I was startled and looped my arms around his neck. "What are you doing? Put me down!

LYON said matter-of-factly, "I'm carrying you upstairs."

"No, what if Lydia sees us? This is so embarrassing!" I protested, my tone rising.

As if on cue, Lydia's voice came from the living room. "MS. LANKA, my old eyes must be playing tricks on me. I didn't see anything. Carry on."

My face turned bright red, resembling a ripe tomato.

LYON chuckled and quickened his steps.

"LYON!" I hissed, my voice a mix of annoyance and mortification.

"Don't worry, we're almost there," LYON soothed.

I glared at him, but he silenced me with a...