“I can manage, really," Bettie interjected quickly, realizing his intention.

But Lance seemed undeterred by her protest and gently took hold of her ankle in one hand, the shoe in the other. "Just lift a little," he instructed softly.

Though Bettie felt a surge of warmth from his touch, an instinctual urge to withdraw momentarily flickered within her. Despite this, she remained still as he deftly slipped the shoe onto her foot in a swift motion.

Biting her lip, Bettie reluctantly complied when he reached for her other foot, lifting it obediently as he slipped on the second shoe.

After stepping back to admire Bettie, Lance's gaze intensified, his deep eyes ablaze with a fiery passion. "Much better."