Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Curtis like the saying, ‘Cutting

off Shed with a hint of mischief in his voice. “You know, it’

your nose to spite your face. The guy has a constitution stronger than an ox.”

“What other choice do I have?” Leanne retorted, rolling her eyes. “String him up like a Thanksgiving turkey? I can barely lift the guy.”

“Why not call for backup if you can’t handle it?” Curtis suggested, a playful smirk crossing his face. “Why am I here if not to keep people from messing with you?”

Despite knowing he was sweet-talking, Leanne couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her heart

at his words.

Leanne returned to her room and indulged in a long, hot bubble bath, which had done. wonders for her mood. When she emerged, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, Laura had whipped up some hot cocoa.

The rich aroma instantly hit Leanne, making her turn away. “Just try a little,” Laura coaxed. Leanne wrinkled her nose, unconvinced. “I’ve already had a hot bath. I won’t catch a cold.”

Curtis strolled in, having shed his coat, tie, and watch, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, exuding an air of relaxed, indifferent charm.

“What’s the fuss about?” he asked.

Laura was quick to tattle, “She won’t drink the hot cocoa.”

Curtis glanced at Leanne, who silently picked up the cup and took a few sips, her face. scrunching with each taste as if it were the most terrible drink.

“Is it that bad?” Curtis raised an eyebrow playfully. “Let me try.”

“No need,” Laura interjected. “There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll get you

vou one.”

“That’s fine.” Curtis leaned in, sampling the hot cocoa from Leanne’s cup. “It’s just the hot cocoa. Can’t be that terrible.”

Leanne couldn’t fathom how he could dismiss the intense flavor as if it were nothing. “Then you have some more.”

“It’s for you. Is drinking it supposed to boost your immune system through osmosis?” Curtis teased, giving her cheek a gentle pinch.

Fresh out of the bath, Leanne’s cheeks and lips were a healthy pink, her skin smooth and soft. Curtis lingered longer than necessary, a hint of warmth flashing across his eyes.

That small gesture of intimacy had become a rarity between them.

She looked up, meeting Curtis’ gaze.

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Maybe it was an illusion caused by the light, or maybe it was the cozy ambience of the room, but Curtis’ eyes looked surprisingly soft.

“Curtis…” Leanne began, but the words trailed off.

Curtis’ hand remained, his fingers gently tracing her delicate jawline, then slowly gliding downward.

Her pajama top revealed the graceful curve of her neck and the soft contour of her collarbone.

“What is it?” Curtis asked, his voice casual but laced with something deeper.

His gaze followed his fingers as they traced her smooth skin, raising a shiver from Leanne.

The air was thick with an unspoken promise, heavy with implication.

He was close, his scent, a mix of woodsy cologne and natural musk, enveloping her

senses.

Memories of heated and tangled nights came flooding back. The impeccably dressed man who shed his business attire revealed a wild, predatory physicality. Usually carefree and flirtatious, Curtis was intense in his embrace, holding her so close that there was no space between them.

He would whisper her name tenderly, “Anne…” or playfully coerce her. “Call me baby, and I’ll turn you on.”

Yet, looking at Curtis now, with his handsome features and profound gaze, Lear wave of unfamiliarity.

It had been too long since Curtis had touched her.

No one knew how much she yearned for that intimacy again.

Curtis brushed her damp hair back, his eyes half-lidded, and asked, “What’s on your

mind?”