Lily laughed, and Alexander, seizing her chin, surprised her. She blinked at him as he asked, "Is he so interesting?" His eyes narrowed.

"U-Um, no, not really," Lily stammered. She was only trying to solve her wood problem; why was Alexander suddenly jealous? She hadn't even been thinking about the man. Alexander could be too possessive sometimes.

"So, he isn't interesting now? Didn't you say he was a while ago?" Alexander was difficult. Lily hadn't taken this seriously until now. He seemed heartbroken. "What I meant was, his wood carvings were interesting. Yes, his wood carvings!" She lifted her head to study him. "Remember the two wooden dolls I brought home the other day? You even said they were cute—like twins, right?"

"I think of us whenever I see them. You're the most interesting person I've ever met, and I'm only interested in you!" Her survival instincts kicked in. Moments later, Alexander's serious expression softened into a small smile.

Lily quickly kissed his cheek. "You're so unreasonable sometimes. Why would you be jealous of a carpenter I've only met once?" Alexander, realizing he'd overreacted, shrugged. "Who said I was?"

"You weren't? You looked ready to eat someone a moment ago. Are you sure you weren't jealous?" Lily narrowed her eyes teasingly.

"Are you sure it was my gaze that could eat someone? Not something else? Are you extending an invitation to me?" Embarrassed by her teasing, he lifted her abruptly from her chair.

"Ahh!" Surprised, Lily instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. "I didn't mean that, so stop twisting my words."

"Really? Then what did you mean?" Alexander placed her on the bed, rested his forehead against hers, and looked into her eyes. He preferred this closeness. They were so close, it felt like Lily was truly there, by his side.

"Alex" Lily whispered, tightening her arms around his neck. "There's no one in the world who compares to you."

Alexander, initially intending only to tease her, felt his eyes darken after her honest confession. He gazed into her amber eyes, gently caressed her face, and whispered hoarsely, "Will you always think of me that way?"

Lily couldn't understand Alexander's insecurity. His social standing and wealth made him an ideal partner; he was always considerate and caring, making her feel like she was living a dream.

"Of course I will! Always!" She nodded emphatically. "I will always think of you this way. There's no one like you in this world. You're the best, Alexander Russell! The best!" She tugged his head down and kissed him, showing him how much she meant it.

Alexander groaned softly and deepened the kiss.