Lily’s heart raced, her stomach tightening as Tim’s voice took on a serious tone. She couldn’t think of anything she had done wrong, yet the way he was looking at her, standing at the edge of her bed, made her nervous.

“What’s wrong, Tim?” she asked, her voice hesitant. “Did I do something?”

“You really don’t know what you did?” His gaze softened, though there was still something intense in his eyes.

“No, I don’t,” she replied, her anxiety growing. “What did I do?”

Tim sighed, pulling her closer into his side as he sat next to her on the bed. “I didn’t mean to scare you, Lily. It’s not that,” he said, his voice gentle now. “I just don’t like your friend Ryan.”

Lily blinked in surprise. “Ryan? Why don’t you like him?”

Tim’s jaw tightened as he explained, “He’s always flirting with you. Can’t you see it? He likes you, Lily.”

Lily let out a laugh, trying to brush off his jealousy. “Tim, is the jealousy monster getting to you? Ryan’s just a friend. Besides, Becca likes him.”

His frustration only deepened. “I am jealous. And I’m not wrong. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he talks to you. When you were asleep in the hospital, I caught him stroking your hair.”

Lily’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ryan did that? I didn’t know… But Tim, I don’t like him that way.” She turned to face him, cupping his cheek in her hand. “I only have eyes for you.”

Tim’s expression softened as his voice dropped to a whisper. “You’d better only have eyes for me, silly girl.” He pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that sent warmth flooding through her body. Lily’s soft moan spurred him on, his kiss deepening, igniting a fire between them.

As their lips parted, Tim’s gaze darkened with desire. He slowly pushed her back onto the bed, hovering over her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “When I’m with you, I can’t control myself,” he murmured, his voice husky. “What have you done to me?”

Lily smiled playfully up at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve done nothing.”

Tim let out a low chuckle. “Nothing, huh? Well, let me show you what ‘nothing’ feels like.”

His lips were on hers again, more urgent this time, as if he couldn’t get enough. Lily’s body responded instinctively, her fingers tightening around the bedsheets as heat coursed through her. She reached up, her hand slipping beneath his shirt, feeling the firm muscles of his back under her touch. Tim shivered at her touch, the sensation sending a thrill through him.

He began trailing kisses down her neck, his lips lingering at her collarbone. “Tim,” she whispered breathlessly, “don’t leave marks. Someone will see.”

“Good,” he murmured against her skin. “I want them to see. Especially Ryan. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

Lily laughed softly. “You’re terrible. What am I going to do with you?”

Tim’s lips curved into a mischievous grin. “Love me. Because I’m all yours, now and forever.”

Her heart fluttered as his words sank in, and a boldness she hadn’t known she possessed surged through her. With a sudden burst of confidence, Lily flipped him onto his back, straddling his lap. Tim looked up at her, surprised but clearly impressed.

“Where did that come from, my silly girl?” he teased, his eyes glinting with admiration.

“I’m not your silly girl,” she said with a playful smirk. “I’m your naughty girl. And I’ve been wanting to touch you for years.” Her fingers trailed down his chest, sending a shiver of anticipation through him.

Tim’s smirk widened. “Touch away, then,” he said, his voice deep with desire. “I won’t stop you.”

She set to work unbuttoning his shirt, her hands exploring his bare chest as she pushed the fabric off his shoulders. She kissed him again, her lips trailing down his neck, across his chest, and down to his navel. The feel of her lips on his skin had Tim groaning softly, his hand tangling in her hair, gently pulling her back up to meet his gaze.

“You’d better let me take over,” he murmured, his voice thick with desire. “I’ve got a lot I want to do with you tonight.”

Lily’s heart raced as he flipped her back beneath him, his fingers deftly undressing her. She shivered, both nervous and excited as she lay bare beneath him. Tim paused, his eyes drinking in the sight of her.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. “How did I not see this before?”

Her breath caught in her throat as his lips found hers again, the kiss fast and heated. His touch sent sparks of electricity through her as he explored her body, his hands trailing over her skin, leaving fire in their wake.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice laced with concern. “It might hurt a little.”

Lily smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. “I’m okay. I’ve been waiting for this... for you.”

“I love you,” he whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

“I love you too,” she breathed.

As they became one, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of love and passion. The night stretched out, filled with whispered confessions, tender kisses, and burning desire. Tim and Lily were no longer just friends or even lovers—they were something more. Bound together by love, desire, and a promise that neither would ever break.

In the quiet aftermath, as they lay tangled in each other’s arms, Tim held her close, his lips brushing her forehead. “You’re mine, Lily. And I’ll never let you go.”

Lily smiled against his chest, her heart full and content. “And I’m yours,” she whispered. “Forever.