I Need Your Warmth (Original, English Version)

Chapter 3 - Allen Smith

I was surprised when she fainted in my arms. We were surveying the area and was talking about the details on the planned progress. When she gave me that opening, I decided to be honest about it. Who knew she would have this kind of reaction? It's a first for me. I've never had a woman swoon over me. I carried her into the office and laid her on the couch. It's lunch hour so everyone's currently out.

She came to after only five minutes. I heard her mutter "Oh, God..." before she covered her face with her hands.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, sitting by her feet. She sat up without looking at me, maintaining her hands on her face. She only groaned and made a sobbing sound, she doesn't seem to be crying, though.

"Are you okay?" I asked again, reaching out to rub her back. She stiffened a bit before relaxing again.

"Fine. Fine. You're making me nervous." She finally answered. I make her nervous?

"Are you afraid of me?" I asked with a frown, suddenly concerned.

"No! You fluster me, especially when you get too close." From her tone, I can tell she really is flustered.

"That's not good." I commented.

"Not good at all." She seconded. She exhaled first before removing her hands over her face. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually like this. This is embarrassing. More than embarrassing, really." She sighed.

"Go ahead and breathe. It looked like you stopped breathing earlier." I noted, and she groaned, stealing a glance in my direction.

"Let's try this, then. Just focus on breathing." I suggested and she did. When it looked like she's breathing normally, I moved a bit closer. Her breathing hitched again and I had to remind her a second time. Lastly, I moved right next to her and had my arm across her back, holding on her waist. She managed to maintain her breathing, then.

She inhaled deeply to calm herself.

"Better?" I asked. She nodded.

"Now, why don't you try looking at me?"

"Are you trying to make me immune? You're too charming!" I wasn't expecting her to answer like that.

"Have I charmed you, then?" I teased, and she groaned again.

"Give me a second." She was flustered again. I should dial back a little.

Inside, I like knowing I have this effect on her. It makes it easier for me to know that she does like me. She won't be this affected if she doesn't.

I leaned back on the couch so she can have a little space. I kept my hand on her waist, though.

Slowly, she turned to look at me. Her gaze immediately looks away, though. Just like earlier when she was updating me on the project, she wouldn't even look at me. I could count the number of times she glanced at me on two hands. When she discussed the project, she would gesture towards the area or the structure, or to the plans she was holding.

"Try again." I encouraged her. She looked adorable when she listened. I can't help smiling at her. She can't get any redder than this, but her actions tell me she got flustered again.

"You should get used to this. How can I take you out on dates?" I tried not to sound teasing.

"Is that an insult or a roundabout way of asking me out?" Her voice still shook a bit, with a hint of disdain. I guess I stated that a bit inappropriately.

"Sorry. I meant to ask you out." I explained. We were silent for a moment. This time, she was able to stare at me, direct into my eyes, without turning away.

She frowned, "You meant to ask me out?" She sounds as if she can't believe it.

"Yeah. Would you go out on dates with me?" I thought she would prefer a direct question, rather than a vague one. I watched her expression. She looked down for a while before looking back at my eyes. She's still in disbelief. She grimaced.

"Haven't I embarrassed myself enough? You still want to date?"

"I prefer your genuine reactions compared to those who are clearly pretending. And you're the first woman to swoon because of me."

The corner of her mouth twitched. I reached out to touch her face.

"Don't move." I told her. I caressed her cheek slowly. She reached out to hold my wrist. Her hold on me is quite loose. When I reached further into her nape, her hand moved down my arm. Slowly, I leaned closer to her face. She was able to maintain eye contact, which I figured is good progress.

"Breathe." I reminded her when I heard her hitch her breathing again. When she did, I can tell she's now staring at my lips.

"Breathe." I stated just against her lips. I brushed my lips against hers, just to see her reaction first. When she seemed to be breathing properly, I licked her lips open and she opened her mouth. She was kissing me back as I deepened the kiss, savoring her scent and taste. I groaned against her lips when I heard her moan. She sounds tempting. Her grip on my arm tightened.

I stopped after a while, afraid she'll get flustered again. I kept our foreheads touching, though, and I can feel her even breathing against me.

"You did well. Don't get flustered anymore." I pressed a kiss on her lips before letting her go.