"Humph!" Vera Wave stood up, clutching the blanket. "If I look ugly, then I look ugly! Big deal, maybe I just won’t wear it anymore!"

Her attempt at seduction had backfired, and she’d even been harshly scolded by Kris Cooper. Naturally, the young lady wasn’t in the best of moods.

Kris Cooper chuckled. Silly girl, what on earth goes on in that little head of yours?

"Little dummy!" He grabbed her hand and placed it on himself. "You started this fire; you figure out how to put it out!"

He was clearly aroused and aching, struggling to endure it, yet she actually thought she had no charm?

Her heart tightened, and Vera Wave frantically pulled her hand back.

"Pervert!"

Kris Cooper wrapped his arms around her waist, lowered his head to kiss her hair, and his hand gently kneaded her silk pajamas a couple of times.

Suppressing the urge to passionately ravish her, he withdrew his hand and stroked her long hair.

"Be good now, go to sleep first. I’ll join you once I finish up this bit of work."

After pulling the blanket tighter for her, he rubbed his face and sat back down at his computer.

Vera Wave bit her lip, finally mustering the courage to walk to his side. She placed her hand on his shoulder, and the man turned his face towards her with a sigh of resignation.

"Darling, can you please give me a break? If you keep this up, I..."

Lowering her head, she silenced him with her lips, awkwardly initiating the kiss as her hand slid from his face down to his shoulder.

He reached out, pulled her onto his lap, and supported the back of her head, taking the lead.

If he couldn’t have a full meal, he’d at least have a taste of dessert, right?

...

...

After they were finished, Kris Cooper held her in his arms. His large hand gently squeezed her forearm, his lips still lingering by her ear.

Vera Wave leaned against his shoulder, fiddling with the collar of his shirt.

"Isla Hawskin said that if a man isn’t well-fed at home, he’ll be tempted to eat out. You’re not allowed to do that!"

"So, what if I’m not well-fed at home?" he deliberately teased her.

"I... I’ll satisfy you."

He chuckled and hugged her tighter. "You said it, remember. No take-backs."

"I’m your wife. It’s my duty."

"Then..." He gently shook her wrist. "Should we have another midnight snack?"

"You can’t be serious?" Vera Wave sat up, her brow furrowed. "You want more?"

Seeing her expression, Kris Cooper couldn’t help but chuckle.

"You little pervert! I meant a *real* midnight snack."

Vera Wave stood up, somewhat hesitantly. "But I’ll get fat if I eat too much. Merlin Bradley said his sister-in-law gained ten pounds after childbirth!"

"You just burned so many calories. Of course, you need to replenish them. Besides, with your current figure, an extra ten pounds would look just right on you." Kris Cooper put his arm around her shoulder, leading her out of the study. "Don’t worry. If you get fat, I’ll get fat with you! So, what do you want to eat?"

The young woman thought for a moment. "Candied haws... But I don’t think they sell them in the summer."

Kris Cooper raised an eyebrow. "What’s so good about candied haws?"

"I was just saying!" she giggled. "Why don’t you bring some fruit? Something sweet and sour, please."

"Okay." He stood up and walked out. A moment later, he returned with a plate of cut fruit. She ate a few pieces, almost defiantly, then quickly lost interest. After washing up, she lay down on her pillow and fell asleep in no time.