Chapter 73

“You’ll catch a cold. Come to my place and change?” Anthony’s voice was soft, a gentle question as he dabbed the water from Charlotte’s face with a tissue.
“Okay.” Her answer was quiet but clear, no hesitation.
He smiled, fastening her seatbelt with care.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up in front of Imperial Heights. Anthony got out first, circled around, and opened her door. Charlotte was still feeling the effects of swallowing lake water and swimming too hard. Dizzy and a little unsteady, she wobbled getting out.
Anthony caught her right away, steady hands at her arms. She stumbled forward, her face pressing into his chest. Even through his thin shirt, she could feel the warmth of his skin, the uneven beat of his heart.
“Did you want a hug?” He looked down, eyes teasing.
Charlotte rubbed her sore nose, a blush rising in her cheeks. Before she could answer, Anthony slipped his arm under her knees and swept her up. He chuckled, low and soft. “I’ll just give you one.”
His voice was gentle, a little rough, with a warmth that made her melt. Charlotte relaxed in his arms, letting herself lean into him.
“Helen, get some hot water ready,” Anthony called as he carried her upstairs, straight to the room she’d stayed in before.
Helen blinked at the sight of them, both soaked through. It hadn’t rained today, so what had happened? She hurried to tell the maids to fill a bath in the guest room and make two bowls of hot ginger tea.
“Take a bath first,” Anthony said, setting Charlotte down gently. He brushed her damp bangs off her forehead, his voice soft. “I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
Charlotte nodded, eyes following him until he was gone.
Half an hour later, Charlotte came down in pale pink pajamas, her hair damp and falling in soft waves over her shoulders. She looked radiant under the nights, so pretty she
seemed almost unreal.
The maids downstairs couldn’t help but stare. Ms. Main was stunning.
Anthony had already showered and changed into light gray loungewear. He stood tall by the window, holding a bottle of milk in one hand, a Cuff of smoke rising from the cigarette in his other. There was something cool and distant about him, a kind of quiet elegance.
He turned when he heard footsteps. The second he saw Charlotte, he put out his cigarette and tossed it in the trash.
“Ms. Main, I found the hair dryer,” Helen said, coming over with a bright smile. “Let me help you dry your hair.”
Charlotte was about to say yes, but Anthony’s voice interrupted. “I’ll do it.”
He walked over without missing a beat, took Charlotte’s hand, and led her to the sofa. He popped a straw into the milk and handed it to her.
The maids exchanged looks. First he carried her in, now he was holding her hand and drying her hair himself. Their relationship was obvious.
Helen just grinned and handed over the hair dryer, waving the other maids back.
The gentle hum of the dryer filled the room. Warm air swirled around Charlotte’s head as she curled up on the sofa cradling her milk and
enjoying the feeling of Anthony’s fingers running softly through her hair.