CHAPTER 10: KISS PROOF LIPSTICK

James noticed Aria swallowing repeatedly after he made his bold statement. The flush on her face deepened to a rich, crimson hue that spread down her neck, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. Her eyes darted away from his intense gaze, unable to meet his piercing stare, as though she was trying to collect herself, trying to mask the nervous energy that now filled the air between them. Her hands clenched at her sides, fingers twisting in the fabric of her blouse as if seeking some form of anchor in the sea of emotions she was clearly drowning in. It was subtle, but he didn’t miss a thing—every flicker of her expression, every small gesture betrayed her inner turmoil.

The vulnerability in her, coupled with the clear tension gripping her body, only fueled the fire inside James. His gaze traced the delicate curve of her jaw, the way her chest rose and fell with each unsteady breath. There was something incredibly intoxicating about seeing her l