He wore a look of helpless indulgence, his grin both teasing and tender.

"You've been down this road before, caught red-handed.

", I was speechless. My cheeks flared up with a blush, my heart a mix of embarrassment and annoyance., Seriously, this guy! It's one thing to know, but why go out of his way to point it out? Can't he just keep it to himself? Talk about low emotional intelligence.

"Licia,

" Ernest called out softly,

"bold as a bandit when you're up to no good, but a scaredy-cat afterward. You haven't changed a bit since you were little.

", I was about to snap back, but then it hit me., Up to no good?, Last night, when I answered the door in my pajamas, he didn't take it as an accident. He knew it was deliberate?, Oh, the embarrassment!, I nearly crushed the car keys in my hand, my frustration bubbling over. I retorted, chin up,

"Who are you calling naughty? If anyone, it's you. You're the one who's...

", I couldn't finish my sentence. Ernest leaned in, sealing my protest with a kiss., His lips were cool, perhaps from a recent run, yet so tender..., Frozen in place, I stood there., I could see him close his eyes, notice his eyelashes, and the proud line of his nose..., Lost in the moment, caught up in his striking looks, Ernest finally released me but held onto my hands.

"Let me be the one to do the naughty things from now on...

", My blush deepened, spreading from my cheeks to my neck., Head bowed, I was speechless.,

"Nothing serious with Dr. Willis?

" he probed further., I shook my head, remaining silent. I couldn't explain it., I wasn't this shy when dating Conrad. Back then, people would tease us, he would occasionally pinch my cheek, loop an arm around my shoulders, even kiss my cheek in public., I never blushed like this before., Now, I felt like a young girl experiencing her first crush, the first touch of a boy's hand., Yet, when I was at Galaxy Harbor, I acted all cool and experienced around him., Turns out, pretense and lies can't stand the test of time.,

"I was thinking of making you some mac and cheese, but it seems you're in a rush now. Drive safe,

" Ernest said, caring as always., I stayed quiet, and he chuckled,

"Licia, do you know what you make me want to do?

",

"What?

" I finally asked., He leaned in, his cheek brushing against mine, his lips grazing my earlobe teasingly.

"Kiss you more, so you'll get used to it and won't be so shy.

" That made me even more embarrassed, my hands flailing lightly on his back., Ernest laughed, a sound that made my heart flutter even more.,

"Stop laughing!

" I tried to cover his mouth with my hand. But then, a ticklish sensation - he kissed my palm., My body tensed at the touch, and he chuckled softly,

"Alright, I'll stop teasing. You better get going. And remember, drive slowly.

", I bit my lip, my face as red as a boiled lobster, and quickly turned to get into the car., Ernest stood outside, watching me with a smile., He seldom smiled, but in that moment, his smile was as bright as the sunrise, warming my heart., So, this is what true love feels like, exhilarating and sweet, like a gentle spring breeze mixed with honey., I started the car, ready to leave, feeling uneasy under Ernest's gaze., I drove a good distance before realizing Ernest was still standing there, watching me., I caught glimpses of him through the rearview mirror and suddenly remembered what he said last night at the amusement park, about leaving today., But where was he going? I hadn't asked., Abruptly, I hit the brakes., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.