Chapter 77 The Candid Gentleman
As Fiorello's lips lingered on hers, a subtle shift in her demeanor alerted him to an unexpected development. The woman he was kissing had drifted into a peaceful slumber. A wry chuckle escaped Fiorello as he gently pressed a kiss to Maggie's forehead, a tender act of resignation.
"Thank goodness it was I who was able to beguile you so effortlessly," he murmured.
In Fiorello's perception, Maggie was a beacon of innocence, a woman whose naive optimism painted the world in hues of beauty.
With Maggie now sound asleep, Fiorello found himself unable to proceed. His rationality reasserted itself, fostering a hope that their first intimate encounter would occur when they were both sober and genuinely connected.
After tucking Maggie in with a blanket, Fiorello retreated to the bathroom for a shower. All the while, Maggie slumbered peacefully, oblivious to the evening's events and her unfamiliar surroundings.
Emerging from the shower and donning his pajamas, Fiorello had initially intended to vacate the room, leaving Maggie to sleep undisturbed while he took to the couch. However, the sight of her serene beauty proved too compelling, and he found his principles wavering.
Yielding to temptation, Fiorello slipped beneath the covers, drawing Maggie into a protective embrace from behind. It was their first shared slumber, yet the sensation of holding her felt strangely familiar.
Throughout the night, Maggie proved to be a restless sleeper. She clung to him, tossing and turning, pressing her face into his chest, and entwining her legs with his. Like an octopus seeking solace, she found comfort and security in their entangled position.
Watching her sleep so peacefully, Fiorello couldn't help but smile, his gaze brimming with tenderness. The night was a torment for him, however. Holding such a beautiful woman in his arms, it was a challenge to remain detached and free from desire.
The dawn of a new day brought with it a stream of sunlight that filtered through the window. Maggie stirred awake, stretching languidly. As she prepared to rise for work, she registered the unfamiliarity of her surroundings. This was not her room. It was Fiorello's room and Fiorello's bed.
A jolt of surprise coursed through Maggie as she noticed Fiorello, still deep in slumber beside her. Hastily, she pulled back the covers to inspect herself. Her clothes were intact, and she felt physically unscathed. It appeared that nothing untoward had occurred.
A sigh of relief escaped Maggie. She chastised herself for her low tolerance for alcohol and the resultant lack of judgment. She strained to recall the events of the previous night, remembering how she had drunkenly called Fiorello "honey" and requested a kiss as she collapsed onto him.
"How... embarrassing," she murmured.
Would Fiorello perceive her as overly aggressive? The thought sent her into a panic. Her gentle image was at stake!
With a blush staining her cheeks, Maggie hastily gathered her hair and fled the room before Fiorello could awaken.
As she made her cautious exit, Fiorello's eyes fluttered open. He had been awake, a smile dancing in his eyes. To spare Maggie any embarrassment, he waited a considerable time before feigning awakening and emerging from the room.
By then, Maggie was hastily donning her shoes, late for work and without time to prepare breakfast. Upon seeing Fiorello awake, she stammered, "Um, I'm awake, I'm going to work, I'm running late, you'll have to take care of breakfast yourself."
Glancing at the time, Fiorello offered, "I also have to go to the company, I'll give you a ride."
"Alright!" Maggie agreed. If they were already sharing a bed, why should she fear sharing a car ride?
While Fiorello returned to the room to freshen up and change, Maggie waited by the entrance, her mind occupied with puzzling thoughts. Was she not attractive enough? Or was Fiorello truly impotent? They had shared a bed, yet Fiorello had shown no other intentions.
Her musings were interrupted by Fiorello's return, car keys in hand. "Let's go," he said.
"Okay." Maggie lowered her gaze and obediently trailed behind Fiorello. She lagged slightly, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, Fiorello halted, causing an unsuspecting Maggie to bump into him.
"Sorry..." Maggie quickly apologized.
However, Fiorello merely took her hand and led her forward. "What were you thinking just now? Walking so carelessly?"
"Huh? Nothing." Maggie forced a smile.
He asked, "Was last night a bit regretful?"
Maggie was left speechless.
Couldn't he be less straightforward?
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