âAlright, you can leave.
But as a small penalty for having avoided me for the previous two days, how about a ki*s?â
Raeganâs cheeks warmed at his request, her voice tinged with disbelief.
âWhat are you saying?â
He looked at her, his expression grave.
âMy stomachâs been acting up.
I could use a bit of comfort.
â
With no real escape, Raegan leaned in, her lips brushing his in the faintest of touches.
She felt her face heat up.
This was new territory for her, initiating such an intimate gesture.
âIâll be off then,â she managed to say, lifting her gaze to meet his.
The twinkle in his eyes sent her heart racing, and she turned away, trying to pull free from his grasp.
Mitchel teased, âLooks like you still need some guidance.
Guess Iâll have to be the teacher.
â
âWhat?â Raegan asked.
The next moment, Mitchel drew her closer, her back against his chest.
Before Raegan could process his intentions, Mitchel lowered his head, his ki*s far more deliberate than hers.
His hands cradled her face, deepening the ki*s, leaving her breathless and unable to form coherent thoughts.
The warmth of his embrace enveloped her, her heart pounding against her chest.
After what felt like an eternity, Mitchel finally released her, his voice rough with emotion.
âThatâs how a ki*s ought to be.
â
Raegan, her face aflame, attempted to rise, but his arms held her firmly.
âStay just a moment longer,â he whispered, his voice husky.
âItâs been two days too long.
Iâve missed you.
â
His words flowed easily, sweetened by genuine affection.
Mitchel seemed ready to bare his soul to her and weave words of love he had never before uttered.
âIâve missed you so much.
You haunt my dreams, yet you stay just out of reachâ¦â
There was a softness in his voice, a vulnerability that seemed at odds with the man of confidence she knew.
Hearing this side of him left Raegan speechless, caught off guard by the depth of his feelings, his pride momentarily set aside.
Mitchel released her before making a request.
âTomorrow, I want to savor the porridge you make.
â
He cherished the flavor of her porridge, unparalleled in taste over the last five years.
Porridge, of all things? Raegan was baffled.
With countless staff at her beck and call, Raegan hadnât touched a pot in ages, yet the task seemed trivial.
She nodded.
âAlright, but you must let me go now.
I need to head back.
â
With one last ki*s, Mitchel let her slip away from his grasp.