to pat the loaf.

Zoe flashed a devilish grin and lunged forward, grabbing me by the hips and lifting me up onto the countertop. I let out a little yelp, clutching onto her arms for balance. I found myself perched on the countertop, Zoe's hands still planted on my hips, keeping me in place. My legs dangled off the edge of the counter, and the sudden movement had caused my skirt to hike up just a little.

Once I was settled, Zoe's eyes flicked down to my skirt, noticing the slight exposure of my thighs. She let out a little hum, then reached out to quickly adjust the fabric, straightening it so it was more properly in place.

"So any additions to your grilled cheese sandwich? Bacon, maybe?"

"Bacon sounds good," I managed to say.

Zoe gave my hips a small squeeze, the corner of her mouth twitching into a smirk before she finally released me. I felt the absence of her touch almost immediately. She turned away, pulling out more ingredients. I tried to focus on my surroundings, the clean countertops and shiny appliances, anything to distract me from that brief moment. But my mind kept wandering back to those few seconds when Zoe had me in her arms, lifted up on the counter.

It had felt so effortless, as if I weighed nothing. And her eyes, that look in her eyes, it was almost predatory. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the heat that was starting to build up inside me.

After spending some time preparing, Zoe suddenly let out a soft huff, pulling at the hem of her tank top. "It's getting a bit warm in here."

She grasped the fabric, lifting it up and over her head in one swift move. Underneath, she was wearing a dark sports bra, her stomach muscles flexing as she tossed the tank top aside.

My eyes involuntarily traveled over her exposed skin, taking in every contour of muscle, every curve. I swallowed heavily, trying to keep my gaze steady.

"Yeah, It's getting hot in here."

Her muscles flexed as she reached up to open a cabinet, revealing rippling arms and taut abs. My eyes were glued to her, and I knew I was probably gawping at her like an idiot, but I couldn't help it. The sight of her, the confidence with which she moved, it was all just too damn attractive.