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."

softened, and his heart swelled. He'd always felt he put more effort into their relationship, with Liberty seeming

a tight hug and kissed her cheek. His voice turned playful

"The guest bathroom works just fine for me!" Then, in

softly to himself, loving

he had imagined, the

her up late with his endless chatter and affection, and she'd assumed he would be exhausted. But Duncan,

on the bedside table, Liberty checked the time: 7:00 a.m. It was still early, but her body ached, her

her alarm but to two familiar faces-Duncan and

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

son tightly. "When did you