CHAPTER 162

"Emily," he began gently, "I can assure you, I'm definitely not gay."

Emily let out a low groan and whispered under her breath,

"I wish the floor would just open up and swallow me whole."

Caleb eased himself down onto the edge of the bed, the mattress sinking slightly beneath his weight. Emily, sitting beside him, adjusted her posture, shifting to face him more directly as he prepared to speak.

"You know, Emily," he started, his voice soft and sincere,

"There's no doubt in my mind that you're a very attractive woman." He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting hers, as if searching for understanding.

"I'll admit, I was tempted momentarily," he continued, a faint hint of vulnerability in his tone.

"But then I scolded myself because I've always thought of you as a sister, someone I need to protect." His eyes held a mixture of sincerity and regret as he spoke, his words carrying the weight of his internal struggle.

He took a deep breath before continuing, his eyes reflecting th