Page 20 of Tempting My Nemesis

"For taking me here—showing me this."

I can’t help but return her small but genuine smile.

We sail in silence, the ocean rolling out in all directions until is touches the horizon.

"You know," Zoe says suddenly, "you're not as tough as you think."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you say that?"

She grins, eyes sparkling. "Because you let me see this side of you."

Back at the house,the sun slowly dips below the horizon. I pour two glasses of wine, my movements precise. Zoe sits nearby, her eyes reflecting the last light of day.

"Here," I say, handing her a glass. Her fingers are warm against mine as she takes the glass.

"Thanks," she murmurs, taking a sip.

I sit beside her in a charged silence as waves crash rhythmically against the shore. My mind is weighed down with things I’ve seldom told to anyone else.

"My parents... their deaths weren't an accident," I say, staring at the horizon.

Zoe turns to me, her expression one of quiet understanding.

"I've never been able to prove it," I continue, my voice quieter. "But I know something was off."

Her hand reaches out, resting on my arm, the touch unexpectedly soothing. "I'm so sorry, Caleb."

My chest tightens with something warmer than grief.

"It's part of why I got involved in... what I do now," I confess. "I'm still investigating. It's... complicated."

Her fingers tighten slightly. "You don't have to do it alone."

Her words send a shiver down my spine.

"I've been looking into their deaths for years," I admit, my voice rough. "But I still haven't found anything concrete."

"That must be overwhelming," Zoe says, her touch gentle but firm.

I glance at her, everything outside this moment fading away. "It is," I say quietly. "But I'm still looking. I have to know."

“This isn’t something you should have to shoulder alone. It’s okay to ask for help,” Zoe whispers.

Her words hit something deep inside me. Alone—that's how I've always lived. But maybe it doesn't have to be that way.

We sit in silence, watching the last rays of sunlight disappear into the ocean.

"Thank you," I finally say.

"For what?" she asks softly.

"For listening," I reply.

I set my wine glass down, my hand brushing against Zoe's. The contact sends a shiver of desire through me. We're sitting so close, the air charged with anticipation.

"Zoe..." My voice comes out soft, uncertain.

She meets my gaze, her eyes intense. "What?"

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