Chapter 4: A Kiss and a Promise

4

[Can the girl see our comments? Otherwise, how did she almost blink herself into a butterfly just now?]

[Aaahhh, I got whiplash from that!]

[I think so too. Girl, if you can see our comments, give the second male lead a kiss, okay?]

[Why stop at a kiss? Just go for it already, I’m begging you!]

Watching Caleb carefully adjust the water temperature at the sink, I quietly crept up, planning to kiss his cheek. But he turned his head unexpectedly.

My lips brushed softly against his, and I let out a surprised little hum.

Caleb froze, completely stunned.

I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck, and slowly lifted my leg.

“Rachel…”

Caleb shifted slightly.

“I have a name.”

I pursed my lips, looking straight into his eyes. “Why don’t you call me by it?”

“I…”

“Call me.”

I cut him off, not giving him a chance to hesitate. “If you don’t, I’ll keep going.”

“Y-you…”

Caleb’s ears were already red as he softly uttered the first syllables of my name.

Live comments surged: [Y-you, calling so loudly—our boy’s afraid the whole world won’t hear!]

[What’s wrong with calling her name? I wish the second male lead would call it twice, or even…]

“Good boy.”

I finally let go of his neck. “Come shopping with me tomorrow, okay? I need a new dress for that stupid banquet.”

I raised my eyebrows and grumbled, “What a lame banquet. I don’t even want to go.”

Caleb stood stiff as a cypress, not moving an inch. The kitchen light shone across his hair, making him look both older and younger at the same time, like a kid caught red-handed.

“Hey?”

I waved my hand. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

He snapped out of it but didn’t dare look at me, stammering, “I, I…”

“What is it?”

I tilted my head.

“Did I bite you just now?”

My cheeks burned. I bit my lip, trying not to laugh. His wide-eyed look was just too much.

Caleb visibly tensed.

“Yes, and your movements were very…”

I deliberately paused.

He asked, “What?”

I grinned. “Just like the golden retriever I used to have.”

Caleb’s face turned bright red.

Ignoring the chat bubbles, now nearly deranged, I turned and ran upstairs. My feet hit each step with a thump, but I didn’t care if anyone heard me now.

At the top of the stairs, I looked back, meeting Caleb’s amber gaze.

“Caleb.”

He answered, “I’m here.”

“If anyone tries to hit on me in the future, you have to protect me. Don’t let anyone get close.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Can you do that?”

He nodded almost instantly. “I promise.”

I turned and walked away lightly.

The moment I closed the door, I realized my legs were weak.

Just now, my knee seemed to have brushed against something it really shouldn’t have…