**Chapter 20: The Anticipation Builds**

As Maya stood there, her eyes locked on Eric's, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building inside her. The air was thick with tension, and she knew that it was only a matter of time before they gave in to their desires. Eric's eyes seemed to burn with intensity as he gazed at her, his pupils dilating slightly as he took in her reaction to his text. Maya's face grew hot as she felt a flutter in her chest, her mind racing with thoughts of what the night might bring. She knew that Eric's parents being out of town meant that they would have the house to themselves, and the possibilities seemed endless. She felt a shiver run down her spine as Eric took another step closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'll see you at 7, then," he said, his voice low and husky, sending a thrill through Maya's veins. She nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she felt a sense of anticipation build inside her. She couldn't wait to see what the night had in store. As they stood there, the tension between them growing thicker than ever, Maya's phone buzzed again. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she read the message. It was from an unknown number, and the words made her heart skip a beat. "Be careful around him," the message read. "He's not what he seems." Maya's face grew hot as she felt a surge of unease. Who was sending her these mysterious messages, and what did they mean? She looked up at Eric, but he seemed oblivious to her concerns. He was still gazing at her, his eyes burning with intensity. "Everything okay?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Maya hesitated, unsure of what to say. Should she tell Eric about the message, or keep it to herself? She decided to keep it to herself for now, not wanting to ruin the mood. "Yeah, everything's fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Eric nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'll see you at 7, then," he said, before turning and walking out of her office. As the door closed behind him, Maya felt a sense of unease wash over her. Who was sending her these messages, and what did they mean? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the excitement building inside her. Tonight was going to be a night to remember, and she couldn't wait to see what it had in store. With a sense of anticipation building inside her, Maya began to tidy up her office, her mind racing with thoughts of the night ahead. She couldn't wait to be alone with Eric, to see where their desires would take them. As she worked, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that there was more to Eric than met the eye. But for now, she was willing to push those thoughts aside and indulge in the excitement of the moment. The hours ticked by, and before she knew it, the clock struck 6:30. Maya felt a flutter in her chest as she grabbed her purse and headed out the door. She had a feeling that tonight was going to be a night she would never forget.