Chapter 402

"If you want to handle this yourself, I have no problem with that. If you're upset and don't want to get involved, I can help," he said, tossing the towel aside, taking her hand, and kneeling before her. He continued gently, "Know that no matter what you decide, I'll respect your choice."

Lily was deeply touched and nearly cried. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pouted, "Honey, you're so kind!" She meant it from the bottom of her heart; she felt incredibly fortunate to have him. Alexander trembled, as if he hadn't heard clearly. "What did you say? Could you repeat that?"

"You're the best!" Lily whispered, burying her face in his shoulder.

"Not that sentence, the one before! Say it again!" He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes.

After all this time, she still hadn't changed how she addressed him. She always called him by his name or occasionally "Mr. Russell." He hadn't pushed her to change; it was just a name, and he'd patiently allowed her to come around in her own time.

He hadn't expected such sudden happiness. The way she'd called him had touched his heart.

Looking into his eyes, Lily pursed her lips and smiled. Her cheeks were flushed, but she couldn't repeat it. "I'm not repeating it!" she said, giggling and avoiding his gaze.

Alexander wasn't letting her off the hook so easily, now that he finally had her in his arms. He caressed her face to prevent her from dodging. "Come on, babe, say it again!"

"Nope!" She couldn't turn her face away, so she rolled her eyes, again avoiding eye contact.

"If you don't say it, I'll kiss you!"

"Go ahead! It's not like you haven't kissed me before!"

"You" He held her helplessly; he couldn't threaten her now. Alexander sighed, but then felt a sudden warmth on his lips. Lily had initiated a kiss, her lips incredibly warm and insistent. It wasn't just a touch; it deepened. She'd learned to make the first move, even if she wasn't entirely confident.

Stunned for a moment, Alexander quickly reacted, going along with the flow and guiding her.

After the kiss, they were both breathless, and Alexander no longer pressed her about what she'd said. Since Lily had said it once, she would likely repeat it in the future. All it would take was patience and time.

However…

Gently kissing his lips and nuzzling his nose, Lily looked into his eyes. At such close range, she could almost count his eyelashes. She saw his sincerity, love, and affection in the depths of his eyes.

"I love you, honey!" she said, each word clear and distinct.

Alexander was shocked, his eyes wide. Just when he thought he wouldn't hear it again today, she gave him another wonderful surprise.

He hugged her tightly, kissing her repeatedly. "I love you too, babe!"