I was rooted to the spot., I hadn't expected Ernest to be so forthright., And once again, I was convinced that Ernest wasn't just tough, he was straightforward too., As my heartbeat sped up, my brain couldn't keep up with my mouth, and I blurted out,

"Why won't you leave?

", Ernest's Adam's apple bobbed as he said,

"I don't want to be apart from you.

", His reason was flawless., People in love are all clingy, wishing they could be together 24

/7, like conjoined twins.,

"I'm not the kind of person you think I am,

" I found myself saying., Ernest's expression stiffened, then his ears quickly turned red., This tendency of his ears to blush so easily seemed at odds with his straightforwardness., But that was just him.,

"I didn't mean it like that, I just... just want to... stay and keep you company,

" Ernest explained., I pursed my lips, watching him and felt a surge to tease him,

"So you mean, stay over just to keep me company, and we'll sleep in the same bed, but just talk under the covers?

" Ernest coughed lightly,

"Something like that.

",

"Can you guarantee that?

" My questions were getting more senseless by the minute., But they were all substantial inquiries., Ernest replied,

"Why don't you give it a try and see?

", I was speechless., Well, I had been trying to test him, to see if he harbored those kinds of thoughts about me, hadn't I?,

"I'll go back to my room to get my toiletries; you won't lock the door, right?

" Ernest was really straightforward., Pretending to be bold, I looked at him.

"Just don't chicken out.

", Ernest smiled faintly, replying,

"I won't.

", After he left to get his things, I was in the bathroom, my breathing erratic, asking myself, was I really ready to give myself to Ernest?, -She took the initiative, but I wasn't interested., Conrad Wagner's words echoed in my ears., Every time I thought of them, they stung like a needle, making me doubt myself., Doubt whether I was even remotely attractive, incapable of arousing even a hint of desire in a man., With that thought, I changed into a black, sexy nightgown., Tonight, I was determined to drive a man wild., Emerging from the bathroom, Ernest had already arrived, also changed into his nightwear., Our eyes met, and in that instant, I was sure Ernest, like me, felt his heartbeat racing., I wanted to walk over confidently, but my legs were so weak., Then Ernest came over, his Adam's apple moving, and without saying a word, he scooped me up., Instinctively, I clung to the front of his shirt. As I drew closer, I caught the scent of his soap., And it was different from Conrad's scent. Ernest's fragrance was that of the most common Ivory soap, while Conrad used some fancy artisan soap, its scent almost indistinguishable from body wash. The homely scent of Ivory was more intense, more enticing., Plus, the sudden sense of being lifted made me dizzy., Ernest carried me towards the bedroom, each step sending my heart into overdrive. I had to cling tighter to him,

"Why are you carrying me? I can walk.

", As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized how much of a mood killer I was, to say such a thing at that moment.,

"Afraid you'd go AWOL on me because your legs were too weak,

" Ernest seemed to really get me., I buried my face in his chest, stubbornly retorting,

"If I planned to run, I wouldn't have let you in.

",

"Oh, my mistake then,

" Ernest always had a quick response for everything. My face grew hotter, and he carried me to the bed, gently laying me down. But he didn't move away, instead, his gaze intensified as he looked at me., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.