Mirabe blinked, not quite processing what was happening when suddenly, the man''s face was just inches from hers, his warm breath brushing her cheek. In the next instant, he firmly cupped her head and kissed her deeply.


    Their breaths intertwined, soft and lingering. Mirabe''s eyshes fluttered slightly, a blush creeping onto her pale cheeks. She tried to step back instinctively, but stumbled over the armchair behind her, falling backward.


    James quickly tightened his grip around her waist, easing her fall while gentlyying her onto the armchair. He nestled his head in the crook of her neck, whispering with a teasing tone, "Didn''t know you were into this."


    Mirabe was momentarily speechless.


    James had a deep, knowing gaze. He chuckled softly, kissing her earlobe, then ran his hands down her arms, finally sping her hands, lightly tickling her palms before holding them firmly.


    Mirabe shivered slightly, trying to tell James to get up, but a series of soft kisses along her neck wiped away any coherent thoughts.


    The room felt warmer, the light casting a cozy, romantic glow over them, making the atmosphere intimate and charged with emotion.


    Who knows how much time passed before James''s remaining sense of restraint kicked in, and he finally put some space between them. Mirabe''s cheeks were flushed, making her look even more breathtaking.


    James felt his throat tighten. After a quick nce, he looked down, gently straightening Mirabe''s clothes that hade undone.


    Once he was done, he helped her sit up, clearing his throat softly, his voice still tinged with emotion. "Why don''t you read for a bit? I need to step out, but I''ll be back soon."


    With that, he gave Mirabe another quick kiss on the lips before forcing himself to stand and swiftly leaving the study.


    The sound of the door closing brought Mirabe back to reality. She touched her face, feeling the heat radiate off her skin.


    No wonder folks say men and women shouldn''t be alone together; it''s hard to keep things in check.


    Mirabe got up and wandered to the bookshelf, picking a book at random to read.


    Half an hourter, James returned, now in light-colored loungewear. Mirabe nced at him, her ears warming up at the memory of what had just happened. But when she shifted her gaze, she did it so naturally that any hint of embarrassment was nowhere to be seen.


    She lived by the motto, ''If you''re not embarrassed, then the awkwardness is on someone else.''


    James noticed her calm demeanor and just chuckled quietly, moving to sit at his desk. He spread out the blueprints Mirabe had brought earlier and focused on his work.


    The study was serene, neither of them speaking much, creating a perfectly peaceful scene.


    Before they knew it, it was already half-past ten. Mirabe started to feel drowsy, yawning several times, her eyes glistening with a sleepy haze.


    She set the book down, nced at James—still deep in concentration—and, not wanting to disturb him, got up and left the study.


    After a quick trip to the restroom, she saw it was gettingte. As James put down his pen, she paused, stepping forward a bit without ncing at his blueprints, and said, "It''s gettingte, I should probably..."


    Before she could finish, James chimed in, "If you''re tired, feel free to rest in my bedroom. The sheets are freshly changed and clean."