Gavin sat there, his posture relaxed, with a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His calm demeanor was disarming, but Liza couldn’t help feeling on edge. Her instincts kicked in, and a shiver ran down her spine. What’s with that smile? Why does it feel like he’s up to something? Before she could dwell on it further, Gavin slipped an arm around her waist and guided her to the lounge. He settled into the sofa effortlessly, his tone casual but warm as he asked, “Are you hungry?” Liza’s head bobbed in a quick nod. She was starving and had been craving barbecue, but there was no way Gavin would allow it. He wasn’t exactly the type to enjoy smoky street food, and even if he indulged her, he’d probably use it as an excuse to avoid her later—especially when it came to sharing a kiss. She plastered on a bright smile, trying to sound agreeable. “Gavin, whatever you decide is fine with me! I’ll do as you say.”Gavin chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Then... let’s have barbecue.” Liza nodded again, this time out of habit, but her body suddenly froze mid-motion. Her mind raced. Wait a second... Did I hear that right? Her gaze shot to him, wide-eyed with disbelief. How on earth did Gavin know she wanted barbecue? It wasn’t just a passing thought; she’d been dreaming of it—juicy meat sizzling on a grill, dripping with flavor. Was this some uncanny coincidence? Or worse... Could he read my mind? Her heart fluttered, caught between surprise and pure joy. A spark of excitement lit up her face as she struggled to contain the urge to cheer. Gavin, observing her reaction, found himself smiling. Mrs. Stone is truly adorable, he thought, entertained by how easy it was to brighten her mood. Straightening his posture, he cleared his throat as if expecting her to say something.But as the initial thrill wore off, Liza’s thoughts grew skeptical. Something wasn’t adding up. Gavin didn’t like barbecue. He despised smoky places and had always turned down her requests for it without hesitation. Propping her chin in her hand, she gave the situation more thought. Her brows furrowed as an idea struck her. Could it be… Gavin’s lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile. He assumed she’d realized the truth—that he was making a rare exception for her sake. Surely, she was touched. She must see how much I care. This is a grand gesture for someone like me. She’ll love me even more for this, he thought smugly. But instead of gratitude, Liza’s expression shifted to one of curious speculation. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him. Could it be that he’s bought a barbecue restaurant chain? Maybe he’s bringing me to sample the menu. Is Stone Corporation branching into food service now? Is he using me for market research?Gavin blinked, his composure momentarily cracking. “…What?” For a brief moment, he was utterly speechless. This woman… How does her mind even work? He silently resolved that one day, he’d drag her to the hospital for a proper mental evaluation. Still, whatever her wild theories, Liza didn’t care. The thought of eating barbecue—regardless of the reason—was enough to fill her with gratitude. She smiled to herself, already imagining the feast ahead. Liza tugged on Gavin’s arm, ready to leave, when he suddenly halted. “Mrs. stone,” he said softly, his voice low and deliberate. She paused, glancing back at him. “What’s wrong?” His expression remained calm, but his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. Slowly, he leaned closer, his warm breath fanning her face. The closeness made her uneasy, yet her feet remained planted. In a voice that was both cold and gentle, he murmured, “I nearly forgot… I owe you a kiss.” Before she could process his words, his hand moved to the back of her head, guiding her closer as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips. Liza’s eyes widened in surprise. Her mind blanked, her heart hammering wildly in her chest. What’s going on? she thought in a daze. Is this man kissing me to help me recover my sense of taste? Or… is this just a kiss? Why now? What’s his motive? Her thoughts spiraled. Holy crap! Is this sly devil trying to seduce me?! Just as she began to make sense of her racing thoughts, a sharp nip on her lip brought her back to reality. “Ah!” she gasped softly.Gavin’s gaze burned with a fiery intensity, his tousled hair falling lazily over his forehead. The messy strands softened his sharp features, yet there was nothing soft about his demeanor. His eyes, dark and smoldering, seemed to hold an endless depth of passion and mischief. Liza’s legs weakened as her body leaned instinctively against his, seeking stability. Her arms found their way around his torso as if to anchor herself. But Gavin wasn’t satisfied with just one kiss. What began as a gentle gesture quickly deepened, his lips claiming hers with a hunger that left her breathless. His grip tightened as the kiss grew more forceful and demanding, sending waves of heat through her entire body. When she finally began to squirm in his arms, struggling for air, Gavin relented. He pulled back just enough to press a softer kiss to her forehead, then another against the delicate curve of her neck. Liza’s thoughts were a tangled mess. Her lips tingled, her heart raced, and even the simple act of breathing felt like a challenge.“Gu…” she managed to gasp out, her voice trembling. Before she could finish, the sound of the door bursting open startled them both. “Gavin! I want barbecue too! Take me with you!” Henry’s cheerful voice filled the room as he strode in like an overexcited child. He grinned broadly, utterly unaware of the charged atmosphere he had just disrupted. Gavin froze, his entire body stiffening as he shot an icy glare at his younger brother. How exactly do you plan on dying, Henry? his expression seemed to say. Oblivious, Henry stopped in his tracks, his gaze landing on the pair. Liza was still leaning against Gavin, her lips slightly swollen and red, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes hazy with lingering confusion. Henry tilted his head and frowned in exaggerated thought. “Liza, your lips are so red. Are you wearing lipstick? No need for makeup anymore; let’s just go eat! I’m starving!”Liza stared at him, speechless. As if struck by a sudden realization, Henry’s frown deepened, and his gaze darted between his brother and Liza.