Regina shot him a mock glare, though a slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She uncrossed her arms, letting them fall to her sides, the gesture both casual and confident.
Julian leaned in closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Well, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were enjoying this little game of ours."
He paused, letting the playful tension hang between them. "Besides, what's wrong with appreciating beauty? It's a talent of mine, after all."
Regina rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the soft blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Just remember, young man, I'm still your mother." But the way she spoke, with a hint of laughter, made it clear that the banter was only fueling the playful spark between them.
Julian shrugged, feigning innocence. "And a very beautiful one at that. How could I not admire my own mother?"
