Evelyn and Derek entered the suite. After Derek opened the door with his key card, Evelyn surveyed the room, sighing at the king-sized bed dominating the space. Her gaze fell on a small couch. "I'll take the couch," she declared, crossing her arms.

The bed smelled of fresh laundry, tempting her to reconsider, but she remained firm. She wouldn't share a bed with this daredevil, feel his warmth, or inhale his scent.

Derek glanced at the couch, then back at her as he loosened his tie. "You won't be comfortable there. We can share the bed; it's big enough. You don't have to be scared," he said with a low, persuasive grin.

His voice vibrated through her, making her skin tingle, but Evelyn glared, her eyes flashing. "I'd rather not," she said firmly.

"I thought we were getting along," Derek said, noting her friendliness since he'd told her about his adoption.

"Getting along doesn't mean I want to share a bed," Evelyn retorted, settling onto the couch. The cushions were soft, but she couldn't relax. Two nights with Derek loomed.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have someone sexy and hot in bed with you?" Derek asked with a wink. The memory of their previous encounter flashed through Evelyn's mind. She shook her head, realizing she was imagining it. "I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work," she said, crossing her legs.

Derek chuckled, a low, husky sound. He could tell it was working. "Alright, suit yourself. But don't think I'll sleep on the couch. It's either the bed together, or I sleep alone," he warned.

"I'll sleep alone," Evelyn said. He grinned.

"I assure you, you'll be in that bed willingly before this trip ends," Derek said, a determined glint in his eyes as he unbuttoned his shirt. His gaze burned into her, making her feel flustered.

Evelyn's heart raced. The tension between them felt like a thick blanket, drawing them together. She could hear her own heartbeat. Maybe this trip had been a mistake. She shouldn't have trusted him. She wouldn't let him see how affected she was.

"That's not going to happen," she said, struggling to maintain her composure.

"You think so?" Derek asked, approaching her.

Evelyn rose and moved away from the couch, but for every step she took, he took two, closing the distance. They circled until her back hit the wall. Derek's smirk was evident as he placed his hands on either side of her, his gaze intense. She felt his warmth, even without contact.

She tried to think clearly, but all she could recall were his hands and lips from six years prior. She felt breathless. "II need some air," she stammered, trying to push past him.

Derek didn't move. He leaned closer, his lips near her ear. "It's past midnight, remember?" he whispered, sending shivers down her spine.

She felt trapped. Her body betrayed her, leaning into his warmth. "What are you trying to do?" she whispered. "Are you trying to force yourself on me?"

"Why would I, when I can see you want me too?" he asked. Evelyn shook her head.

"No, I don't," she said, mostly to herself.

"Are you sure?" Derek asked, brushing his lips against her neck.

Evelyn's eyes fluttered closed, her resolve weakening. Then, she snapped back to reality. She remembered his earlier promise; if she gave in, he wouldn't stop. He would find out about Samantha, her child with Michael's cousin. That would be disastrous.

She pushed him away. "No, Derek. No, I don't want you," she said firmly.

Derek's eyes narrowed, but he didn't move. He seemed to be waiting. The tension was palpable.

Seeing her stubbornness, Derek chuckled. "Fine. I'm going to freshen up. You can shower after me," he said, creating distance. "And don't worry, I'll never force you. When we do have sex, you'll be willing," he added before entering the bathroom.

Evelyn sighed, replaying the scene. She'd almost given in. Would she resist tomorrow? She needed to remember that Derek was Michael's cousin. That might be enough to prevent her from doing something foolish.