Chapter 429: You need lessons now?
Sylvia’s shoulders stiffened at first, caught off guard by the sudden press of Aiden’s lips against hers. But as his hand slid up to cradle the back of her neck with a gentle warmth, her breath hitched, and she closed her eyes, letting herself sink into him.
He kissed her slowly at first, like he was still figuring out how to tell her everything he couldn’t say aloud. Then, his lips parted, and his tongue brushed against hers, pulling her into a kiss that felt like it had been waiting far too long to happen.
Her hesitation melted. Sylvia leaned into him, her hands finding their way around his neck.
For Aiden, it was his first. And somehow, he wasn’t nervous. He could feel it, how much she wanted this too. How she leaned into him, how her fingers tightened slightly behind his neck.
Only when their lungs gave up, they both pulled away, gasping for air.
Sylvia smiled before speaking, "You’ve not kissed anyone before, did you?"
"Yes, why?" Aiden asked with curiosity.
She hesitated. "Nothing." She thought not to say aloud that he was inexperienced as she didn’t want to bruise his confidence. Not when the kiss had felt so honest.
Aiden narrowed his eyes playfully. "Was it bad?"
Sylvia turned silent as he caught what she had in mind.
"I’ll get better if you teach me. Every day," he added, a bold smirk tugging at his lips.
Sylvia bit her bottom lip again, unable to hide the grin that slowly spread across her face.
"I didn’t know you were this bold when it comes to flirting," Sylvia remarked.
"I didn’t know you could be this bold when it comes to flirting," Sylvia said, eyeing him with playful curiosity.
"Even I can’t believe it," Aiden admitted, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Come on, let’s go home," he added, gently reaching for her hand.
Sylvia hummed in agreement, fingers curling around his as they strolled back toward the car.
When they arrived outside their apartments, Sylvia gave him a small wave and turned to head inside. But before she could take another step, Aiden reached out and caught her wrist.
"Why don’t you stay the night with me?" he asked.
"Umm... Coco is alone," Sylvia replied in an apologetic tone.
"Ah, right," Aiden nodded, letting go of her wrist. "Of course. Go ahead."
She paused at her door, then looked over her shoulder. "You can come to my place, though," she offered with a small smile. "Just... get changed first."
Aiden’s heart skipped. "Okay," he said, watching her disappear inside.
He ran his fingers through his hair, still smiling to himself, before rushing to his apartment. After freshening up and changing into his comfortable clothes, he switched off the lights and stepped out.
Standing in front of Sylvia’s door, he took a breath and pressed the bell.
It didn’t take long for Sylvia to open the door. Aiden stepped inside, slipping into the house slippers by the entrance.
"Coco’s already asleep," Sylvia said as she closed the door behind him.
"Oh? The kitten must’ve worn herself out," Aiden replied, glancing around as if expecting the little furball to peek out from somewhere.
"She just lazes around all day," Sylvia murmured with a chuckle, walking beside him.
There was a brief silence until Aiden turned to her with a serious look in his eyes.
"Teach me," he said.
Sylvia blinked. "Teach you what?"
Aiden’s gaze softened. "How to kiss," he said.
"You need lessons now?" Sylvia asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.
Aiden shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Yeah. Should I wait till morning then?"
"Sit here," Sylvia said, patting the couch. He followed her lead, and they turned to face each other. She rested both hands gently on his shoulders.
"You jumped straight into using your tongue," she said, tilting her head. "That’s not how it works. You have to build the moment first."
Aiden blinked, listening intently.
"Kissing isn’t just about technique. Umm... it’s about reading the other person. You need to pay attention to what your partner wants. If she leans in, you can go deeper. If she eases back, slow down. Let it be mutual."
She offered a small smile, her thumbs brushing his shoulders. "And touch... touch makes it more intimate. You actually got that part right, but you were rushing a little."
Aiden laughed under his breath. "So... it should be slower. And no tongue until invited?"
"Exactly," she smirked. "It’s not a race. It’s a conversation, just without words."
"I understand now," Aiden said, his brows furrowing in concentration. His eyes flickered as if he was processing the new information.
Sylvia, watching him carefully, smirked and said, "Then kiss me."
Aiden froze for a moment, his eyes wide. "Now?"
Sylvia’s lips quirked into a playful smile. "Didn’t you want to?"
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze never leaving his. When Aiden didn’t immediately move, she sighed in a soft, exasperated sound. With a small shake of her head, she took the initiative. Slowly, she pressed her lips to his, nibbling gently at his bottom lip, teasing him.
Her eyes stayed open, curious, watching his every reaction. She wanted to see how he’d respond now that he had the guidance.
Aiden, unsure but eager, followed her lead. His hands on their own found their way to her waist, gently pulling her closer as he mirrored her movements.
Their kiss grew more comfortable, and Aiden could feel the difference this time. It wasn’t rushed. It was slow and gentle, filled with more passion. Sylvia then used her tongue to coax him to part his lips.
Once he did, her tongue glided in, meeting his. Aiden’s eyes closed first while imitating her. His heart began beating rapidly and he could hear the rhthym of his heart in his ears.
Sylvia, too, closed her eyes to savor such a precious moment with Aiden.
Feeling breathless, they stopped at the same time before starting it again.