All Novel Romance
Chapter 280
Chapter 280
He wasn’t in a rush, but Curtis was practically on pins and needles.
With a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, Curtis smoothly rose from his seat, gently coaxing everyone towards the exit.
Once outside, he signaled for Caleb to open the car door for their client, casually patting the man’s shoulder as he said, “You’re about to miss your flight.”
The client’s assistant, clearly not as observant, chuckled, “We’ve still got three hours before takeoff.”
Curtis, with his ever-persuasive demeanor, insisted, “Stonebridge Airport’s as big as a small city. You better head out now. Have a safe trip.”
And just like that, the client was ushered away, bewildered.
Turning back, Curtis mused, “Is there a grocery store nearby? Need to pick up some ingredients for chicken soup.”
Caleb, a bit awkwardly, showed him the message on his phone.
Curtis glanced at it briefly.
His initial concern was simply her being sick and alone, feeling miserable and helpless. After spending a day with her, he found himself wanting more days, then forever, wishing he could just stay and hold her close every day
It’s funny how quickly we want more the moment we get a taste.
Lifting his gaze from the cold text, Curtis swept a brooding look over Caleb.
Caleb, feeling the intensity, stammered, “Is something wrong, Mr. Richardson?”
Was it annoyance or jealousy? Perhaps a bit of both.
“Why hasn’t she blocked you yet?”
Caleb was at a loss for words.
After all, he wasn’t the one who had gotten her riled up. That was all Curtis.
Meanwhile, Leanne managed to muster the energy to make some oatmeal, thinking she could handle dinner on her own. However, she overestimated her strength post-fever an soon felt dizzy.
Joy called her on video chat just as she sat down to rest.
“Sweetie, feeling any better?”
“A bit,” Leanne responded weakly.
“I was supposed to meet a client today, but got stood up. Absolutely infuriating.” Joy ranted, “Anyway, Austin’s not in the office today, so I might as well not go back. What do you feel like for dinner? I’ll pick something up for you.”
Selina joined the video call, looking utterly drained, “Girls, I got hit too.”
“That’s rough, babe,” Joy sympathized.
Selina jokingly offered, “Wanna join the club?”
Joy was incredulous, “Are you even human?!”
“My mom made some minty lemonade, swearing it’s a cure-all she found online,” Selina said. “Leanne, should I have our driver drop some off for you?”
Leanne glanced at the cup beside her, “No need, I’ve got some here.”
“Did you make it yourself?” Selina was impressed, “Cooking while you have a fever? You’re too strong!”
Leanne was at a loss for words. Should she mention Curtis? Would they flip?
“Mint lemonade?” Joy echoed, “Well, I’ll give it a shot next time.”
As they spoke, Leanne watched as her recently changed password failed to keep Curtis out-he walked in as if it were his own home.
It was like a repeat of the afternoon’s events.
Was she delirious? Was the afternoon a dream, or was this the dream?
“How did you get in here?” she asked, bewildered.
Curtis jangled a mechanical key at her, “Pro tip Keep a spare key outside for emerg It might come in handy.”
He offered casually, “I could keep it safe for you.”
Smart locks always come with a physical emergency key for when the lock fails or th battery dies.
Leanne had forgotten about the key, which had been lying unused in the entryway’s storage box.
“No need, give it back,” she hurried over to retrieve the key, planning to take it to her offi As soon as she placed it in her bag, the silence was broken by the still-active video cha
Selina, more bewildered than Leanne, murmured, “That voice sounds so familiar.”
Joy’s voice floated through the air like a ghost, “Sweetie, why is Curtis at your place?” Curtis, catching a glimpse of Leanne’s phone on the table, raised an eyebrow. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“It seems your friends have found out.”
He looked around leisurely, as if the discovery of their private moment was an intriguing twist rather than a cause for panic, “Should I hide in the closet now?”
Leanne glared at him, wishing she could warn him to keep quiet.
On the other end of the video chat, Joy was practically fuming, “Ah! He sneaked in while I’m not there! That scoundrel!!!”
0