Chapter 43

Stephen let out a relieved sigh as he watched Bailey's discomfort subside, but he felt a sudden urge stirring within him. His hands gradually moved from her calf. He dared not to move upward, so he slid his hands down to her delicate foot. "Um... Stephen, don't touch there. It tickles," Bailey mumbled, her cheeks beet red. However, it was unclear if she was genuinely ticklish or just embarrassed. "Try to bear with it. Scientifically speaking, foot massages have many benefits." Bailey could not hold back an odd noise that escaped from her throat. She was so flustered that she hung her head low, unable to look at Stephen. She could not believe she had just let out a moan-like sound. For the first time, Bailey felt something indescribable toward Stephen. She could not explain it, but she sensed this might not be an appropriate feeling between friends. She had read somewhere that small but intimate gestures could easily spark romantic affection, which seemed true. Of course, Stephen