Thomas POV As I gazed into Annabel's eyes, my heart was at war with itself. Her words hung in the air, a tempting invitation that tugged at my emotions, but I knew better than to yield to the allure of the moment. I chuckled softly, a rueful smile gracing my lips. "Annabel, you always know how to surprise me. But we have to be careful. This is all so new, and rushing into things could lead to complications we're not ready for." She nodded, her gaze filled with understanding. "You're right, Thomas. I didn't mean to push you." Our connection was undeniable, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to resist the pull of our feelings. I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, wanting to convey my genuine emotions. "Annabel, I care about you deeply. But there's still much to consider, and I