The warmth of the water surrounded them, but it wasn't nearly as hot as the tension between them. Isabella could feel the steady beat of her heart pounding in her chest as she held Roman's gaze.

His hand was still resting against her cheek, his touch gentle, patient. He was waiting-giving her space, letting her decide.

For so long, she had been guarded, afraid to let herself fall again. But tonight... tonight, she didn't want to overthink. She didn't want to push him away.

She wanted this.

Slowly, Isabella lifted her hand from the water, resting it against his chest. She felt the steady rise and fall of his breathing, the solid warmth of him beneath her fingertips.

Roman's breath hitched, but he didn't move. He just watched her, his dark eyes searching, waiting.

Isabella swallowed hard. Then, without giving herself time to second-guess, she closed the distance between them.

Her lips brushed against his-soft at first, hesitant. But the second she felt him respond, warmth spread through her, and she deepened the kiss.

Roman groaned softly, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her closer. The water rippled around them as she moved into his lap, her arms winding around his neck.

It had been so long since she let herself feel like this-since she allowed herself to want him without guilt, without fear.

Roman's hands tightened on her hips as he kissed her back, slow and deep, like he'd been waiting for this moment just as long as she had.

When they finally pulled away, their breaths were uneven, their foreheads resting together.

Roman let out a low chuckle. "Damn."

Isabella smiled, running her fingers through the damp strands of his hair. "Yeah."

His hands traced gentle circles along her waist. "You sure about this?"

She nodded, exhaling softly. "I don't know where this is going... but I want to find out."

Roman's grip on her tightened just a little. "Then we'll take it slow."

Isabella bit her lip, brushing another soft kiss against his. "I don't think slow is an option anymore."

Roman smirked. "Is that so?"

She nodded, grinning. "Mhm."

With a low growl, Roman flipped their positions, pressing her back against the edge of the hot tub as he captured her lips again-this time with no hesitation.

And just like that, the last of the distance between them disappeared.