Chapter 338

Chapter 338

The deep night was as gentle as water, filling Curtis’ chest to the brim.

Leanne was almost out of breath, so Curtis stepped back a bit to give her some space, his fingertips delicately tracing her flushed cheeks

“This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.”

Leanne leaned against the cool door, her body far from cold, enveloped in his warmth. “That memory card means that much to you?”

“It’s priceless,” Curtis said. “But that’s not what was talking about.”

“What then?” She hadn’t given him anything else.

With a low, amused tone, Curtis replied, “You.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, I didn’t give myself to you.”

Curtis leaned in and pecked her lips. “You gave me a kiss.”

His breath was hot, scorching her heart for a moment.

She had to admit, the walls she built around her heart weren’t as strong as she thought; they crumbled eventually.

Curtis had hurt her deeply before, yet he had loved her for many years without her knowing. It turned out she wasn’t a kid without love or support after all.

Even after a hard fall, she still wanted to muster the courage to leap over that cliff again.

The sudden knock at the door came just then, with Joy’s voice sounding, “Honey, are you asleep? I brought you some goodies.”

The thudding vibrations from the door sent a shiver down Leanne’s spine, startling her into reflexively pushing Curtis away.

She paused, then hurriedly, in a fluster, pushed Curtis inside, whispering urgently, “Hide. Don’t let her see you.”

As she shoved him toward the bedroom, Curtis resisted, his mood slightly soured, “Why do I have to hide? Am I some sort of secret?”

Leanne, embarrassed as if caught in a teenage fling, replied, “I haven’t had the chance to talk to Joy yet.”

“Might as well face it now she’s here,” Curtis suggested.

“What are you even saying?” Leanne’s head was spinning. “I’ll explain it to her later. She’ll freak out if she sees you now.”

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09-24

Chapter 338

Curtis shot back, “Then don’t let her through the door.”

As if that were possible.

Leanne pushed him into the bedroom and shut the door coldly.

She calmed her breath and hurried to open the door. Joy entered, lugging a box of wine, gasping as she brought it in.

“I was at Austin’s friend’s vineyard today. They make this homemade wine that’s so sweet and not too strong-perfect for when you can’t sleep.”

She set the heavy box down, wiping her brow, “That was so heavy-did you put too much blush on today? You look like a baboon’s butt.”

Leanne touched her own face reflexively; it was burning.

Heaven knows, she hadn’t used any blush.

“Want some water?” She dodged the question and changed the subject.

“I’ll take a soda water.”-

As Leanne fetched the soda, Joy started unpacking the wooden box, arranging the wine

bottles in the cabinet.

Leanne handed her the soda, and as Joy unscrewed the cap and took a drink, she watched. After a few sips, Joy asked, “Why are you staring?”

You look tired.” Leanne offered a tissue to wipe her sweat.

Joy took the tissue, wiping herself down carelessly, then glanced around and headed towards the bedroom, “Where’s the cat? Why isn’t it greeting me?”

In the bedroom, Curtis leaned against the dresser, watching the cat at the foot of

waking up.

The cat locked eyes with him for a moment, jumped down, stretched, and sauntered rubbing against his leg in a circle.

Curtis’ nose tickled slightly, and he lifted his hand to cover it.

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