She fibbed, "That's presumptuous. You're certainly not the first."

His smile diminished slightly as his hold tightened imperceptibly. "Who else has accompanied you to the movies?"

The questions swirled in his mind: had she dated other men other than Keanu?

"Sheldon, naturally," Tilda responded with a playful pout. Lyndon found himself momentarily speechless. How could that young boy have slipped his mind?

A knowing smirk crossed his face as he relaxed his grip. "Except for him."

Tilda cast him a sidelong glance. "Why? Don't dismiss him because he is a kid."

Her eyes danced with mischief, her beauty enhanced by her playful charm.

Lyndon's gaze traced a path from her eyes to her lips, his throat constricting involuntarily.

Recognizing his intentions, Tilda attempted to disentangle herself from his embrace.

A thunderous sound suddenly exploded from the speakers, causing her to jump. Without thinking, she burrowed deeper into his arms, seeking refuge.

The sudden boom from the movie thundered through the room, signaling the first climax.

Realizing it was just part of the film, Tilda clutched her chest and let out a long, relieved sigh.

Lyndon's soft chuckle broke through the tension. "Did it scare you?"

Tilda spun toward him, her glare sharp. "Of course it did! And it's all your fault!"

If she hadn't glimpsed that hunger in his eyes earlier, would she have been so distracted and so startled by the sudden noise?

"What did I even do?" Lyndon slid his hand around her waist, his expression a mask of innocent curiosity.

"You..." Tilda opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat.

What could she possibly say? If she admitted that the mere thought of him kissing her had left her so flustered, he'd make fun of her.

He'd have her cornered, asking why she was still shy after they had been married for some time.

"What?" Lyndon prompted, his voice playful.

"Let's just watch the movie," Tilda muttered, turning her face away in an attempt to deflect him.

Lyndon's chest shook with a low laugh. He reached out, catching her chin between his fingers and tilting her face back toward him.

"I'll say it for you," he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You were worried I'd kiss you, weren't you? Feeling shy? Come on, honey, no need to act so bashful."

Tilda froze.