Evelyn knew her response had, in a way, justified Derek's deception.

"You see? Why can't you open your heart to me, Eve? As much as I want to have sex with you—because sex between us was great, and I've been craving it—I really do care about you. Deeply," Derek said. Butterflies fluttered in Evelyn's belly.

His words conjured memories of their night together, along with the image of his bare body, an image she'd been struggling to suppress. Not wanting him to see how affected she was, she took a sip of her drink and said, "That was a one-time thing, Derek. Nothing is going to happen between us. Nothing can or should. I'm only here to do my job, and afterward, I intend to disappear from your life."

"Are you sure about that, Eve?" Derek asked. Evelyn frowned.

"Sure about what?"

"Can you look into my eyes and tell me you don't wish to be with me again?" Derek asked, setting down his wineglass and rising.

Evelyn watched, her heartbeat quickening, as he circled the table and sat beside her.

"Do you not wish to feel my hands on you? To be pleasured by me again?" He took her hand and raised it to his lips.

Evelyn swallowed, unable to pull away or look away from his intense gaze. Everything he said was true. She wanted him desperately; all she could think about was tracing her fingers down his chest, feeling his muscles, and experiencing his touch as she had six years ago.

"Deny it, Eve," Derek said, kissing her palm and then her wrist. "Tell me you don't want me as much as I want you, and I'll stop," he said, his face inches from hers. He dared her, his voice husky as he kissed her arm. "Tell me you haven't dreamt of this moment once in the last six years."

Evelyn opened her mouth to say "no," but as if her lips had a mind of their own, she said, "Yes, I want you, right now."

"Then let me have you, Eve. Give yourself to me. Let me make love to you, touch you in ways no man ever has, or ever will. I want another taste of that passion you've buried deep," Derek said, leaning closer.

She knew it was a bad idea; she should stop. But her body had a will of its own, betraying her. Instead of pushing him away, she closed the distance, their lips meeting.

Abandoning logic, she kissed him passionately as he devoured her lips, his hands caressing her. His touch sent electric sparks through her veins. She felt his heart pounding against hers, his desire fueling her own.

Their kisses grew more fervent, more urgent. Derek's hands found the hem of her dress and slowly inched it upward. Evelyn gasped when his fingers brushed her bare skin, arching into his touch, wanting more.

Derek's lips trailed from her mouth to her neck, leaving a burning path that made her tremble. She threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer, losing herself in the heat of the moment. She would worry about everything else tomorrow. She would blame the wine if she had to, but for tonight, she needed this.

"I want you now, Derek," Evelyn cried when his fingers brushed her nipple. Desperate for his touch, she tore his robe off. Taking this as his cue, Derek unleashed his desires, eager to make the night even more pleasurable than their first.

The next morning, Evelyn woke cradled in Derek's arms. She felt the warmth of his body and heard his heartbeat against her chest. For a brief moment, she savored the feeling. It had been so long since she'd felt such closeness, and she admitted it felt nice.

The feeling didn't last. The reality of their situation set in, stirring a torrent of emotions: shame, anxiety, and guilt. Shame for giving in to her desires so recklessly; anxiety because Derek wouldn't give up, potentially leading him to discover Samantha; and guilt for keeping vital secrets about her relationship with his cousin and their daughter.

What was she going to do? Pretend nothing happened? Perhaps convince him she'd only used him for sex.

She sighed, telling herself she was overthinking. She would get up and act like it was no big deal.

As she started to lift his arm, Derek's phone rang—a ringtone reserved for his parents. He jolted awake, reached for the phone, and took the call. Evelyn seized the opportunity to excuse herself and headed to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, Evelyn emerged, ready to face Derek's triumphant smirk. But the look on his face stopped her cold: anger.

"How could you?" he asked, his voice low and icy. His cold, piercing blue eyes seemed to freeze her soul.