The Decision

"Claire," Anton whispered, his voice husky, "are you sure about this? About everything?"

She could see the worry in his eyes, but also a deeper longing. "I am," she replied, her voice barely audible. "I have never been more sure about anything."

That served as the final confirmation needed. Anton closed the space between them, his fingers gently brushing her cheek before pulling her into a tender, lingering kiss.

Soon, the kiss deepened, becoming more intense as years of pent-up tension flooded out.

Anton pulled away suddenly, his breath heavy and eyes locked with hers.

“Ant,” Claire said in a quivering voice, unsure of what he was about to do.

Slowly, Anton began taking off his shirt, his eyes never leaving hers. Claire's heart pounded in her chest as she watched.

As the fabric slipped away, it revealed a carved torso, every muscle defined and firm under the dim light. His skin was smooth and bronzed from the sun, and a faint trail of hair ran down his chest to the waistlin