Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Stephanie left the Fletchers and hit up Starlight Design Studio. Since Vincent wasn’t at Tranquil Garden, she just camped out at the studio doodling designs.

Julianna found out Stephanie was working late and was super touched. She figured Stephanie was all about friendship, choosing it over her romance, so she promised to buy Stephanie lunch and dinner.

Stephanie felt a twinge of guilt. She really wanted to choose love over friendship, but Vincent wasn’t giving her any chances

Coming back to Tranquil Garden all tired, Sophia rushed over and asked if she wanted some food.

Stephanie glanced at her full belly and passed. “Vincent back!”

Sophia nodded. “Mr. Fletcher’s been home since the afternoon, Christina Fletcher’s been moved here too.”

Stephanie was rendered speechless. Frederick and Edith didn’t waste any time moving Christina in. ‘Vincent’s home early? Isn’t he swamped at work? Wasn’t he supposed to be at some social thing tonight?’ she wondered.

“Did he come home for Christina?” Stephanie asked.

Sophia shook her head. “No clue what Mr. Fletcher’s thinking. He asked about you, I told him you were at the studio. Then he s i p e d dinner and just holed up in his office. When I brought him coffee, he looked totally down.”

“Thanks, Sophia,” Stephanie said and then headed to spruce up before putting on a cute nightie. She knocked on Vincent’s study door. “Vincent, it’s me. Can I come in?”

“Come in,” Vincent responded in a deep voice. He sounded really upset.

Pursing her lips, Stephanie entered the study. She saw him in a dark blue silk pajama, with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his high nose. He was speaking to the other party on the computer screen, exuding aloofness and coldness.

She guessed that he was having a video conference, so she stood aside.

Suddenly, Vincent paused his meeting. He looked at Stephanie and asked icily, “What’s up?”

Stephanie stood by his wheelchair and held his finger. “You’ve been cold all day. Did I upset you by staying in your space? If you are unhappy, I won’t stay there anymore.”

Vincent cracked a smile. “Think I’m upset over that?”

Her eyes grew big. “Isn’t that it?” She sat on his lap and naturally wrapped her arms around his neck. “Then why?”

He laughed, irked that she had no clue why he was mad all day.

Stephanie thought the two of them must talk it out to avoid misunderstandings. She nudged, “Spill it. How else will I know?”

Getting closer, she breathed on his lips-a very kissable monent-but instead, he told her, “You were sleep-talking some other guy’s name this morning.”

Stephanie

e was stunned. No wonder he was angry. “Whose name was that?” she asked.

“Douglas,” Vincent uttered the name through his gritted teeth.

She burst into laughter. She cupped his face and looked him in the eye. She grinned. “So you’re jealous?”

1/3

Chapter 23

“No, I’m not.” He tried to deny it.

“Really?” She doubted him.

“Of course.” Vincent wanted to turn his head away, but Stephanie halted his action.

“I didn’t say anything else?” she asked smilingly.

“No,” he answered.

“Then I must have cursed him in my dream!” she chirped.

“For what?” he asked curiously..

“You hnally stop saying not” she yelled.

Seeing Stephanie’s cheeky smile, Vincent couldn’t help asking. “What did you curse him?”

Raising her eyebrows, she asked. “You want to know?”

“Tell me,” he urged.

“Then, tell me first. Do you miss me?” she pleaded.

Vincent looked at Stephanie’s clear and bright eyes. He wanted to hold her waist tightly, but he restrained his impulse. “A little,” he mumbled.

“Just a little?” She caressed the stubble on his chin and kissed him passionately. She moved closer to his ear. He could hear her shallow breath. “Vincent, I’ve been missing you like crazy.”

Vincent couldn’t resist Stephanie at all. He wrapped her into his embrace. He hugged her tightly as if trying to melt her into his body. He lowered his head and kissed her, sucking the tip of her tongue until it turned numb.

They

hey kissed until they were both breathless. She felt like his touch could light her up, and her knees went weak

When she felt him react, he carefully moved her off his lap. His voice was rough, “So what did you call that guy?”

“I called him a jerk!” Stephanie laughed.

“You are so naughty.” He chuckled.

She had that sparkle in her eyes, making Vincent wish they could be closer. But he had to hold back for now.

“You ignored me all day over this?” she pouted.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized.

She couldn’t believe the high and mighty Vincent was apologizing to her. She slipped her hands into his pajamas, teasing over his abs. “How’re you gonna make it right?”

Vincent’s heart raced, he looked deep into her eyes, and gripped her hands gently, “You decide.”

“Can you cuddle me tonight?” she asked.

“Okay,” said Vincent. Then, he cleared his throat. “But I could really go for some pasta,”

12:46 Sat, 25 May)”.

Chapter 23

“Coming right up,” Stephanie nodded, thinking he needed a cold shower right about now.

As expected, he said, “I’m going to take a shower”

She tried to hold back her laughter. “Okay, I’ll go cook for you now.” She jumped down and ran out of the study.

Breathing out. Vincent felt a weight lift. He peeked under the blanket, then flicked off his conference call.

He trudged back to his room for that long, cold shower. Weirdly enough, Stephanie didn’t come looking for him. He squinted, thinking hard. ‘Did she catch on to my act? But I played it cool.”

After cleaning up, he rolled into the kitchen. There she was, whipping up a snack, and there went his worries. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Stephanie’s hair cascaded down her back, giving her this soft vibe.

As Vincent stroked his chin, he couldn’t help but admire her in action. All the stress from the past few days was gone.

Feeling eyes on her, Stephanie spun around and met his grin, “Almost ready,” she said.

She could really cook. He cleaned his plate.

Before going to bed, Vincent brushed his teeth again. “Why, hoping for a kiss?” Stephanie teased.

Hearing this, Vincent frowned deeply. She was staring at him and heard him utter indifferently, “No, it’s just a habit.”

“Oh, is it?” She arched an eyebrow, stepping closer. The moonlight danced off her legs. She leaned in close, whispering. “Time for a new