Lyndon's chest rose with a deep breath, his gaze Lingering as she spun away. Before she could take a step, his fingers caught her wrist, pulling her back. He pressed her gently against the door, his lips claiming hers in a kiss that stole her breath-deep, unhurried, and electric.

"I love you," he murmured, his voice a soft vibration against her skin.

The words hit her like a rogue wave, leaving her reeling.

She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze—-warm, steady, and crinkled with a smile. For a moment, words failed her, her mind a whirlwind.

Lyndon's soft laugh broke the spell. He reached out, ruffling her hair with a tenderness that made her heart flip.

"You can leave now," he said, swinging the door open with a flourish.

Tilda stumbled into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind her. She blinked at the polished wood, her fingers brushing her lips where his kiss still lingered.

Did he just confess his love? Right there, out of nowhere? Her pulse raced, a giddy warmth spreading through her.

Tilda returned to the living room and sank onto the sofa, her mind still buzzing.

Corrine sat cross-legged on the rug, teasing Sheldon, who clutched the tablet Reggie had lent him. His small face was pinched in a sulky pout, clearly unimpressed by Corrine's chatter.

Reggie was conspicuously absent. "Corrine, where is Reggie?" Tilda asked.

Corrine glanced up, noticing Tilda's swollen, rosy lips, and raised an eyebrow.

"He needed a smoke, so he stepped outside," she replied.

Tilda nodded, spearing a chunk of fruit from the platter on the coffee table. She popped it into her mouth, savoring the burst of sweetness.

Corrine slid closer, abandoning Sheldon, who seized the chance to bolt with the tablet, his little feet pattering across the floor.

Corrine didn't bother chasing him. Instead, she leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, were you getting up to some mischief just now?"

Tilda blinked her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

With a sly grin, Corrine fished a small makeup mirror from her bag and handed it over. "Take a look."

Tilda peered into the mirror, and her breath caught. The woman staring back had cheeks flushed Like ripe peaches and lips smudged with lipstick, screaming of a kiss that had been anything but chaste.

Her face burned, and she snatched a tissue, scrubbing at the telltale Lipstick.

Why hadn't Lyndon told her to fix her lipstick? Did he want others to see her like this on purpose?

Corrine's Laughter bubbled up. "Wow, did Lyndon leave that masterpiece on your face?"

Tilda's lips curved into a shy smile, her silence serving as confirmation.

Corrine's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with delight. "You two are all over each other these days. Looks like Rita will not stand a chance to come between you two."