Can I Kiss You This Time?

The next morning was a little awkward for the married couple.

Lu Xinyi had woken up from her deep slumber from the sound of a high-pitched alarm that broke the silence and peace of the morning. As usual, she rolled on her one side and snuggled deeper into the warmth of the blankets. Thick eyelashes slightly twitched when she bumped on something amiss. Her brows furrowed, feeling a warm, solid mass next to her.

Her hand moved involuntarily over what she assumed to be the pillow barrier between her and Shen Yi. Brown eyes opened slightly in confusion, her iris adjusting to the light coming from the window. Lu Xinyi lifted her torso off the mattress; the slight weight she felt on her waist left as she rose.

Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Shen Yi's sleeping face. When did she end up cuddled on his side? Her eyes were unable to tear away from him as he slept with his chest rising and falling with every breath he took. His head tilted too close on the pillow where her head was resting earlier.

The pillow barrier she made last night was destroyed, and she had no idea whether Shen Yi purposely removed it or not. Blushing hard, Lu Xinyi crawled out of the bed, making sure she wouldn't disturb her husband's sleep. She cleaned her face, called the room service for their breakfast, and went back to their bedroom to wake up Shen Yi.

"Shen Yi,it's time to wake up and get breakfast." Lu Xinyi moved to the side of the bed and shook his shoulders.

Shen Yi opened an eye and gave her a sleepy look. He then took the chance to wind his arm on her small waist and pin her back to the bed.

"Shen Yi!" Lu Xinyi struggled to free herself from his hold.

"Five more minutes," he murmured against her neck, making Lu Xinyi blush at the contact.

"Nooo…." Lu Xinyi whined. She was really hungry and couldn't wait anymore. Her stomach grumbled. "Get up! I need food, and you need to prepare for your first meeting for today."

Shen Yi sighed and released her. He then turned away from her and stretched on the bed, giving Lu Xinyi a good view on his taut muscles that strained against his shirt.

"Okay, I'm getting up. Go and take a shower if you need one. I'll wait for you outside," he murmured, sitting up and rubbing his face with one hand.

Once he released her, Lu Xinyi did what he'd told her. She took a quick shower, and then combed and styled her long hair into a messy bun. After half an hour, she was appropriately attired in a dark blue suit with matching black high heels on her feet. Her face was enhanced with light makeup, and her lips glistened with a gloss.

Her husband was already waiting for her, with a necktie on his hand. Lu Xinyi fought the urge to laugh at the frown on his face. This was ridiculous. She'd never met any businessman that couldn't tie their own neckties.

"Come here," Lu Xinyi crooked a finger at him, which was doing insane and inappropriate things to Shen Yi's imagination. He forced himself to calm down and push away his dirty thoughts so Lu Xinyi wouldn't be uncomfortable.

"Fix this for me, please."

"Of course," Lu Xinyi murmured and stepped closer to him, grabbing both ends of his ties. Shen Yi leaned forward so she could hang the tie around his neck and let her do her job.

His eyes watched with fascination. He liked how expressive her eyes were and how she hummed to herself when she thought he wasn't paying attention. Why did Gong Yijun waste such a fine woman—he had no idea.

"All done," Lu Xinyi said in a moment later. She grinned and patted his shoulder. Staring up, she noticed the indifference on his eyes. He was looking at her like she was some kind of delectable meat.

As if in a trance, Lu Xinyi didn't step back or move when Shen Yi leaned down for a kiss while his hand touched her cheek.

"Can I kiss you this time?" he murmured softly against her lips.

"Y-yes." Lu Xinyi breathed, her own lips quivering on their close proximity.

"Good." The only word she heard before his mouth pressed against hers. The sounds of the outside world forgotten and lost in their moment.

Her eyes fluttered close at the kiss, her body leaning into his. The hand holding her cheek gently stroked her skin, his eyes slightly lidded. This kiss felt more real—more intimate—than the one they had on the beach. So special that Lu Xinyi hadn't pushed his advances away, that she didn't reject him this time.

Quickly—too quick for Shen Yi's liking, their kiss was broken. Both of them were left breathing heavier than usual. Lu Xinyi's eyes blinked as she looked up at him, confused and uncertain about what just happened.

His eyes lidded as he ran his thumb against her lower lip.

"We should go or we will be late…" she whispered.

"If you say so."