Aria's POV
I scrambled backward, frantically pulling myself out of Ray's embrace.
My heart was hammering against my ribs, and my pheromones were in complete disarray, spiking with sudden panic and embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry, Ray," I stammered, my cheeks burning.
"Are you OK? What... what are you even doing here?"
Ray didn't seem bothered at all. He adjusted his rumpled collar, his movements smooth and effortless.
The rich, grounding scent of fresh pine and cedar rolled off him in subtle waves, soothing the jagged edges of my frayed nerves.
"I'm fine," he said, an amused smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Though I think I'm getting used to this. Every time I run into you, you seem to be in some kind of trouble."
I let out an embarrassed laugh. "Yeah... I guess you're
