Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Liberty smiled as she teased Duncan. "Not yet. If you'd rather sleep in the car until dawn, be my guest. But since we're home, let's go inside. If you want to sleep, take a shower first. It's still warm out, but the weather forecast says there'll be light rain on New Year's Day, and the temperature will drop a little."

Duncan sat up, wiping his forehead. "You're right-it's warm. I'm actually sweating." Liberty hadn't turned on the car's air conditioner; the temperature made it uncomfortable with or without it. While driving with the windows down let a cool breeze in, stopping in traffic left the air inside stuffy. She stepped out of the car first, then walked around to help Duncan out. However, he waved her off, determined to manage on his own. Once out, he grabbed her hand, and together, they made their way slowly into the house.

As they climbed the stairs, Duncan suddenly stopped. "Liberty," he said, "I just realized I don't have any clothes here."

Liberty smirked. "You could always borrow mine. My nightgown should fit you. Or should I find you something frilly?”

Duncan gave her a look, utterly speechless.

Chuckling, Liberty reassured him, "Relax. I talked to your mom days ago, and she sent over your essentials. Your clothes are already here. So go ahead, take a shower. I promise you won't have to walk around naked."

Liberty seeming more hesitant. Yet here she was, quietly taking care of the little things he hadn't even

cheek. His voice turned playful as he whispered in her ear, “Honey, let's take a

works just fine for me!" Then, in a hurry, she escaped to

laughed softly to himself, loving her

was as sweet as he had imagined, the hours melting away until it

Liberty stirred awake, she instinctively reached for Duncan but found his side of the bed empty. She frowned, surprised. He'd kept her up late with his endless chatter

early, but her body ached, her waist especially sore. She sighed, deciding she deserved a little more rest. She closed

next time she woke, it wasn't to her alarm

exclaimed, scrambling into her arms. "Why are you still in bed? The

son tightly. "When did you