Nathaniel Nathan took a small notebook out of his pocket. Vera Xavier glanced at it curiously, then saw him write down today's date, followed by the number thirty.
Vera was utterly baffled. 'No way. He's been keeping a record of all this?'
This time, Nathaniel readily cleared up her confusion. "This notebook is just for you to see. In reality, I've committed it all to memory. You can take a good look through it today and see just how many kisses you owe me. If you think it's too many—that your lips will get swollen—I can offer you a way out."
For some reason, a bad feeling crept over Vera when she heard that. Still, she played along and asked meekly, "What way out?"
"Ten kisses in exchange for one night. Are you ready?" Nathaniel whispered, leaning close to her ear. As he spoke, he lightly nipped her delicate earlobe. His hot breath ghosted across her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.
Vera's eyes flew wide. 'What the hell! What kind of insane exchange rate is that?'
