Chapter 3: Lessons in Temptation

Standing outside the Whitaker mansion, I was still trying to calm myself down. Staring at the ridiculously luxurious estate, I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

I heard footsteps on the other side, so I quickly straightened my clothes. The door opened, and what greeted me was a bare, still-damp chest.

A trim waist, defined muscles, and perfect skin—who showers this early in the morning? Seriously, was he auditioning for a cologne commercial?

Julian saw the bag in my hand and instinctively leaned over to take it. He got closer and closer, until all I could smell was his body wash. A drop of water slid down his arm and landed in my palm—I jumped, startled, my skin tingling where it touched.

Sure, I’m a party girl and I love a good-looking guy, but I’m actually pretty well-behaved. I might be bold in my head, but I’d never been in a situation this intense before. This was the first time I’d ever seen a guy’s bare chest! I panicked and stepped back, forgetting about the step behind me. I tripped and stumbled backward, arms flailing.

Julian caught me naturally, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his arms. He was so tall—even though I wasn’t short, I barely reached his chest. My hand accidentally brushed his abs, and I couldn’t help but admire his physique. But then I looked up and met his clear, direct gaze.

Instant guilt and embarrassment washed over me, and I scrambled out of his arms, not daring to look at him. I muttered, “Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

Julian’s ears turned red, and he scratched his head awkwardly. “Didn’t have time to put one on. I was afraid you’d have to wait, so I came to open the door first.”

My eyes accidentally flicked to his Adam’s apple, and I swallowed hard. God, how could someone with such a cold face say something so sweet? My knees actually went a little weak.

I was barely holding it together!

My thoughts were all over the place, and my expression must’ve changed a dozen times. I don’t know if he noticed, but suddenly, he chuckled softly, reached over, and fixed my slipping backpack strap.

“Thanks,” I said, trying to sound normal.

Julian looked at me with a smile in his eyes, his voice low and warm: “You’re here early, Autumn.” My stomach did a somersault.

Game design is basically using digital tech to create games—2D, 3D art, concept design, all that. It’s a lot of development and production, but honestly, tutoring Julian was a real test of my willpower. I mean, who could focus?

At first, I tried to stay serious, but even sitting down, I was barely taller than him. Eventually, I pulled up a chair next to him and looked at what he was working on. To my shock, his designs were better than my professor’s, so I leaned in closer and closer, totally forgetting myself.

“Your design is…” amazing. Seriously, did you even need me here? He could probably teach my teachers.

I didn’t finish the sentence, just stared at his screen in disbelief.

Julian turned and asked, “Autumn, what’s wrong with my design?”

I turned to look at him. “Your design is…” but then froze. I realized how close we were—our arms touching, his scent, that cedar smell, filling my nose. I caught a glimpse of his flushed ears—he was so pure. I could barely breathe.

I quickly scooted back a few feet, putting some serious distance between us. “Your design is great. Really good. Keep it up.” I sounded like a nervous teacher’s aide.

Julian propped his chin on his hand. “Why’d you suddenly move so far away?”

I laughed it off. “It just got a little hot in here…” Please, let him buy that.

His clear eyes stared right through me, making my skin crawl in a way that was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Suddenly, Julian chuckled softly, his voice deep and textured: “Autumn, what are you afraid of?”

Hearing him say my name sent a shiver down my spine. I felt like I was seeing another side of him, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Afraid? I was afraid of my own weakness for good looks! But I kept making excuses: “Really, it’s just a little hot. I can see fine from here, don’t worry.”

Julian calmly pulled me, chair and all, back over next to him, his muscles flexing under his shirt. My heart stuttered. He grabbed the AC remote and said, “Then I’ll turn down the temperature so you won’t be hot. My hearing isn’t great—I can’t hear you if you sit too far.”

God, how was I supposed to survive this?