Carlos's POV
"So, what secret do you have, Gracie?" I asked as we continued our slow, intimate dance, our bodies pressed together without any space between us. "You promised me that you'd share a secret in exchange for mine."
Grace paused, considering her words for a moment.
She seemed hesitant, as if what she wanted to reveal might spark too much hope in me.
But she had given her word, so she drew in a deep breath and spoke, "Carlos, I've been considering that I should finally return your feelings once we've resolved Amara's situation."
My eyes went wide. My body froze instantly, and I stumbled, causing Grace to accidentally step on my shoes.
"Woah—AH!" Grace lost her footing and nearly tumbled from the misstep, but I quickly steadied her, gazing at her with eyes brimming with hope and affection.
Grace could see her reflection in my deep emerald eyes, as if she occupied every corner of my heart and thoughts in that moment.
