Chapter 233

After they left the Stephens Estate, Scott offered Mamie a ride home.

Latham got into his own car, ready to head back. Dorothea glanced over at him, curiosity tugging at her. “Hey, Latham, didn’t you say Scott’s never been married p>

Latham hit the brakes and pulled over to the curb. “Why do you suddenly care about Scott p>

It was such an ordinary question, but the way he looked at her made her trip over her words. “No reason. Just making conversation p>

He unbuckled his seatbelt and looked at her with a teasing glint in his eyes. “You just told me you liked me yesterday, and today you’re already interested in another guy. Should I be jealous p>

Dorothea gave him an eye roll. “You’re such a child p>

She wasn’t about to rat out Mamie’s secret, though.

Latham gently tilted her chin up with cool fingers and leaned in for a kiss.

He always kissed her like he meant it, deep and thorough, leaving her breathless. Their lips fit together perfectly, no space between them at all.

At first, Dorothea just let it happen, but then she closed her eyes and let herself melt into the moment.

Neither of them remembered they were in the car, parked right there by the side of the road.

A sharp knocking on the window snapped her out of it.

Dorothea’s eyes flew open to find a traffic cop peering in, an amused smile on his face.

Her cheeks burned red as she shoved at Latham’s chest with both hands.

Latham didn’t budge at first, still lost in the kiss, but finally, after what felt like forever, he let her go, looking reluctant.

Dorothea was pretty sure that was the longest minute of her life.

“What’s wrong?” Latham asked, still wanting more.

Dorothea’s eyes were a little glassy, her cheeks still pink. “Look outside p>

Latham glanced at the officer and grinned. “Are you here to give me a ticket p>

The cop laughed. “Listen, I know young people have a lot of energy, but you still need to follow the rules. Parking here isn’t allowed. I’ll let you off with a warning this time p>

Latham paid the fine on the spot. “Want to give me a few more? I could use a little more time to kiss my wife p>

Dorothea ducked her head and pinched his side, hard.

Latham cleared his throat, a little embarrassed. “Just kidding. I’ll move the car now p>

The officer shook his head and walked away.

Latham shot her a playful look, noticing how pink her cheeks were. “Babe, are you blushing p>

“If you keep this up, Latham, you’re sleeping on the couch for a week p>

That got his attention. He started the car and hit the gas right away.

She could punish him any way she wanted, as long as it didn’t mean separate bedrooms.

When they got home, Pauline was still up.

“Dorothea, did you go on a work trip with Latham?” she asked.

Dorothea had left in such a rush that she’d only sent Linda a quick message about a business trip before buying her ticket to see Latham.

“Sorry, Grandma. There was something urgent at work and I forgot to tell you. I should have called p>

Pauline shook her head with a gentle smile. “No need to apologize. Just let me know next time, that’s all p>

She didn’t miss how Dorothea and

Latham’s fingers were laced

together, and her heart lightened. eemed to have brough

This trip

them closer.

Whatever worries she had before faded into the background.

“I’m heading to bed. You two should get some rest, too p>

As soon as Pauline disappeared into her room, Latham leaned in close to Dorothea and whispered “Did you notice Grandma kept staring at our hands? Do you think she’s figured out that you confessed to me p>

Sometimes, Dorothea really wished she could shut Latham up.

“My grandma’s not that nosy p>

She slipped her hand out of his. “I’m going to shower p>

Latham caught up to her in two quick steps, scooping her into his arms. “Don’t be

stingy p>

He flashed her a playful, irresistible smile. “Let’s shower together p>

After three days of watching the two of them, Pauline was sure of it. The couple really was getting along better.

Over breakfast, she brought up

something she hadn’t mentioned in a while. “Dorothea, don’t you and Latham think’s time to start thinking about having a baby p>