Chapter 294

“Girlfriend?”
The word caught Charlotte off guard. For a second, she just sat there, cheeks tinged with a soft blush. When she didn’t reply, Anthony leaned in close, his breath warm against her skin. His voice dropped, teasing her. “What’s wrong? You’re done with the assignment, and now you’re pretending you don’t know me?”
Charlotte still didn’t say anything.
Anthony’s smile turned playful as he gently lifted her chin with his fingers. “Don’t tell me you forgot what I said. You should always keep your promises.”
Charlotte held her head high, meeting his deep gaze without a hint of fear. Her eyebrow arched. “I never said I was backing out.”
She lifted her left hand and tapped his arm, copying the way he always did things. Her smile was sly, almost kittenish. “I’m your girlfriend, sure. But being your wife? That’s a whole different question.”
Anthony’s eyes darkened as he caught her wrist, his grip firm and a dangerous smile flickering on his lips. “Really?”
Charlotte tried to pull away, but he didn’t let go. She was clearly annoyed. If her right hand wasn’t hurt, she thought, things might have turned out differently.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” Anthony leaned in even closer, his eyes narrowing in a way that made her heart skip. His voice was low, smooth, and impossible to ignore.
Charlotte blinked, realizing she’d met her match. She stayed calm. “You want me to teach you how to chase a girl?”
He put on an innocent act and let out a quiet laugh. “I’ve never really chased anyone before. I’m a loyal guy. And, you know, not exactly young anymore.”
He got even closer, his fingertips brushing her cheek as he looked at her with a kind
of gentle seriousness. “I’ll work hard to be a good boyfriend. I want to make you happy.”
Her heart fluttered. “Deal.”
He watched her smile, taking in the brightness of her face and the soft scent that lingered around her. It made his breathing a little heaven
After a moment of silence, he suddenly said Finish your. going to take a shower.”
I’m
With that, he disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of running water soon filled the room. Charlotte sat up straighter eating
breakfast in small spoonfuls, a quiet smile still playing on her lips.
…
The next morning, Charlotte sat at the table eating breakfast when her phone rang.
It was a call from the Gates family.
“Grandpa,” she answered, her eyes drifting to Anthony across the table. He was peeling an egg for her, focused and gentle. “Yes, I know.”
She hung up and set down her phone just as Anthony handed her the perfectly peeled egg.
He wiped his fingers with a towel, then poured her a glass of milk. His voice was soft. “Kenneth is coming to get you?” He’d heard Robert practically shouting over the phone.
“Mhm.” Charlotte took a sip from the glass. It took her a second to realize it was Anthony’s cup, not hers.
She licked her lips, caught his
half-amused, half-teasing look, then took another síp just because she could. “I’m coming back tonight,” she said, making sure he understood.
The message was obvious. She wanted him to pick her up.
Anthony smiled and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. “I’ll be there. If you need anything, call me.”
Just then, the sound of a sports car parking outside reached them. No surprise-it was Kenneth.
“Let’s go.” Anthony stood up and placed his hand at Charlotte’s waist, guiding her toward the door.
Kenneth got out of his car and saw the two of them together. It was pretty clear- Anthony and Charlotte were closer than ever.