"Oh?" Juniper looked up, blinking her beautiful eyes.


    "He gave us all another raise," Dana said, her smile so wide it nearly reached her ears. "And it was a generous one, too."


    Juniper paused for a moment, then it dawned on her. Was he really that happy over a simple kiss?


    "I see. I''ll go up and see him."


    After changing her shoes, Juniper headed upstairs. As she reached the study, she heard Shanley''s voice. "How are things going with Demon?"


    The door was open, and Shanley stood by the window with his back to her. The warm sunlight bathed his figure, making his already tall frame seem even more imposing. Juniper found herself staring, momentarily lost in the sight. He was quite a handsome man.


    "Did you mention the price?" Shanley continued, unaware of her presence. "Whatever he asks for, we''ll ept."


    "He doesn''t have to y. He just needs to meet with Juniper."


    "Yes, Juniper is his fan."


    Listening to him, Juniper had to suppress augh. She was her own fan? If Shanley knew the truth, the look on his face would be priceless. But... it was true that after leaving Neverfall Navigators, she had never nned on going back.


    "That''s all." Shanley ended the call and turned around, his eyes meeting the young woman''s face. He was slightly taken aback. "You''re back."


    He walked over to her, bending down to look into her eyes.


    "Yeah." Remembering the morning''s kiss, Juniper felt a little awkward. "I''m going to take a shower," she mumbled.


    "Wait." Shanley''s hand tightened slightly, pulling her back into his arms. Using his height to his advantage, he looked down at her, a smile ying


    on his hips. "Little ones why are you acting so guilty?"


    "I am not guilty!" Juniper was forced to tilt her head back, her voice rising defensively as if to deny the obvious. "Stop talking nonsense."


    Seeing her feigned anger, Shanley''s eyebrows rose. His voice was husky and alluring as he teased "Fine fine. I was the


    ne who got kissed so I''m


    the guilty one."


    Juniper''s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of indignation in their clear depths that, to


    the man watching her, looked more like a charming pout.


    "Juniper..." Shanley''s hands wrapped


    around her waist, his eyes filled with tenderness. His handsome face


    fby


    drew closer Do you still stan what you saidst time?"


    Feeling the warmth of his body, Juniper''sshes fluttered. "What did I say?" she whispered, her lips trembling slightly.


    "You said I could kiss you back," Shanley''s voice was a low rasp. "I remember it very clearly."


    Juniper was speechless. She had just said that casually at the time, but he had taken it seriously.


    "Can I, Juniper?" Shanley''s nose brushed against hers, his smile like a captivating vortex that muddled her thoughts.


    Juniper didn''t understand this feeling, but she didn''t dislike what Shanley was proposing. She had kissed him twice. Letting him kiss her once seemed fair.


    Juniper lifted her eyelids, looking at Shanley with a serious expression. Just as she was about to answer, Dana''s voice came from the doorway.


    "Ms. Payne, Mr. Schwartz, dinner is ready."


    At those words, Juniper immediately pushed Shanley away. "We should eat first," she dered, already hurrying downstairs.


    Shanley was left standing there.