Caught off guard

As soon as Maeve pulled back, I felt warmth blossoming across my cheeks, her kiss lingering like a soft glow. I touched the spot absently, my fingers grazing my cheek as I tried to make sense of what just happened.

Maeve's teasing smirk didn't make it any easier; she was already enjoying the sight of my face turning several shades of red.

"Well, look at that," Maeve drawled, her voice a low murmur. "Is Layla actually…flustered?"

I scoffed, though I could feel my cheeks getting hotter by the second. "Flustered? Hardly. I was just… caught off guard."

"Oh, sure," Maeve laughed softly. "Next time, I'll make sure to announce it properly. 'Layla, brace yourself, I'm about to give you a very proper goodbye.' Better?"

"Much," I replied, rolling my eyes but unable to stop my lips from curving into a smile. "I think a little warning would be nice."

"Duly noted, madam," she replied, her eyes twinkling as she gave me a mock bow.