?Chapter 1368:


    “NO, I trust you. I heard what you said.” Jessica tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting back to the warmth of the kiss, which lingered with a gentle sweetness.


    Melvin, still caught up on it, insisted, “You’re not convinced.”


    “All right, you caught me,” Jessica said, still ying along. She looked at him with a mock usation. “You sat there so still, but the second I moved in, you turned. That’s just too much of a coincidence. Seems like you were waiting for that.”


    No response came from Melvin. He searched for the right words, but nothing came out. Truthfully, the timing had just lined up in the strangest way. “I swear, I didn’t mean to do that,” he managed, pressing his lips together. Nerves made his heart beat faster, and even his ears were burning. “If you’re upset, go ahead and do whatever makes you feel better.”


    “That’s not necessary.”


    “Then tell me what I should do so you won’t be upset.”


    “You can let me kiss you in return.”


    “Come again?” Melvin blinked.


    “You just stole my first kiss,” Jessica said, feigning annoyance and keeping her tone dead serious. “So, if you let me have one back, I’ll forgive you.”


    For a moment, Melvin had to gather himself. His usually steady eyes flickered with emotion. “All right.”


    Their gazes locked. She didn’t look away, and neither did he.


    In the next breath, she leaned forward and nudged him down onto the cushions. Her lips pressed against his, soft and inviting.


    In that moment, his mind emptied out, every sense overwhelmed by her gentle sweetness. He stayed perfectly still, allowing her to kiss him without protest. There was no telling whether the kisssted only a few seconds or stretched into something much longer, but eventually, it came to an end.


    Rising from the couch, Jessica darted into her room. Her cheeks were pink, and her expression showed how flustered she felt.<fn4923> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? fin?novel</fn4923>


    Melvin remained on his back, his mind tangled and restless. Gone was the usualposure in his eyes. Instead, they flickered with both astonishment and a budding warmth.


    He tried to will his heartbeat back to normal, but no matter how long he waited, his chest wouldn’t stop pounding.


    Finally, he sat up and closed his eyes for a moment. He brought his hand to his brow, as if that simple gesture could steady his nerves.


    Still, it did nothing to settle him.


    After several minutes, Jessica reappeared, looking much calmer than before. The sight of Melvin still perched on the couch made her pulse quicken again.


    Worried he might be upset, she decided to break the silence. “Could you tell me where I can get a ss and find some water?” She purposely mentioned something trivial, hoping to get a read on how Melvin was feeling.


    Lifting his head, Melvin nodded in the direction of the kitchen. “It’s just over there.”


    Jessica made a show of going to get some water.


    Before she could leave the room, Melvin spoke up. “Can I talk to you for a second?”


    “What’s on your mind?”


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