Irresistible Trouble

Part 1

Kayla brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink as she looked up at Jace across the coffee shop table. They'd known each other for years, but suddenly, something felt different. Maybe it was his teasing smirk, or the way his eyes softened every time he glanced at her. Today, Jace seemed bolder than usual, like he had something on his mind—and she wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it.

Jace leaned back, stretching his arms out. "Don't go easy on me, Kayla," he said, his voice a mix of challenge and charm.

She raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Why would I?"

He laughed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Because I like it when you're mad at me. You're kind of... irresistible like that." He shot her a wink, and she could feel her cheeks warm up even more.

"Oh, please," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. But his words lingered. She couldn't ignore the way her heart skipped a beat when he said things like that.

Jace tilted his head, studying her intently. "Whoa, did you always look this hot?" he asked, completely serious.

Kayla's eyes widened, taken aback by the sudden compliment. She covered her smile, trying to keep her composure. "I mean, I don't remember you paying attention before."

"That's because I was too blind," he admitted, inching closer, his voice softer. "You look a lot like my next lover."

She laughed, hoping he couldn't hear her racing heart. "Sorry, but you're just my type," she replied, matching his playful tone.

He grinned, but his gaze turned protective. "Just so you know, whoever touches you will have to deal with me."

"Oh really?" she challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Jace nodded, a glint in his eye. "Your eyes shine up when you look at me, am I that attractive?"

Kayla tried to keep a straight face, but his confidence was contagious. "If you like me," he said, leaning closer, "then show me."

She took a steadying breath, feeling bold. "I like your clothes," she whispered, leaning into him, "but I like you better naked..."

He chuckled, pretending to be scandalized, then glanced at her with that smirk that drove her crazy. "You should wear that dress more often, by the way," he added, tracing his gaze down to her.

In that moment, with the world spinning around them, she knew there was no going back. Whatever they'd just started, it was only the beginning.