Chapter 23: Stayed Overnight and Didn't Want to Leave

Raymond lazily leaned back in his chair, gently swirling a glass of red wine in his hand, his gaze softly falling on Sam and Melinda across from him. He always felt that there was an indescribable connection between him and Sam, a sense of familiarity that made him want to get closer.

Sam also felt that Raymond was like a mountain, giving him an immense sense of security and reliance.

After dinner, Raymond personally escorted the mother and son back to their neighborhood entrance.

Melinda got out of the car holding Sam's hand and thanked Raymond.

However, Sam suddenly looked up and said with a smile, "Mommy, Mr. Thomas treated

us to dinner, shouldn't we invite him in for a cup of tea?"

Melinda was slightly taken aback; she hadn't planned on this. But seeing the look of anticipation in Sam's eyes, she hesitated.

Raymond, however, smiled and nodded, agreeing immediately.

So, he got out of the car, his tall figure beside Melinda making her feel a bit pressured. She secretly regretted letting Sam speak up; now she had to bring Raymond home.

However, Sam was happily bouncing around, holding Raymond's hand and leading him home.

Melinda had no choice but to lead Raymond into the house.

She awkwardly searched for a while but couldn't find a suitable cup.

In the end, she had to take out Sam's cartoon cup and poured Raymond a glass of water. "Don't mind, this is Sam's cup," she said, a bit embarrassed.

Raymond took the cup and drank a sip without minding, "It's nice," he said with a smile.

At that moment, a rumble of thunder suddenly came from outside, followed by the sound of raindrops hitting the ground. Melinda hurried to collect the clothes from the balcony but accidentally missed one. Raymond saw it and caught it with a stretch of his hand, "You dropped a piece of clothing."

Melinda turned her head and saw her underwear in Raymond's hand, her face instantly turning red.

She quickly walked over, grabbed the underwear, and thanked him in a low voice. Just then, a flash of lightning lit up the night sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap. Sam was so scared that he covered his ears and screamed.

Seeing this, Raymond immediately walked over and hugged Sam, "You're a brave kid, don't be afraid," he comforted softly, holding Sam tightly in his arms.

His voice seemed to have a magical power, gradually calming Sam down.

Melinda watched this scene, a warm feeling rising in her heart. She suddenly realized that Raymond didn't seem so scary after all.

The thunder outside gradually subsided, and the rain lessened. Melinda looked at the rain outside, planning to find an umbrella to send Raymond off. However, he suddenly said, "I'll stay tonight."

Melinda was stunned. She blinked and said, "What?"

Raymond rubbed Sam's little head and said, "Sam needs me." His gaze was firm and gentle, with an irresistible force.

Sam also looked up at her pleadingly, "Mommy, can Mr. Thomas stay to protect us? The thunder is so scary, and both Mommy and I are so scared." His voice trembled, full of fear and unease.

Melinda looked at Sam's helpless eyes, feeling a wave of hesitation.

However, when she saw the deep and determined look in Raymond's eyes, she suddenly felt a sense of peace and trust. She nodded, agreeing to Raymond's request.

The thunder roared, deafening, and she looked at Raymond with lingering fear, only to find herself suddenly caught in his mischievous smile.

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She immediately felt her cheeks heat up, mumbling, "Anyway, you can't stay here, it's inconvenient."

Raymond looked at her and said coolly, "I'll leave when the rain stops."

Melinda had no choice but to nod, "Alright then, the rain is too heavy now." After saying that, she turned to her room to tidy up. But when she saw the underwear that Raymond had held, she wanted to slap herself. How could she have dropped a piece of underwear?

The weather forecast said there would be strong thunderstorms all night. Melinda thought to herself, would Raymond really stay the night? If they stayed in the same room overnight, her reputation would be ruined.

Time passed, and the thunder gradually lessened.

Melinda took Sam to take a bath, and she also freshened up.

After the bath, she felt much more refreshed.

At this moment, Sam rubbed his eyes and walked in drowsily, "Mr. Thomas, I'm so sleepy, I want to sleep." Hearing this, Raymond immediately squatted down and gently picked him up, "I'll carry you to bed." Sam found a comfortable position in Raymond's arms, yawned, and closed his eyes.

Melinda watched this scene and gently pointed to Sam's room, "I'll put him to bed." Raymond nodded and carried Sam into the room.

As soon as Sam hit the bed, he found a comfortable position and continued to sleep soundly.

Melinda looked at Sam's peaceful face, feeling full of guilt.

She gestured to Raymond to step out of the room.

Raymond understood and nodded, stepping out gracefully, with Melinda following closely behind, gently closing the door.

"Mr. Thomas, thank you for tonight," she said with a smile.

Raymond looked at her, a playful glint in his deep eyes, "How will you thank me?" His voice was low and magnetic, captivating.

Melinda's eyes widened slightly; she didn't expect Raymond to be so direct. She thought to herself, he wouldn't be like last time, would he? The thought made her shudder.

"I'll treat you to dinner," she thought, dinner seemed appropriate.

However, Raymond refused without hesitation, "Dinner is not necessary." Melinda became nervous.

But when she saw Raymond sitting on the sofa without any intention of leaving, she began to feel uneasy.

She glanced at him secretly, feeling that his gaze was somewhat dangerous, so she quickly tidied up the toys on the sofa, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. She couldn't keep him in the house any longer!

Melinda's heart was alarmed. She stood up, forcing a smile, "Mr. Thomas, it's late, you should go."

Raymond's gaze was intense, locking onto her.

Freshly bathed, Melinda looked like a rose, fresh and elegant, breathtakingly beautiful.

His eyes flashed with a predatory light, like a beast eyeing its prey.

Melinda felt uneasy under his gaze and accidentally tripped over the table corner, "Ah!" she exclaimed, losing her balance and falling onto the sofa. Unfortunately, she fell into Raymond's arms.