I cannot unzip my dress

Athonia’s POV

He kept moving his hand higher and higher until he reached the most sensitive part of me and then he started moving his fingers gently, just like he did the first time. The sensation was intense, yes, even through my underwear I could feel everything clearly, and my fingers dug into his back from the overwhelming pleasure.

“You are so wet,” he said softly.

My cheeks burned with heat. I wanted to tell him to stop, to say I was embarrassed, but how could I when my body clearly had other plans? Our kiss grew deeper and more intense. I knew I should stop him but I was too weak, too lost in the feeling he was giving me.

Suddenly, a phone rang loudly, it was not mine but his. Instead of pulling away, Ethan kept kissing me until I managed to push him away, gasping for breath. His eyes looked dazed and his jaw moved slightly, like he was still trying to catch up with what had happened.

“Answer your phone,” I said without looking at him. What the hell had just happened between us? We almost went all the way again. Shame washed over me, I felt so wild. This was not me. Where did the innocent Athonia go? Instead of answering, I heard him end the call.

“Hey, can we continue?” he asked bluntly. My jaw nearly dropped. Seriously? He did not even feel the tiniest bit embarrassed?

“You are crazy. Just drive me home, I am tired,” I said, fixing my clothes and staring out the window to avoid his eyes. My cheeks stayed hot with shame.

“You sure? You really do not want to continue?” he asked, putting his hand back on my thigh. I closed my eyes tightly because I did not know what to do anymore.

“Stop. Just drive,” I said flatly, pushing his hand away.

“Ah, yeah. Sorry.”

In an instant, the confident energy drained out of him and he looked embarrassed. The ride for the next thirty minutes was completely silent, not a single word passed between us, only music filling the car and a heaviness in the air. When we finally reached my home, I removed my seatbelt, fixed my clothes, and climbed out carefully.

“Thanks,” I said softly.

“No problem. I am sorry about earlier,” he replied quietly, genuinely shy for once.

I could not help but smile. Damn it, he was cute, and hot. I mean, he was the father of my future child.

“Let us just forget it ever happened,” I said, maybe more to calm myself than him. Really, Athonia? As if I was not going to replay every moment and fantasize all night about it.

“Yeah, alright. I will go now,” he said with a small smile before climbing back into his car.

“Drive safe,” I told him.

I watched his car, but after a few seconds, it had not moved. Concern rose in me. I knocked on the window. He rolled it down slowly.

“What is the problem?” I asked.

“Out of gas,” he replied with a half‑smile.

Oh no.

“There is no gas station nearby,” I said, thinking fast. “Here is what we will do: you stay at my condo while I call someone to bring us fuel.”

Really, Athonia? What nonsense are you thinking now? Why are you inviting him inside your place like this? What if it happens again? Part two might happen and next thing you know… twins.

“Is that okay?” he asked, his jaw tightening just slightly.

I stared at him for a moment longer than I should have. That jawline… oh my God. Why did it have to be that attractive?

“Fine. But behave,” I said, keeping my voice calm.

And seriously, you too, Athonia. Behave. You are so weak around him. Do not let yourself give in.

“Yeah, of course,” he replied casually.

“Come on,” I muttered, walking ahead without daring to look back at him.

When we reached the building entrance, I turned to the guard.

“Guard, where’s he?” I asked.

“He just went to the restroom, Ma’am. Why, do you need him for something?”

“My friend’s car ran out of gas.” I pointed to the black Lamborghini parked outside. “I was hoping he could help us buy some fuel.”

“Here,” Ethan said, pulling out a thick wad of bills and handing it over.

“Please give this to him when he gets back.”

“Oh, alright, Ma’am and Sir. I will let you know once he gets the gas,” the guard said politely.

“Thank you. Let’s go,” I said quickly before heading toward the elevators.

Neither of us said anything while we walked down the hallway to my unit. When we reached the door, I entered my passcode and the lock clicked open.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, glancing back at him.

“Nah,” he said, eyes scanning the place like he was curious about everything. Then he looked at me. “Do you live here alone?”

“Yeah… Want some water?” I asked, trying to keep things normal. He nodded, so I turned toward the kitchen and grabbed a cold bottle from the fridge.

When I returned, he was already on the couch, scrolling through his phone like he had done it a hundred times before.

“Here’s your water,” I said, handing it over.

“Thanks,” he replied and took a few sips.

And oh my God, I should not have stared, but the way his throat moved as he swallowed? The shape of his Adam’s apple? It was doing something to me again. Why? I needed to get a grip. This was not normal. I was acting ridiculous.

Then, after drinking, he casually wiped his lips with his tongue and bit his lower lip. My heart jumped. I looked away quickly.

Why was I staring at him like that again? Get it together, Athonia. Just stop.

“Um… I will take a quick shower,” I said quickly. “You can turn on the TV or do whatever. Feel at home.”

I darted to my room before I could embarrass myself more.

I grabbed fresh clothes and laid them on the bed, then reached behind to unzip my dress. But I could not reach it.

“What the…” I groaned, trying to twist and turn every way I could. My arms stretched in every direction but the zipper stayed just out of reach.

After several awkward tries, I dropped onto the bed and let out a loud sigh of defeat.

Knock. Knock.

“Hey, Ath… are you okay?” I heard him ask from behind the door.

“No,” I answered, cheeks already heating up from the situation.

Well, he was already here. I could not act shy now. Might as well swallow my pride.

I opened the door just a little and peeked out.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his expression a mix of confusion and concern.

“I cannot unzip my dress,” I said, pouting just a little because I was frustrated.

“Let me help.”

I turned around slowly and stood still as he gently reached for the zipper and pulled it down.

Goosebumps spread across my arms, and it was just a zipper, but the way he pulled it down made my body react in the strangest way.

“All done,” he said softly, and when I turned to face him, his eyes were warm, not teasing, just gentle.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. My throat felt dry, and I hated how nervous he still made me feel. Why did it still hit me like this? Was it the leftover crush? The part of me that never really let him go?

No. That cannot be it.

My heart is off-limits now. Closed. Locked up for good.

“Next time you ask for help,” he said with a grin, “you owe me. A kiss should cover it.”

He was smiling like it was a joke, but his jaw tightened right after, and I hated how good that made him look.

“What?” I asked, raising a brow, pretending I had not heard him right.

“I am just joking, baby. Go enjoy your shower,” he said, then walked away like it meant nothing.

Wait. Baby?

Did he really just call me that? What does that even mean?

Was he hinting at something? Are we about to end up tangled in part two of earlier?

No. Not this time.

I am not drunk, and I have no excuse now.

“Ugh,” I groaned and slapped both my cheeks gently, then locked the door behind me.

I took off my dress and went straight into the shower, standing under the water for a long time, maybe over thirty minutes, just to calm down and clear my thoughts.

When I finally stepped out, the sound of rain was loud and steady. It was pouring hard.

I dried off quickly and changed into loose black pajamas and a light pink t-shirt. Safe. Comfortable. Nothing tempting. I stepped out of the room quietly, hoping he was not bored waiting. But there he was, sprawled on the couch like he owned the place, watching NBA highlights and looking completely at ease.

“Ethan,” I said, crossing my arms. “The rain is heavy. What is your plan?”

“There’s a flood warning,” he said without taking his eyes off the screen. “The streets are already covered.”

His voice was calm, deep, and a little rough. And of course, his eyes moved over me again, head to toe. My heart skipped. I tried not to show it.

“What?” I asked, stepping closer. “How will you get home then?”

He shrugged like it was not a big deal. “It is not safe to drive through this kind of flood.”

His face looked relaxed, but I could tell he had already made up his mind, he was staying. And honestly, I could not blame him.

The weather outside was dangerous. No way I was sending him out into that. I sighed quietly, already knowing what I had to do.

“Maybe... you should just sleep here tonight?” I said, slow and hesitant.

Wait. Did that really come out of my mouth? Why am I like this? Ethan turned to me with a slight smile, his lips twitching like he was holding back a laugh.

“Are you inviting me to spend the night?” he asked, clearly enjoying this way too much.

“I mean… just for safety,” I said quickly. “It is not like you can go anywhere in this weather.”

He leaned back even more, eyes bright, that cocky grin growing wider.

“Well, if you insist,” he said.

Oh no.

What have I done? Now he is staying. Please, please let this not end in trouble again. Because if we go back to where we left off earlier... I am completely doomed.