"I'm not just saying this to please you," he continued earnestly. "I don't speak without meaning it. Every word I say—I mean it completely."
Still dazed, she whispered, "But why? How? You barely know me."
"I know you well enough to have fallen for you—completely and hopelessly."
With that, he leaned in once more, capturing her lips in a kiss that was different this time—gentle, lingering, and full of emotion. He teased and savored her, drawing her into his warmth.
The last of her hesitation melted away. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Anne surrendered to the moment, responding to his kiss with equal fervor.
Just as he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, the door creaked open, and a nurse stepped in. Startled, they immediately broke apart. Anne sprang to her feet, hastily adjusting her dress, her face flushing crimson.
The nurse froze at the doorway, looking at them awkwardly, clearly caught off guard.
