Chapter 176
""I asked you where you went last night."" Joseph's voice was steady but firm, ""Cassie, you're really pushing it. I leave for one night, and you don’t come home.""
A storm seemed to gather on the handsome face before her and instinctively, Cassie recoiled slightly. ""You're not going to misjudge me again, are you?""
Joseph stiffened, his tone edged with irritation. ""If I hadn't realized my mistake last time, do you think you would be unharmed in bed right now?""
Cassie's gaze dropped. ""I was out shopping with Laura till late, and we grabbed some food,"" she murmured. ""I was beat, dozed off on the couch, and came back when I woke.""
""You sure you're not lying to me?"" Joseph questioned, squinting slightly.
""I haven't done anything to hurt you,"" Cassie pouted, trying on her most pitiful look. ""Lately, I've been feeling so bottled up. I'm only twenty-two, and since marrying you, I haven't been out past dinner. I rush home from work to cook; it’s like I'm living a retiree’s life way ahead of time.""
Joseph seemed unamused. ""Are you telling me you're bored with our life?""
""No, definitely not,"" Cassie hurried to assure him, ""but everyone needs a break now and then. Even Collins would tell you that.""
""And why would I ask him? Do you think Collins understands you better?"" Joseph's frosty gaze swept over her.
""No, no. I just meant he seems the type who likes to go out,"" Cassie quickly shook her head. ""But when it comes to choosing a man, you're the one. Look at you, the epitome of perfection.""
""Is that so?"" Joseph's expression softened as he leaned closer, his handsome face looming larger in her vision.
Cassie's heart raced under his intense gaze, and she nodded vigorously.
""Let's not have a repeat, all right?"" Joseph's pinch on her cheek came with a hint of reluctant affection. For this woman, he kept breaking his own rules, again and again.
Cassie's nose, mouth, and eyes scrunched together as she confronted him, ""Why the sudden return? Weren't you supposed to come back tomorrow?""
Joseph simply hummed, lips pursed tightly.
Staring up at him, a maelstrom of thoughts raced through Cassie's mind before she blurted out, ""Are you worried about me?""
""In your dreams. I just finished my work early,"" Joseph denied flatly, turning his face away.
If this had happened before, Cassie might have doubted his words, but now she recognized the contradictions in this enigmatic man.
""I don't believe you,"" she stated, her brain feeling unusually fiery.
""Cassie,"" Joseph chided, his discomfort apparent.
""Don't raise your voice at me, I'm not deaf,"" she said brashly, draping her arms around his neck, her bright eyes shimmering like a crescent moon.
Joseph's breath caught, feeling a surge of desire to kiss her.
He realized he was getting particularly fond of kissing her, although her next words instantly quashed that impulse.
""Did you have a hand in my design plans?""
As her finger traced imaginary circles on his chest, she could sense his body tense. Her lips quivered slightly, and without his response, she knew the answer.
He really was a closet softie.
""So, what, now you're going to fantasize that I like you?"" Joseph scoffed defensively as his lie was uncovered.
""Yeah,"" Cassie admitted straightforwardly.
""You're dreami—""
Before he could finish, Cassie silenced him with a kiss, sealing his reticent lips.
That damned mouth of his, always spewing bitterness.
Joseph's eyes widened in surprise – there was no denying the impact of a woman taking the initiative.
Seeing that he was finally quiet, Cassie pulled back and, without a hint of politeness, gave his ear a playful pinch. ""Don't you dare say I'm dreaming.""
---"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
