Chapter 79

Charles was just about to dive into the water when he noticed Evelyn standing up on her own. With a stern look, he firmly grasped her wrist. After a gentle pull, he lifted her out of the lake. He quickly removed her coat and wrapped her in his own to shield her from the biting wind. Surrounded once again by Charles’ familiar scent, Evelyn instinctively resisted.
“Do you still want to cause a scene?” Charles tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her closer as he looked down at her. “Are you trying to call in sick on your second day at work?” Evelyn fell silent. Charles scooped her up and strode out of the garden. The cold weather had left the garden deserted, but the entrance was bustling with activity. Evelyn didn’t want to be seen, so she pulled Charles’ coat over her face. Charles noticed this small gesture, and his expression soured.
The manager had already arranged for a car. Charles carried Evelyn inside. As soon as they were seated, Evelyn moved away, pressed herself against the window, and instructed the driver, “Maple Garden, please.” She turned her gaze outside, clearly avoiding any interaction with Charles.
“Turn the heat up all the way,” Charles instructed the driver after a cool glance at the gap between them.
“Yes, Mr. Jenkins,” the driver responded promptly, cranking up the heat. Evelyn’s chilled body slowly regained warmth, but her damp clothes still left her shivering.
Charles raised his hand and slid up the partition between them. The sound made Evelyn tense up instantly, and she looked at Charles warily. “What are you planning to do?”
The car moved through the traffic,
dimly lit. The streetlights outside cast fleeting shadows across Charles’ sharply defined features. He watched her and suddenly leaned in close. Their bodies drew near His nose almost brushed against hers, and their breaths mingled, his warm breath caressing her face.
Evelyn’s breath caught, and the car felt even warmer. Annoyed, she muttered, “Charles!” while pushing against his chest to keep him at a distance.
As Charles reached for her leg, she instinctively lashed out with her other foot, aiming a kick at him. He caught her foot smoothly, and under her fiery gaze, he slid her shoe and soaked sock off. As he held her ankle, his dark eyes locked on hers, his voice low and husky in the quiet car. “What did you think was doing?”
Evelyn was stunned. She had assumed he was about to make an inappropriate move.
In her moment of surprise, Charles removed her other wet shoe and sock. Evelyn’s guard dropped a bit. But just as she relaxed, she felt his hand at her waistband. As her body tensed up again, his fingers swiftly undid the button of her pants Realizing his intention, Evelyn immediately grabbed his wrist, stopping him with a firm, “Charles, that’s not necessary!”
“They’re wet. Take them off!” Charles’ actions were as assertive as his words, leaving Evelyn little room to argue.
“I can do it myself,” Evelyn insisted, gripping Charles’ hand to prevent him from going any further. The two remained locked in a standoff.