Determined, Karen set up a dinner date with Ross, careful to make it seem casual.
But in her mind, every detail was planned with precision.
The way they would sit, the words she would say, the moment she would let herself—or not—give in.
After dinner, she would invite him to her room. One kiss. That was all she allowed herself to imagine.
If she felt nothing—if her pulse remained steady and her thoughts stayed clear—then she would kick him out immediately and reclaim control.
But if… if that single kiss ignited something she couldn't ignore… then all bets would be off.
Her stomach twisted with a mix of fear and excitement as she pictured the possibilities.
She had convinced herself it was a test, a way to measure her own strength.
But deep down, she knew that she might be standing on the edge of something far greater than she had ever imagined—and that stepping too close might mean losing herself entirely.
***
