When Love Comes Late

Stella tilted her chin up, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

“But you know, I don’t have any feelings for him.

From the very beginning, it’s always been you,” she teased softly.

With that, she rose on her tiptoes and pressed a gentle ki*s to his Lips.

Pulling back slightly, she looked into his eyes and asked, “So, are you still angry?”

Matthew’s expression softened, his eyes betraying a flicker of desire.

He drew closer, his lips inching toward hers.

Sensing his intent, Stella swiftly placed her hand over his mouth, adopting a mock-serious tone.

“I need to meet Miley at the hot springs soon.

I’ve got to change into my swimsuit.

We can’t dawdle.

”

Matthew’s gaze clouded with a hint of frustration as he murmured, “I should have just hidden you away.

”

Stella laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Are you serious?”

She rolled her eyes and gave Matthew a gentle shove.

Striding over to the wardrobe, she announced, “I’m going to change.

”

The wardrobe revealed a neatly arranged collection of swimsuits, both men’s and women’s.

As she browsed through the men’s trunks, Stella glanced back at Matthew.

“Are you planning to join us at the hot springs?”

Matthew’s eyes lingered on her with a teasing glint.

“Yes, but I could use a hand getting into my swimming trunks.

”

A rosy flush bloomed across Stella’s cheeks as she hastily flung a pair of swimming trunks at Matthew.

“Go on, change into these yourself!”

She then selected a modest swimsuit and slipped into the small dressing room.

The room was a snug little space, just enough for a small sofa and a full-length mirror.

Stella’s swimsuit was simple-a short skirt with a layer of shorts beneath, safeguarding against any unintended exposure, paired with a vest top that tied at the back.

She slipped into the skirt with ease, but as she attempted to tie the top, the laces proved tricky, their delicate knots eluding her as she twisted and turned, trying to catch a glimpse in the mirror.

After several fruitless attempts, frustration began to gnaw at her.

Finally, with no other choice, she clutched the laces behind her back to keep the top from slipping and called out, “Matthew, come in here and help me.

”

A chuckle echoed from the other side of the door, rich with amusement.

“Is that how you ask for help?” Matthew teased.

Though she couldn’t see him, she could almost feel the smirk tugging at his lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Her heart beat faster as she hurriedly replied, “Stop messing around and just help me.

”

But Matthew remained silent, neither moving nor speaking, leaving her to stew in her flustered state.

Her hands were growing numb, and with no other option, she softened her voice, adding a touch of sweetness.

“Honey, please come in and help me, won’t you?”

No sooner had the words left her lips than the door swung open, and there he was.