Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

Edith whipped out her phone and called Herbert. As she approached, she said, "I've asked Herbert to bring it over for you. Don't sweat it; men are there to be bothered." "You should start bothering Gregory more often. You're the only one who can actually get through to him," Edith added.

When Herbert arrived with the shoes, the party was still in full swing.

Throughout the evening, Herbert was practically glued to Bella, affectionately calling her "big sis" and openly showcasing her close ties with the Taylor family.

This move only made everyone more determined to get on Bella's good side.

After all, Herbert had a reputation for being a tough nut to crack...

By the time Gregory and I got back to Elmwood Villas, it was past ten.

Stepping into the elevator, I pressed for the sixth floor, but he hesitated to choose his, leaving me puzzled. He then pinned me against the elevator wall.

His hands gripped my waist as he pulled me closer, his voice husky. "Has the buzz worn off yet?"

"Not yet..."

I had switched to flats earlier, fearing Bella had overindulged, and ended up drinking a few for her.

The ride back was a bit of a blur, and I still felt lightheaded.

Gregory's lips curved into a sly smile as he lifted me slightly, whispering enticingly, "Then how about another kiss?"

"...There's a camera, surveillance!"

I turned my face away, wishing I could disappear into a blind spot.

Undeterred, Gregory kissed my forehead, "We're almost there." "Ding"

As if on cue with his words, the elevator came to a stop.

As I tried to dash out, he effortlessly grabbed my wrist and followed me out of the elevator. "The wiring at my place is acting up, haven't got around to fixing it yet."

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, once inside, I leaned against the entryway cabinet, locking eyes with him, "Gregory, are you trying to sleep with me?"

He didn't flinch, his gaze intense and filled with desire, deeper than the night sky outside, "Yes, I've wanted to for a long time."

"A long time?"

I was taken aback.

Considering how long I've been back, his “long time" didn't quite add up.

Gregory stepped closer, pressing me

against the cabinet, his eyes not hiding the fervor within, "Since recognized you, or rather, before I even found you but knew I was already a man, I've wanted you."

With no time for me to react, his burning kiss landed on my lips, as if to consume me whole, heart and soul.

His urgency was unprecedented, filling the quiet space with the low, trembling tones of his voice.

Whether it was his blunt words or the overwhelming possessiveness, my body responded uncontrollably...

"Greg..."

"Greg... Greg..."

I knew this wouldn't be like before,;

just a simple kiss, yet I didn't think of stopping. All the questions that would normally flood my mind were cast aside.

My consciousness was blurry, yet strikingly vivid.

The drunkenness prevented me from overthinking, but I was acutely aware of whose arms I was in.

He lifted me effortlessly to his waist, his breath hot against my ear, "Baby, do you prefer the couch or the bed?"