Josie was taken aback, instinctively pressing her hands against his chest in surprise. “What?”
As they moved closer, their proximity almost led to their bodies touching. Dexter then raised his hand, proceeding to fasten the strap tied around her ankles.
His gentle touch sent Josie’s heart racing. As she sighed, a fleeting look of disappointment crossed Dexter’s features. “Thank you…”
Another thank you.
Dexter released a quiet sigh, taking off his glasses and absentmindedly drumming his fingers against her hand. “They’re quite red,” he observed.
Josie noticed, seeing that it was fairly common for the skin to become reddened and irritated from prolonged high heel wear.
Unbeknownst to her, Dexter was captivated by the sight, his yearning for her intensifying by the moment, reminiscent of a predator poised to strike.
However, his next action was to simply retrieve a pair of band-aids from the front seat, offering a practical solution rather than acting on his impulses.
The silence that enveloped them felt heavy, prompting Josie to inquire, “What was the discussion with the Olsen family about?”
“It’s a trade secret, typically not disclosed to outsiders.”
Josie couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle at his evasiveness, albeit she was reluctant to acknowledge it was her family they were talking about. “If you’re not going to share, then leave it.”
Dexter gave her a sidelong glance, continuing his task. “But to my family, such barriers do not apply.”
Applying the band-aid to the irritated area brought immediate relief, making Josie remark in surprise, “Our agreement for a hundred days isn’t up yet. Doesn’t that temporarily place me within your family? Why can’t you tell me?”
Her response was quick and pointed.
Dexter, with a light laugh, replied, “Trade secrets are bound by confidentiality agreements, effective until the conclusion of the project. What if you inadvertently disclose something before then, even after our hundred days?”
“I wouldn’t do that!”
His gaze became more intense. “Would you be interested in extending our arrangement until the completion of the project?”
Josie paused, taking a moment to understand his implication, then hesitated, “Well, that depends on the duration of the project. Extending it might introduce unforeseen risks.”
Dexter’s grip on her ankle was firm. “It’s a risk- free proposition. Only benefits, no drawbacks.”
It was only then that Josie realized her leg was still resting on his lap, the entire scenario veering into unmistakably intimate territory.
She turned away, indicating her intention to leave. “I promised them I’d be back in ten minutes. I need to go now.”
The intimacy that had enveloped them dissipated. As she reached for the car door, an unexpected force pulled her back. His hand found its way to the back of her head, gently pulling her in closer.
Their lips connected in a tender kiss, sending her senses into a whirlwind.
“Mmph…” Josie tried to push back.
Yet, she was no match for his strength. With minimal effort on his part, the kiss deepened, its fervor escalating to the brink of overwhelming passion.
Dexter’s eyes sparkled with an extraordinary intensity. He kept his eyes open, watching her futile attempts to break free from the passionate embrace.
Frustrated, Josie pushed harder, and this time, Dexter relented. His lips brushed against her cheek, settling whisper-soft on her earlobe. He took her trembling hand, placing it against his chest.
“Leanne, did you hear that?”
There was no response from her.
His skill in flirting was unparalleled, to the extent that she found herself learning from him despite her best efforts. She was utterly outclassed, her resistance melting away as her breathing quickened.
Wherever her hand touched, his heart beat furiously, its warmth nearly burning.
“Each time we meet, my only desire is to whisk you away, to have you by my side every single moment,” he murmured softly into her ear, “I’m not a patient man; don’t make me wait too long.”
Holding onto the last vestiges of her resolve, Josie stated firmly, “After the hundred days, this ends as well.”
His laughter, low and husky, tickled her ear. “In this game, it’s not your place to make the rules.”
