Chapter 31

"It's okay," Steven reassured Jolene, his voice calm and soothing. Jolene's throat tightened. "Mr. Welsh, I have a temporary solution." "What is it?" As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a warm, tentative pressure on his lips. Her kiss was more of a hesitant nudge, her breath coming in nervous, quick bursts. It was less a kiss and more an awkward attempt at nibbling. "Jolene, that's not quite how you do it. Let me show you," Steven said, his voice low and soft. He wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling her closer in an intimate embrace. The closeness was intoxicating, and he found himself lost in the moment. Whether it was a temporary fix or something deeper, he couldn't quite tell. "Hmph!" Xavier's derisive snort broke the spell. He observed the scene with detached amusement, noting how the country girl seemed good at ensnaring Steven's heart. She was probably afraid that Steven would abandon her once his legs were healed. Unfortunately for her, she was standing on t