Chapter 24


    Curtis like the saying, ‘Cutting


    off Shed with a hint of mischief in his voice. “You know, it’


    your nose to spite your face. The guy has a constitution stronger than an ox.”


    “What other choice do I have?” Leanne retorted, rolling her eyes. “String him up like a Thanksgiving


    turkey? I can barely lift the guy.”


    “Why not call for backup if you can’t handle it?” Curtis suggested, a yful smirk crossing his face.


    “Why am I here if not to keep people from messing with you?”


    Despite knowing he was sweet-talking, Leanne couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her heart


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    at his words.


    Leanne returned to her room and indulged in a long, hot bubble bath, which had done. wonders for her


    mood. When she emerged, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, Laura had whipped up some hot cocoa.


    The rich aroma instantly hit Leanne, making her turn away. “Just try a little,” Laura coaxed. Leanne


    wrinkled her nose, unconvinced. “I’ve already had a hot bath. I won’t catch a cold.”


    Curtis strolled in, having shed his coat, tie, and watch, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, exuding an air of


    rxed, indifferent charm.


    “What’s the fuss about?” he asked.


    Laura was quick to tattle, “She won’t drink the hot cocoa.”


    Curtis nced at Leanne, who silently picked up the cup and took a few sips, her face. scrunching with


    each taste as if it were the most terrible drink.


    “Is it that bad?” Curtis raised an eyebrow yfully. “Let me try.”


    “No need,” Laura interjected. “There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll get you


    vou one.”


    “That’s fine.” Curtis leaned in, sampling the hot cocoa from Leanne’s cup. “It’s just the hot cocoa. Can’t


    be that terrible.”


    Leanne couldn’t fathom how he could dismiss the intense vor as if it were nothing. “Then you have


    some more.”


    “It’s for you. Is drinking it supposed to boost your immune system through osmosis?” Curtis teased,


    giving her cheek a gentle pinch.


    Fresh out of the bath, Leanne’s cheeks and lips were a healthy pink, her skin smooth and soft. Curtis


    lingered longer than necessary, a hint of warmth shing across his eyes.


    That small gesture of intimacy had be a rarity between them.


    She looked up, meeting Curtis’ gaze.


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    107 24


    Maybe it was an illusion caused by the light, or maybe it was the cozy ambience of the room, but


    Curtis’ eyes looked surprisingly soft.


    “Curtis…” Leanne began, but the words trailed off.


    Curtis’ hand remained, his fingers gently tracing her delicate jawline, then slowly gliding downward.


    Her pajama top revealed the graceful curve of her neck and the soft contour of her corbone.


    “What is it?” Curtis asked, his voice casual butced with something deeper.


    His gaze followed his fingers as they traced her smooth skin, raising a shiver from Leanne.


    The air was thick with an unspoken promise, heavy with implication.


    He was close, his scent, a mix of woodsy cologne and natural musk, enveloping her


    senses.


    Memories of heated and tangled nights came flooding back. The impably dressed man who shed


    his business attire revealed a wild, predatory physicality. Usually carefree and flirtatious, Curtis was


    intense in his embrace, holding her so close that there was no space between them.


    He would whisper her name tenderly, “Anne…” or yfully coerce her. “Call me baby, and I’ll turn you


    on.”


    Yet, looking at Curtis now, with his handsome features and profound gaze, Lear wave of unfamiliarity.


    It had been too long since Curtis had touched her.


    No one knew how much she yearned for that intimacy again.


    Curtis brushed her damp hair back, his eyes half-lidded, and asked, “What’s on your


    mind?”