Chapter 4

Aaron gave me a questioning look. "Why have you come here? Planning to go to the gym?" Gym? My house had all the equipment I could ever need, yet I’d never used any of it. And he asked whether I would join a gym. "No, I'd love to go, but my dad won't let me," I said with a smile. "Why?" Aaron asked. I shrugged, "I'm not sure." "Maybe he doesn’t want his daughter being seen by just anyone." Aaron said quietly, "Probably, yeah." I asked, "What?" "Nothing," he blurted out, before asking, "So, are you here for a walk?" With confidence, I nodded. "I do some workouts here every day." Desperate to impress him, I began executing crossover lunges, despite the fact that I had never done one before. Naturally, I tripped and lost my balance. There was no way I’d admit that I had no idea what I was doing. I had to calm down and get my bearings. Just as I was getting over it, Aaron abruptly took off his sleeveless shirt. I gasped. He appeared even sexier than before, his strong abs and big chest glistening with perspiration. He tipped his head back and swigged from his water bottle, causing a few drops to fall down his neck, roll across his chest, and then go into his navel. I nibbled on my bottom lip. Aaron, please do not destroy me with your seductiveness. I already have a craving for you. I looked aside immediately as the heat rose in my ears and cheeks. "Are you all right?" I was startled out of my reverie by Aaron's words. "Yes, I'm fine," I said, clearing my throat. I performed a fire hydrant workout in an attempt to divert my attention, but I could feel Aaron eyeing me. His presence made my heart race as he knelt down next to me. What exactly is he up to? Will he help me? I made an effort to concentrate, but obviously I stumbled. Just as I was ready to collapse, a strong hand gripped my waist. I gasped. "Not like that, Ivy," he said in a steady, deep voice. My heart hammered as his solid hold kept me stable. Before I could comprehend what was happening, he carried me into his arms with ease. I couldn't believe it. His grip was firm, his touch warm. One hand held my waist, while the other guided my leg into position. His body pressed close to mine as he showed the movement. "Like this," he murmured softly, his breath fluttering in my ear. "Now, put a little effort into it." I nodded, doing the best I could to do what he said. He waited till I made the move many times. Then he released it gradually. "Do it carefully now," he said, keeping a tight eye on me. I was able to maintain my equilibrium this time. Aaron smiled. "Wow, you’re a fast learner." "Will you train me every day?" I asked, my eyes flashing with malicious intent. Aaron's eyebrows went up. "Every day?" He sounded reluctant and amused. Does he have no desire to instruct me? "Do you not want to?" I sulked, seeming to be disappointed. Aaron smiled brightly at me and laughed softly. "It's not that. I'll try my hardest." I beamed with pride. However, in my eagerness, I stumbled once again. My knee ached when I hit the ground. "Ah!" I gripped my leg and groaned. Aaron took hold of my hand. "Ivy!" "My knee hurts, uncle." He instantly erupted into laughter. I scowled at him and snorted, "Don't laugh." His knowing smile made my face heat up as he added, "Is this your first time working out?" I winced and then hurriedly refused it. "No, that's not true. I do, but not on a regular basis." Aaron laughed. "It happens first. Do not worry." Before I could respond, he effortlessly wrapped me in his arms. I gasped, taken aback by his abrupt move. My pulse raced, torn between excitement and embarrassment. I quickly put my arms around his neck and rubbed my fingers over his warm skin. I couldn't help but stare at his lips, his sculpted jaw, and his sharp nose. Aaron lifted an eyebrow. "Are you finished?" "What?" I muttered. He stared at me curiously. "Does something appear on my face?" "No," I said emphatically, shaking my head. He mocked, "Then why are you staring at me?" My cheeks became much more flushed. I shifted my eyes sideways and stuttered, "I… I wasn't staring." He gave a knowing smirk. As he carried me up the stairs, he mumbled, "Why are you so light, Ivy? Do you actually eat?" "W-what are you doing?" he muttered, avoiding my gaze. I smiled quietly. I let out a whine, pretending to pout, "It hurts." His strained face changed to one that was anxious quickly. "Let me see," he remarked in a worried tone. He still knew how close we were. "Here," I said, resting my palm on my knee. Aaron knelt down and checked it carefully. I could tell he was hesitant to touch me because of the way he moved. I bit my lip in an attempt to contain my laughter. He's really nervous. "Uncle," I murmured once again. Aaron looked up into my eyes. He was sweating profusely. "Ivy..." he said, almost like a warning. I raised my head. "What's the matter? Why are you sweating so much?" "Am I sweating?" he sneered. "No, I'm not." Liar! His anxiousness was evident. As I observed his agitated face, I smiled. "You surely are. Allow me to turn on the air conditioner," I said gently, reaching for the remote. Aaron still appeared uneasy despite the room's chilly air. I couldn't resist a smile. I never imagined my uncle would blush, but now I love making fun of him. "Uncle, my knee," I said. His fingers hesitated before brushing over my skin. I felt a shudder go down my spine as his warm, careful touch lingered. He started gently massaging my leg, but it was almost too much—too intimate. When will you understand, Aaron? That's enough waiting. I know you're never going to make the first move, so I will. As I leaned in, his shocked eyes locked with mine. "I was only teasing you," I said softly, pressing my lips against his ear before daring to bite on the edge. What am I doing? However, it made no difference. He knew just what he meant to me. Aaron fell back to the ground with a startled start. I chuckled, seeing his wide-eyed expression. "What was that?" he exhaled deeply. I chuckled as I slowly approached him with purposeful elegance. His nervousness simply made me more self-assured. While slipping between his legs, I said, "I just wanted to get your attention." I ran my fingertips over his thigh's border. Aaron took a deep breath. He stumbled, "W-what are you doing?" I tilted my head, and a slow smile appeared on my lips. "What do you think?" My fingertips traced up his chest, teasing across the bare muscle. He said my name in a tentative, unsure whisper. "Ivy!" "Yes?" With a straightforward voice, I responded right away. Before he could go, I threw my arms around his neck, sliding into his lap, and pressed myself against him. "Can you feel my heart racing?" As I moved his fingers to my chest, I whispered. When I placed his hand against me, my own heartbeat was frantic, and my breath froze. I said, "Right here." "Do you feel what you do to me, Uncle?" Aaron's breath was strained, and his body froze beneath me. Aaron's face turned redder than ever. “Doesn’t it feel soft?” I whispered into his ear, smiling and bringing his hand closer to my breast. His fingers twitched against me, and his breath caught. His lips parted slightly, and I observed him biting his bottom lip and squeezing his eyes closed as if battling something inside. My voice was no more than a mutter as I drew closer. I taunted, letting my breath brush his ear, "You can't hear my heartbeat from this far." "You should put your head on my chest if you truly want to hear it." The moment those words left my lips, Aaron stiffened. His body tensed, and he took a deep breath before abruptly pushing me back, gently yet strongly. "No," he said, his voice hoarse and unsteady. Breathing deeply, he stood up suddenly. He turned on his heel and hurried out of my room without saying another word. Stunned, I looked after him for a while. Then I couldn't contain my laughter and started laughing. I threw myself into the bed and put my hands over my face. My cheeks were on fire. What the hell was that, Ivy? I rolled onto my side and laughed. But...why didn't he react as expected? Is there a problem with him? I'm thinking too much about it. Meantime, outside the room, leaning against the wall, Aaron covered his mouth with his palm. His heart kept beating. "She is no longer a child. She is now a lady," Aaron thought. He inhaled quickly and walked to the bathroom, turning on the cold water. His jaw stiffened as he stared into the mirror. He raked his fingers through his wet hair. It was really, really soft. What on earth am I thinking? His hands tensed, but his thoughts continued going over the scenario again and again—her playful smile, the way she gazed at him, the way her lips parted just enough to challenge him. That girl… she knows exactly how to push a man to the edge. His thoughts were not calmed by the shower. He hit his fist on the wall, dripping water down his face. Why in the world am I unable to forget the feelings she aroused in me?