Chapter 16

The car door touched her lips gently. It wasn’t a kiss; it was just his fingertip. She felt disappointed, or something else entirely, until she saw Leon casually reach out his hand, amusement dancing in his eyes.

He spoke, his voice soft. "Are you saving some for later?" He gestured to something on his finger—something he had just wiped from her mouth.

No wonder he kept giving her that weird look. As quickly as she could think, her body moved instinctively; she grabbed his hand and gave his fingertip a quick lick. The moment she realized what she had just done, she didn’t even dare meet his eyes and boredly looked out the window. Kelly was flailing down the path, looking like she had no idea where she was going.

Her licked finger still tingled, as if the touch had scorched his skin. He took a moment to compose himself before finally getting out of the car. Just as he did, he saw Kelly returning, looking sheepish. Last time, she’d been in such a daze. It wasn’t surprising that she had no idea where the apartment was.

She walked quietly by his side as he retrieved the bags from the trunk. There were quite a few of them. Leon said, not even handing her one, "Our place is the second building on the left—apartment 1001. Remember that for next time." She followed behind him.

She stole glances at Leon’s back. He carried all the bags with ease, his tall figure and steady gait exuding strength and security. His presence was… reassuring.

Thinking back on her impulsive move in the car, Kelly covered her face in pure embarrassment as they stepped inside the apartment. Her heart fluttered.

The layout was much the same as last time, except for the couch—it had been replaced with a soft ivory one. Leon had asked for her opinion before buying it, and the rest remained familiar. A few fresh lilies sat on the dining table, their subtle fragrance drifting through the room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the space in a warm, golden glow. It felt like home.

Leon brought her luggage into the master bedroom. "This is your room. The sheets are new—I’ve already washed them. You can put your things here." Kelly caught onto a key detail and blinked. Le seemed to be able to read her thoughts.

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “I figured that since we haven’t known each other for that long, sharing a room might make you uncomfortable. We’ll take things slowly.” Kelly’s anxiety over the sleeping arrangements instantly melted away. Leo had thought everything through for her sake. Every step he took was with her comfort in mind. He really was the most thoughtful and respectful man she’d ever known.

Her eyes softened. "Unpack first," Leon said. "Let me know if you need help. I’ll be in the room next door."

She hesitated for a moment. "Could we… stay in the smaller room...?" She hadn’t paid anything for this apartment, and having the master bedroom to herself felt like too much.

But Leon just smiled. "It's yours. You’re the heart of this home." Kelly blushed crimson again.