Chapter 278: You've Been Gone for 758 Days
Ellen's grandson had a fever, so she took the day off to go to the hospital.
The house fell silent as the sunset's glow filled the room, making even Jerry's heartbeat audible.
Romantic tension filled the air. I nudged him and said, "You must be hungry. I'll make dinner."
"I am," Jerry said, his eyes intense. He gently cupped the back of my head and moved closer.
Our bodies drew nearer, and the atmosphere heated up, making my heart race.
The fresh scent of mint lingered as Jerry's low voice said, "But I don't want dinner."
He leaned in, his warm lips meeting mine, sending a jolt through me.
Jerry's hand unzipped my dress, his cool fingertips making me shiver. The kiss deepened, and the air felt thin.
As his hand roamed, I instinctively retreated, trembling.
Just as I was about to fall back, he chuckled and wrapped his arm around my waist, pressing me onto the sofa.
I could feel his desire.
My eyes sparkled from the kisses, and I smiled playfully. "Jerry, what do you want to do?"
Jerry kissed the corner of my eye, his fingers in my hair. "Fulfilling my boyfriend duties."
I smiled lightly. "You know it has to be consensual, right?"
Jerry grinned. "So, Mrs. Hammer, do you consent?"
I snorted, "Who's Mrs. Hammer?"
He hadn't even proposed yet!
Jerry asked, "So, future Mrs. Hammer, do you consent?"
"I..." Just as I was about to say yes, my stomach growled. I had only had an apple for lunch and was starving.
Jerry looked at me. "Hungry?"
Embarrassed, I glared at him. "Can't I be?"
Jerry sighed and helped me up. "Didn't have lunch?"
Feeling guilty, I mumbled, "Too busy."
Jerry said, "All work and no care for yourself."
I glanced at him. "Aren't you the same?"
When Jerry got busy, he was even worse than me.
He wanted to restore the Hammer family legacy, have me as his wife, and protect us all.
I wanted to help him, even though ElevateJoy was far behind the Hammer Group. I was trying.
Jerry looked at me, understanding, and stood up, laughing. "Idiot. I'll make dinner."
"I'll do it," I said, grabbing him. "I've been hungry all day; I don't want to shower now."
I still remembered the last time he cooked; he sneakily substituted takeout for the food he had made while I was in the shower.
Jerry chuckled, "Hope, do you know how long you've been away from me?"
"How long?" I asked.
"Since our last reunion, it's been 758 days," he said without hesitation. "And I've changed a lot."
I was touched but confused. "What do you mean?"
"I can cook now," Jerry said, lifting his chin. He pressed me onto the sofa and calmly added, "Wait for dinner."
He headed to the kitchen. I lounged on the couch, feeling a bit anxious at first, but watching his smooth moves through the glass, I relaxed.
Settling into a cozier spot, I watched him intently, my heart full of emotion, wishing time would freeze.
Jerry wore a tailored white shirt, sleeves rolled up, showing off his wrist bones and strong forearms. His trousers hugged his long legs, and despite the earlier intimacy leaving his clothes a bit wrinkled, it suited him.
Jerry had always been flamboyant and unruly since childhood. He was always himself.
As I watched, he waved his hand in front of my eyes. "If you keep staring, I wouldn't mind picking up where we left off."
I snapped back to reality, cheeks flushing red.
Jerry teased, "Go wash your hands and eat."
"Okay!"
I sniffed the delicious aroma, feeling even hungrier, and quickly washed my hands before sitting at the table.
The table was filled with appetizing dishes.
"Did you go to a cooking school in the past two years?" I asked, surprised at how much his cooking had improved.
"Shut up," Jerry said, giving me a sideways glance and placing a spicy lobster roll on my plate. "Eat slowly; eating too fast is bad for your stomach."
"Got it," I nodded and buried my head in my food.
After dinner, I wanted to wash the dishes since he cooked.
But Jerry stopped me. "With me here, you don't need to do these things."
I chuckled, "Aren't you afraid of spoiling me? If I get used to it, all these chores will be yours."
"Happy to oblige," Jerry pinched my cheek and smiled. "Seems I haven't spoiled you enough yet."
This time, he didn't let me sit around. He pulled me up.
"Head out to the balcony and take a stroll to aid digestion."
"Okay," I agreed, suddenly realizing something. "Jerry, have you noticed how considerate you've become?"
He wasn't like this when we were kids; he wasn't this meticulous.
Jerry looked at me. "I'm afraid if I let my guard down, you'll disappear for another two or twenty years. Hope, I can't accept that."
I was stunned, my heart aching.
When I came to my senses, Jerry was already putting away the dishes and heading to the kitchen.
I followed his advice and went to the balcony. Outside, neon lights flickered, and the lights of thousands of homes shone brightly.
As I turned, I saw Jerry at the sink, washing dishes. My heart melted, and without thinking, I approached and hugged his waist from behind. Feeling his warmth, the pain from his earlier words slowly faded.
My cheek brushed against his back as I mumbled, "Jerry, what can I do to put you at ease? I won't leave you again, I promise."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
