Lily POV
"I want to feel something," I corrected him. "I want to know if there's any... chemistry between us before we commit to something so permanent."
"You never had a problem wanting me before," he murmured.
"That was before," I replied softly. "Before everything fell apart."
Lucas seemed to consider this, his eyes never leaving mine. "And if I can't arouse you?"
"Then you give me more time," I said simply. "Time to develop those feelings naturally."
He was silent for a long moment, and I feared I'd overplayed my hand. But then he smiled, and there was something almost boyish in his expression—as if I'd presented him with a challenge he couldn't resist.
"I accept," he said finally. "But no games, Lily. You have to be honest about what you feel."
"No games," I agreed, ignoring t
