Chapter 290 I Can Help You Fall Asleep

Chapter 290 I Can Help You Fall Asleep
Serena Sinclair's POV:

Marcus and Lily had just finished their dinner and were leaving the restaurant. I watched them go, my mind drifting as they disappeared through the door.

"What are you looking at?" Phillip asked, noticing my distracted gaze toward the entrance.

He turned to look, but they had already gone.

"Nothing," I said, bringing my attention back to our table.

When we'd arrived at the restaurant earlier, I'd spotted Marcus and Lily sitting together, looking quite intimate. Lily had even been putting food on Marcus's plate. As they left, Marcus had placed his hand on Lily's waist. They were clearly together now.

Both were single, so there was nothing wrong with it. Sure, there was a bit of an age gap, but if they felt right together, it wasn't anyone else's place to judge.

I wondered what Sarah would think when she found out. I'd always assumed Sarah and Marcus might end up together, but Sarah had proven herself untrustworthy. Perhaps it was for the best that Marcus had found someone else.

"This spicy fish is excellent—tender and flavorful," I said, placing a piece on Phillip's plate.

Phillip took a bite and nodded in agreement.

After dinner, we headed straight to the mall. There wasn't much time left—tomorrow was Christmas's Eve.

"What do you want to buy? Clothes? Makeup?" Phillip asked as we entered the shopping center.

I shook my head. "Not for me. I need gifts for your parents and sister. First time meeting them, and during the holidays... I should bring something."

With a smile, I asked, "What does your sister like?"

"Perfume, I think," Phillip replied.

From what I gathered, Katherine wanted for nothing. She could have anything she desired. Phillip only knew that she enjoyed collecting perfumes—her vanity was covered with bottles of all shapes and sizes.

I jotted this down in my work notebook. "What about your parents? Besides antiques, what do they like?"

After asking, I quickly added, "Actually, never mind. I'll figure something out."

In a family like theirs, his parents certainly lacked for nothing. What hadn't they seen or experienced? I just needed to choose something appropriate within my budget.

After browsing for a while, I decided against buying Katherine perfume. Since she was a collector, she probably had numerous bottles, including some limited editions. Anything I could purchase would be readily available and likely redundant for her collection.

When it comes to gifts, you should either choose something the person genuinely enjoys, or if that's not possible, something practical. So I settled on food items.

I went to a gift shop and purchased bird's nest and fish maw—not too extravagant but not too modest either. Perfect for a first visit.

Phillip carried the bags and asked, "All done shopping?"

"It's still early to head back. Would you mind browsing with me a bit longer?" I looked up at him.
"Of course."

I linked my arm through his as we strolled through the mall. Stopping at a display window, I spotted a coat I liked. "Do you think I'd look good in that coat?"

"Try it on," he suggested.

"Okay."

I walked into the store. "I'd like to try this coat, please."

"Certainly," the salesperson said, handing it to me. "The fitting room is over there."

I quickly changed and emerged wearing a long, dark gray coat that accentuated my figure.

Being tall, I could carry off the style nicely.

"It looks beautiful," Phillip said, his eyes taking me in appreciatively.

"I really like it too. Could you wrap it up for me, please?" I said to the salesperson.

I took off the coat and handed it to them, then put my own jacket back on.

Phillip moved to pay, but I quickly stepped in front of him and handed my card to the clerk. "I'll pay for it myself."

Phillip stared at me for a few seconds before putting his card away.

Once the coat was wrapped, I took the package and linked my arm with his again. "All set. Shall we go?"

On our way out, I bought a bouquet of flowers, and after wandering around a bit more, we headed home.

Back at the apartment, I arranged the flowers, trimming the stems and placing them in vases. Phillip sat on the sofa drinking coffee, watching me.

I'd bought enough flowers to fill three vases—one for the entryway, one for the coffee table, and one for the bathroom.

After arranging everything, I walked over to the sofa and sat on Phillip's lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Do you think my flower arrangements look nice?" I asked in a playful tone.

"They're beautiful," Phillip answered without hesitation.

That made me smile with delight.

That night in bed, I found myself restless.

"What am I going to do?" I sighed, looking up at the ceiling and idly running my fingers along Phillip's jaw. "I'm too nervous to sleep."

Phillip turned toward me and put his arm around me. "What are you nervous about?"

"Meeting your family," I said. I wasn't sure how his parents would receive me.

Actually, I thought his parents would probably be fine. His mother was well-mannered—even if she disapproved, she wouldn't be too harsh, would she?

It was Katherine I was worried about. Her reaction was less predictable.

What if she lost her temper during the New Year celebrations? That would make things uncomfortable for everyone.


I bit my lip and suggested, "Maybe I should visit your family after the New Year instead?"
Phillip shook his head firmly. "No."

"But I—"

"No buts," he interrupted.

He rolled on top of me, playing with my hair. "I've waited too long already."

His eyes fixed on my face, intense and unwavering.

We stared at each other for a moment before I whispered, "I understand."

"Good," he replied.

His voice was deep and magnetic, drawing out the last syllable in a way that made the atmosphere suddenly more intimate.

His gaze was too intense, too direct.

I immediately pushed against his chest. "I'm tired now. Get off me."

"I thought you couldn't sleep?" He leaned down, his lips brushing mine. "I can help you fall asleep..."

"Mmph..."

I tried to push him away, but he had already captured my lips in a kiss, and I couldn't break free. I needed to conserve my energy—tomorrow was the big day with his family.

"Just... just once," I negotiated between kisses.

"Hmm," he agreed readily, which made me relax slightly.

But the next moment, all thoughts vanished as his demanding kiss took my breath away.