Late that night, the puppy-wolf staying at my place quietly pushed open my bedroom door.

"Sweetie, I swear I'll make you the happiest woman alive," he breathed.

……………………………………

I was in the middle of some "me time" in the shower when persistent knocking at the door forced me to wrap myself hastily in a towel and head to the living room.

Through the peephole, I saw my best friend Rachel Stewart with a basket of fruit - clearly making a special visit.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see a tall young man standing beside her.

He had a clean-cut hairstyle, handsome features, and skin so youthful it practically glowed.

Standing at 6'3", this athletic guy was carrying two heavy grocery bags, his biceps on full display - those veins popping in a way that made you want to reach out and touch.

Seeing me stare, Rachel nudged him, "Say hello to Aunt Kate! You got into such a good college thanks to her!"

I quickly waved it off, saying it was all due to his own hard work.

Rachel's my best friend. She'd married young after mediocre SAT scores, later divorced with a son, Luke Stewart.

A few days ago, when his college acceptance letters came in, she'd asked for my help with his college decisions.

I was reluctant at first, but my best friend insisted, saying with my PhD and academic background, I knew more than most.

I reluctantly offered some advice, and to my surprise, Luke proved himself exceptional - getting directly accepted into an elite university without needing to settle for his backup choices.

"Aunt Kate," Luke called out eagerly, but his eyes took on a different look when they fell on my exposed skin.

Wondering what caught his attention, I glanced down and realized my towel had loosened - at his height, he had a clear view down the front.

I'm thirty-six now. I'd married young, divorced after my ex cheated, and stayed single since then.

Maybe it's the freedom of single life, but I look barely twenty-seven. Daily workouts have kept me in great shape - curves in all the right places and a waist you could wrap your hands around.

Working at a research institute, I usually dress conservatively. This was the first time anyone outside had seen me so exposed.

I quickly tightened my towel's belt, ushered mother and son into the living room, and slipped away to change into proper clothes.