Juniper''s heart skipped a beat as his handsome face suddenly loomed before her. After a few seconds of stunned silence, a yful curve formed on her lips, and she met his challenge head-on. "How do you want me to thank you?"


    The question, now thrown back at him, left Shanley in a bit of a bind. There were so many things he wanted to do.


    After a few seconds of intense eye contact, Shanley deted like a popped balloon. He gently ruffled her hair, his voice barely a whisper. "You need to grow up a little more."


    Grow up a little more? Juniper''s cheeks flushed. Did he mean what she thought he meant?


    Or... was he incapable, and that''s why he wasn''t making a move? At that thought, she pursed her lips, resolving to secretly check his pulse that night. If he had a problem, it needed to be treated.


    ...


    After dinner, Juniper washed up andy in bed, scrolling through her phone. Shanley finished his work and slipped under the covers beside her.


    "Why aren''t you asleep yet?" he asked softly, ncing at the time.


    The military training had been exhausting, and she hadn''t been resting well. She should have been dead tired.


    Without a word, Juniper rolled over, pinning Shanley beneath her and grabbing his wrists.


    His body went rigid, and a frown creased his brows. His voice turned raspy. "Juniper, what''s wrong?"


    Didn''t she realize how dangerous this position was?


    "Shh!" Not wanting to bruise his ego, Juniper shifted subtly, turning her grip into a pulse-taking position.


    Shanley didn''t dare move, letting her lie on top of him, even anticipating her next move with a hint of excitement.


    But ten seconds... twenty seconds two minutes passed, and Juniper remained in the same position, asionally frowning or smiting to herself, her thoughts a mystery.


    His heartbeat was steady, his pulse strong and regr. The flow of blood through his vessels was powerful. From the perspective of ancient medicine, he was in


    P


    excellent health. It didn''t seem lik there was any problem. But then why...?


    Juniper blinked, deciding to try a different approach. After a moment of hesitation, she leaned down and nted a quick kiss on his lips.


    "Juniper..." Shanley''s mind went nk. He never imagined their first kiss would be initiated by her.


    "How did that feel?" Juniper asked calmly, her eyes wide with clinical curiosity. "Hmm?" Shanley shifted slightly.


    One try wasn''t enough? Juniper leaned down again, this time kissing him for a little longer.


    Shanley''s entire body tensed as a certain part of him began to stir.


    Juniper''s gaze shifted downward, noticing the small mountain forming under the sheets. That should mean everything was fine, right? So, his previous hesitations were because he was exercising extreme self-control?


    Tsk. He was truly a master of restraint.


    "Juniper, you..." Shanley''s heart pounded as he saw her staring directly at him. Just as he was thinking of taking things further...


    Juniper abruptly pulled away, rolled over to her side of the bed, and turned her back to him. "Time for sleep."


    Shanley''s mind buzzed. She was going to light a fire and not put it out? What a heartbreaker!