Baron couldn’t shake the faint chill that ran through him. Was Flynn being a little too ruthless just now? As she watched Flynn disappear inside with the two kids, Natalie finally shoved Baron away and strode quickly toward the road. Baron hurried after her. “My dear, let me explain—it was Shauna who said you were upset with me, maybe… unsatisfied; that’s why I acted like that.” Without hesitation, Baron shamelessly threw Shauna under the bus. After all, he had already given her a fifty percent raise; taking the blame for him was the least she could do. Natalie nearly stumbled. “You told Shauna what just happened?” She felt like she could never face Shauna again. Baron nodded earnestly. “Of course. I’ve never dated before; I had no idea why you were upset. She’s a woman, and women understand women best. She’s the only woman around me—if I don’t ask her, who else can I ask?” He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world. Natalie, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to clamp a hand over his mouth. She was torn between being touched—knowing she was his first love and he was utterly clueless about men and women—and being exasperated by his brutal honesty. She stared at him speechlessly and said, “So what’s next—are you planning to tell her how long we spend in bed, what positions we use, and then ask if they’re correct or if the timing is long enough?”“Well, maybe not that far.” Baron didn’t usually understand women’s moods, but somehow, without being taught, he caught on this time. “You’re not entirely hopeless,” Natalie muttered, rolling her eyes before continuing down the road. Right now she wanted nothing more than to stop talking to him altogether. Baron didn’t dare say another word; he just followed close behind. But as they walked, he slowly moved up to her side, his fingers brushing hers now and then, teasing, coaxing. By the time Natalie noticed him catching up, her anger had already softened. Baron’s heart was wide open to her. He could sense even the slightest shift in her mood. This is so much better than Jensen. With Jensen, for five long years, she had tiptoed around him, constantly guessing whether he was pleased or annoyed. Jensen had never once noticed how she felt. Natalie didn’t want to keep comparing them. The two men weren’t even in the same league. And yet, every time something happened, she couldn’t stop herself from drawing the comparison—only to realize again and again that those five years had been nothing more than a lonely performance of her own devotion. Baron had no idea what she was thinking, but he noticed her steps slowing. His long fingers brushed hers as if by accident, then hooked gently around them, his face feigning ignorance. Natalie bit back a smile, lips twitching, though she held it in. A breeze swept past, carrying the earthy scent of soil, tinged with a strange sweetness.When she didn’t pull her hand away, Baron’s lips finally curved into a quiet smile. They walked down the country road together, the cool wind brushing against them, filling the air with an inexplicable peace and stillness. Baron’s thoughts loosened. “When I was little, my mom told me—if one day you meet a girl who’s willing to walk the road with you, you have to treasure her.” Baron rarely spoke of his past. Natalie blinked, caught off guard. “Why did your mother say that?” “She said if someone won’t even do something as simple as walking a road with you—something that costs nothing—then you don’t matter to them at all.” Hearing his words, Natalie suddenly felt clarity. He’s right. If a person won’t even share something so simple, how could they ever love you? She thought back to her five years with Jensen. Forget strolling down a road—he barely had time to share a meal with her. She had been like a caged canary in his care. From the very beginning, their relationship had been unequal. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. “Your mother was a very wise woman.” Her words made Baron’s smile deepen. “She was. My mom was wonderful, but she had terrible luck with men; her whole life was bitter. She always said her only comfort was having me. But in the end, I couldn’t keep her with me.” Sadness flickered at the corner of his eyes. Natalie’s chest ached.Softly, she said, “When there’s time, take me to see her.” Baron faltered for a moment; his voice came out rough. “Alright. We’re married now; it’s only right that I let her know. With a daughter-in-law like you, she’d be overjoyed.” “And I want to thank her—for raising such an exceptional man.” Her gaze was so gentle, her expression so warm, that Baron instinctively wanted to pull her into his arms.