Chapter 463
Sean’s hand slid downward, coming to rest gently on Charlotte’s slender, fair neck.
He lowered his head to look at her. They were so close, their breaths mingled. His voice was low and husky. “Don’t what?”
“You know exactly what,” she murmured.
He gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his deep, intense gaze.
“I want to hear you say it.”
His eyes were dark and endless, like the sea, as if they could pull her under.
Charlotte bit her lip, then finally said, “Don’t worry… I won’t fall for anyone else.”
Sean let out a soft laugh, the sharp lines of his usually cool expression softened with warmth.
“Then… are you afraid I might fall for someone else?” he asked.
She had been—especially during the time when Megan had just returned from overseas.
But Charlotte shook her head and lied, “No.”
Sean pinched both sides of her cheeks gently, making two little dimples.
“I don’t like that answer. Try again.”
Charlotte was speechless.
She turned her face away, only for Sean to guide it right back.
With no other choice, she sighed, “Fine. I’ve worried. I even get jealous sometimes. Happy now?”
Sean smiled, clearly very happy.
Then his lips came down again.
The kiss was deep and demanding. His tongue slid past her lips, claiming her breath and pulling her into him. Charlotte felt like all the oxygen had been stolen from her lungs–her breathing started to falter.
This time, Sean kissed her hard, full of heat and longing.
Their breaths grew heavier.
Desire built quickly between them, ignited by the intensity of the kiss.
Charlotte felt like her blood was boiling. That deep ache inside her flared to life, making her body melt.
She tried to push him away, her forearm pressed lightly against his chest. But it was no use. She couldn’t stop him, and part of her didn’t want to.
Things were spiraling out of control.
Out of breath and barely holding on, she gasped his name, trying to pull him back.
“Sean…”
He didn’t stop. He knew exactly why she said his name, but he just murmured in a rough, teasing voice, “What is it, hmm?”
Still kissing her, still refusing to let go.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
1/4
ད ་་་་་་
LU DUNES
They both froze.
It was hard to say whether the timing was perfect or completely unfortunate.
Charlotte exhaled, quickly smoothing her hair. “I’ll get it.”
Sean’s dark eyes still burned with desire. Charlotte didn’t dare look at him again. Flustered, she hurried to the door.
The intercom screen lit up with a familiar face–Xena.
“Lottie, are you home?”
Charlotte spun around and looked at Sean, signaling urgently for him to hide.
He didn’t move. He just stood there lazily, watching her with amusement as a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Charlotte turned back to the intercom. “Hi, Aunt Xena. One second please.”
She rushed over to Sean and started pushing him toward the bedroom in a panic.
“Xena’s here. Go, hide in the bedroom,” she whispered quickly, shoving him along.
It honestly felt like a scene out of a cheesy sitcom–like she was sneaking around with a lover and had just been caught by her husband coming home early.
Sean let her push him without protest. Unlike her frantic panic, he looked relaxed and even a little entertained. With unhurried strides, he walked into the bedroom.
Charlotte stood outside the door, one hand on the knob, holding it half open. She poked her head in and said in a rapid whisper, “Sorry, just hide for a bit. Don’t make a sound.”
Sean didn’t say a word. He just stared at Charlotte, eyes fixed on her, not even blinking.
The look on his face–he honestly looked so pitiful.
Charlotte couldn’t bring herself to look at him again. She quickly shut the door.
At the entryway, she took two deep breaths to calm herself, smoothed her expression, and then went to open the front door.
Xena stood outside with a thermal container in hand, smiling warmly. “Lottie, I called you earlier but you didn’t answer. Have you eaten? I made your favorite chicken and vegetable soup, and I also brought those crispy garlic shrimp you love.”
Charlotte stepped aside to let her in. “I haven’t eaten yet. I was busy just now and my phone was on silent, so I didn’t see the
call.”
Technically, not a lie–she had been busy.
Xena came in and set the thermal container on the dining table.
She opened it and began laying out the dishes. “No matter how busy you are, you still need to eat properly.”
“Thank you, Aunt Xena,” Charlotte replied softly.
“It’s no trouble. I had nothing going on today, so I thought I’d come check on you.”
She finished setting the table and handed Charlotte a set of utensils. “Eat it while it’s hot.”
“Okay.” Charlotte pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.
She began eating slowly, taking small bites.
Then Xena suddenly asked, “Why is your face so red?”
Charlotte happened to be sipping soup and nearly choked.
“Slow down,” Xena said gently, walking over with concern. She reached out to touch Charlotte’s forehead. “You feel a little warm. Are you running a fever? Should I take you to the hospital?”
Charlotte looked a little awkward and mumbled, “I’m not running a fever.”
Xena gave her a puzzled look. “Then why is your face so flushed and hot? Are you feeling unwell?”
Instinctively, Charlotte touched her own cheek. It really did feel warm.
“Is my face that red?” she thought.
She cursed Sean silently in her mind–that kiss was way too intense.
“I’m really fine,” she said quickly, lowering her head to sip more soup.
But Xena still looked worried. “Do you have a thermometer at home? Let me check your temperature. You live here alone. What if something happens? Who’s going to take care of you? I should find someone to help out around the house.”
“That’s not necessary, Aunt Xena. Petra lives here with me.”
Still, Xena didn’t look convinced.
“Petra’s great with security, and your dad and I both feel reassured knowing she’s around. But when it comes to daily life— meals, housekeeping–she’s not exactly the domestic type. You still need someone to look after you.”
Charlotte explained, “I actually already hired a housekeeper. She comes over every day to make meals. She’s out buying groceries now and should be back any minute.”
She wasn’t lying.
Unless she had plans to eat elsewhere, Cora came over every day to cook. And since it was only 11 a.m., it made perfect sense for her to be out shopping.
Just as she finished speaking, the front door opened. Cora walked in with a bag of fresh produce. She paused for a moment when she saw Xena.
Charlotte quickly introduced them. “This is my stepmom.”
Cora greeted her politely. “Good morning, ma’am.”
Xena gave her a courteous nod. “Hello.”
