The room was utterly silent. The moment their eyes met, Joyce's heart gave a sudden, violent throb.
A few short seconds stretched on, as agonizing as an eternity.
It felt as if all her emotions were piling up in one place, making her chest feel tight and full. She lowered her head and continued to stare at the antique embroidery. "Silas, are you serious?"
The two were separated by a long coffee table. He braced himself with one arm, leaning halfway across the table toward her.
Noticing his movement, Joyce looked up and immediately fell into his eyes, which were overflowing with affection. His unique scent spread silently, brazenly tugging at her nerves.
"Why? Can't I?"
He always seemed so calm and collected. Even something like a kiss didn't seem to faze him.
He just watched her quietly, waiting in silence.
He seemed endlessly patient.
