"You're beautiful," he whispered.

A blush dusted across her cheeks as she smiled shyly at him, ducking her head. He raised an eyebrow at her in amusement before he lowered himself to his knees in front of her, cupping her face between his hands, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips.

She melted into him instantly, closing her eyes and allowing herself to relish the feeling of his lips against hers for a brief moment before opening her eyes and meeting his gaze. He smiled softly at her, dropping his hands to her waist.

He gently lifted her up into his lap, holding her close to him as he wrapped...