Chapter Twenty Five

****Maria’s POV****

I heard the knock before I even had the chance to gather myself.

Just one.

Firm. Measured. Intentional.

I didn’t move. My back was pressed against the bedroom door, knees tucked to my chest. My pulse thudded in my ears.

I could still feel his lips on mine warm, hungry, searching. That kiss had flipped something inside me, and no amount of deep breathing was helping reset it.

Another knock followed, quieter this time. Less sure.

“Maria?” Andrew’s voice, muffled, but close.

I swallowed hard.

Say something. Open the door. Do anything but sit here like you weren’t seconds away from melting into that kiss again.

I rose slowly, each step toward the door feeling like a battle against gravity. I wasn’t ready to see him. But I also couldn’t ignore him.

I opened it.

He was there, still in the white shirt he’d worn to work, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, collar slightly open like he’d tugged at it in frustration.

His eyes were unreadable sharp, almost wary but the mo