His warm breath tingled her ear, causing her cheeks to flush.
“Yeah… I’m hungry,” she responded, swallowing and turning her head away, her heart pounding.
Brandon was too irresistible to her.
During breakfast, Natalie reached for the warm milk handed to her by Brandon, took a taste, and wondered aloud, “What made you skip work today?”
Brandon was dressed casually in a plain black tee and an apron tied around his waist.His laid-back attire softened his usually stern demeanor, making him seem far more approachable.
Setting a beautifully arranged breakfast before Natalie, he took a seat beside her.
With a sideways glance and a gentle smile, he confessed, “I wanted to be with you today.”
When she noticed him studying her as he spoke, Natalie got the message. His concern was about her recent test results.He’d taken a day off just to provide some comfort. After placing the milk aside, Natalie leaned forward to place a soft ki*s on his lips and said, “No need to fret.I’m mentally tough.I can handle this.”
Barely had she resumed her place when he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close for another lingering ki*s. As he reluctantly pulled back, Brandon teased with a wicked grin, “The milk is sweet.”
A blush instantly colored Natalie’s face.
With a mixture of embarrassment and mild annoyance, she playfully jabbed him in the chest. Brandon’s laughter filled the room.Her spirits seemed high and that eased his worry. “So, are you spending the day at the studio or resting at home?”
Brandon asked while adding some more food to Natalie’s plate.
After mulling it over, Natalie decided on the studio, saying, “I fear I’d dwell too much at home.Staying busy at work seems best.”
Unable to convince her otherwise, Brandon drove her to her studio.He insisted on escorting her to her office once the car was parked. “You should head to work,”
Natalie urged, lightly pushing against Brandon’s chest.
“Sean will be swamped with work.” No matter how much she prodded, Brandon didn’t relent.
“My day is yours.You’re my top priority, not the office.”
Exasperated, Natalie gave him a stern look and playfully prodded him.
“How can I get anything done with you around? If you don’t go now and keep distracting me, I’m going to lose my temper!”
Seeing her irritation, Brandon begrudgingly conceded. Before he left, he reminded her to take care of herself and to call him if anything came up. He was a far cry from the Larson Group’s usual CEO. Once Brandon had finally made his exit, Lexi, a silent observer all along, walked in with coffee in hand.
“Boss, Mr.Larson turned to look at your office three times on his way out.How do you two manage to keep the flame alive after so many years of marriage? What’s your secret?” she asked in awe.
Flushing, Natalie shrugged and said, “No secrets here.We’re just a regular couple.”
“Oh, please!” Lexi smirked.
“I saw it all.Mr.Larson couldn’t take his eyes off you.It was evident even to a love novice like me.”
Embarrassed, Natalie quickly interrupted, “Why are you so interested in my love life? Looking for a boyfriend, aren’t you? could give you some pointers when you start dating.”
With a thoughtful look, Natalie continued, “Tell me about your ideal guy.Perhaps I could help.”
Now it was Lexi’s turn to blush.
“I… I..” she stammered, lost for words.
Seeing Lexi’s flustered response, Natalie grinned slyly and teased, “Looks like someone’s already smitten.”
“Don’t be silly, Boss!”
Mortified, Lexi beat a hasty retreat.
Watching Lexi’s hasty exit, Natalie chuckled.
Soon after Lexi’s departure, as Natalie was enjoying her coffee, preparing to work, another knock echoed through the door. “Lexi, did you forget something?”
Natalie called out, looking up. The entrance swung open to reveal not Lexi but a different figure, causing Natalie to halt mid- sentence.Her features hardened, her voice frosty.
“Mr.Lambert, to whom do I owe this unexpected visit?” It was Clyde, a face she hadn’t seen in a while, not Lexi. Recalling the image of Brandon seemingly too close with another woman—an image Clyde had sent her—a shadow passed over Natalie’s face.
She understood that Clyde was attempting to stir up trouble.
“Mr.Lambert, unless it’s urgent, I’d kindly ask you to leave.My schedule is rather full today.”
To his surprise, Clyde noticed Natalie ignored the image he sent.He squinted at her, irritated.
“You saw the photo I sent you yesterday, didn’t you? Why so calm? You’re still close with Brandon even after seeing him cozy up to another woman?” He had been lingering outside the studio that morning, hoping the photo would drive a wedge between Brandon and Natalie, allowing him to swoop in as a comforting presence. However, Natalie and Brandon had only grown closer. Before Natalie could utter a word, Clyde turned away, disappointment clouding his features.
“I always saw you as an ambitious and capable woman, not like those solely chasing wealth.Could you be willing to overlook your husband’s infidelity for money?” Clyde’s insinuations set Natalie ablaze.She slammed her hand down on the desk, rising to her feet.Her brow furrowed in fury.
“What are you trying to accomplish, Clyde Lambert? Since when do you have any say in my marital affairs?”
Seeing Natalie this enraged was a first for Clyde, leaving him somewhat stunned.He mumbled, “I just chanced upon Brandon at Larson Group’s entrance, flirting with another woman.I only wanted to help you, Natalie.Brandon is not a good man.You should consider divorcing him.”
A sarcastic smirk graced Natalie’s lips.
“Divorce him, and then what? Hook up with you?”
Initially, Natalie had only meant to silence Clyde with her words, but he didn’t catch the sarcasm.He earnestly nodded.
“If you choose to divorce, I won’t mind that you’ve been married before.”
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Natalie’s laughter bubbled, tinged with exasperation.
“Mr.Lambert, don’t flatter yourself.My husband and I are deeply in love.We have no intentions of divorcing, not now or ever.”
“Natalie, you’re degrading yourself!”
Clyde’s expression was that of sorrow, as if Natalie had committed an unthinkable act.
“You’re a gifted designer.How could you let yourself be tainted by wealth and power?” He gazed at her, seemingly genuinely concerned.
“Men like Brandon only see dollar signs.He could easily cheat on you.He’s unworthy of you.He’ll only lead you astray!” Clyde’s presumptuousness was stunning to Natalie. Her features were icy, she declared, “Whether I stray or not is none of your concern.As for my husband and me, it’s none of your business.Don’t show up here again!”
Clyde grew frantic as he realized he couldn’t sway her.
“But Brandon really…”
“I trust my husband! He wouldn’t cheat on me.Leave Now,”
Natalie cut him off coldly.
Clyde still wanted to reason with her but was interrupted by Lexi entering, drawn by the commotion.
Natalie turned to Lexi with a nod and said, “Escort him out.”