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."

and his heart swelled. He'd always felt he put more effort into their relationship, with Liberty seeming more hesitant. Yet here she was, quietly

affection, he pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her cheek. His voice turned playful as

red. She pushed him away, stammering, "The guest bathroom works just fine for me!"

himself, loving her shy

imagined, the hours melting away until it seemed morning

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

Liberty checked the time: 7:00 a.m. It was still early, but her body ached, her waist especially sore. She sighed, deciding she deserved a little more rest. She closed her eyes and drifted

to her

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

hugged her son tightly. "When did you get