Chapter 129
"Joseph let out a scoff, ""Fine, this is your last chance. Go heat up the meal.""
""Okay!"" Cassie's eyes lit up, and she quickly carried the food container to the kitchen.
Inside was a microwave, and in just three minutes, the meal was ready.
She brought it over, revealing his favorite dish, a Rack of Lamb.
Joseph looked down at the plate and felt his stomach growl with anticipation. Since she left, it had been far too long since he had a truly satisfying meal.
He grabbed the chopsticks fork and before long, the dish was spotless, not a morselsingle grain of rice meat left.
Cassie watched from the side, utterly amazed. So much for having no interest in her cooking.
Men's words could be so deceitfully charming.
""Looking at what?"" After finishing, Joseph sensed her gaze and a rare hint of embarrassment crossed his handsome face.
""No, it's just... I'm happy to see you eating my cooking again,"" Cassie said, laughing off the awkward moment. She watched as Joseph started to go through the papers on the table, apparently getting ready to work.
Feeling a sense of urgency, she nonchalantly slipped off her coat.
Joseph Hernandez couldn't help but take note of her appearance, though it was clear he hadn't expected the white sundress blooming with tiny flowers that clung just right to her curves.
""Playing the seduction card, are we?"" His tone dripped with sarcasm, though there was an unmistakable undercurrent of amusement. Sure enough, she still hadn't gotten over him.
Caught red-handed, Cassie wished she could vanish into thin air, but she masked her embarrassment with a defiant retort, ""Not at all. It's just so hot in here—the heating's cranked up way too high.""
""If you're that hot, why not take it all off?"" Joseph teased, raising an eyebrow.
Her cheeks went rigid for a moment before she silently slipped back into her coat. Better to not even attempt the charm offensive than to play herself for a fool.
""Come here,"" he beckoned, curling a finger at her.
With a strained smile, she made her way over to him.
In an instant, his hand gripped her wrist, yanking her down to sit on his thigh.
It happened so fast, and as his crisp, masculine scent enveloped her, Cassie stiffened as if an electric current zapped through her, rushing to the crown of her head. Her face flushed uncontrollably.
Good lord. While it wasn't the first time she and Joseph Hernandez had been close, being in his arms like a lovestruck couple was unprecedented for her.
From his vantage point, Joseph could see the blush burning at the tips of her ears—an endearing sight that pleased him greatly. Even his little fool knew how to blush.
""Sign this,"" he said, producing a document from his desk drawer that had been prepped and waiting. ""Stay by my side, and I'll look out for you.""
The final words seared her heart with both warmth and an enticing twinge. She was only human—a woman often feeling vulnerable and scared, especially given recent betrayals by those closest to her.
But she never imagined he would offer protection with such tenderness, stirring an illusion inside her.
""Don't read too much into it. I protect everyone I keep close—even a pet would get the same treatment,"" he added offhandedly, noting her daze.
The assertion hit Cassie like a bucket of cold water.
Alright, she’d thought too much into it.
Regaining her composure, she picked up the pen and signed her name.
""Good girl. That's how you make yourself likable.""
Joseph tilted her chin up, forcing her to confront his handsome features up close. Their faces were a mere fist’s width apart, close enough to share breaths.
""I... I should go,"" she barely managed, her breath hitched, seeking an escape. But his grip on her held firm."
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