Chapter 86
Chapter 86
The dinner party had stretched past midnight when Marina instructed Cliff to escort them to their rooms, leaving her to clean up.
Gwendolyn was pushing Howard’s wheelchair into the master bedroom, her cheeks flushed with a rosy tint. “Mr. Chadwick, this time… I’m not drunk,” she confessed, though she felt slightly dizzy.
She pulled out a small gift box from the pocket of her blouse and presented it to him with both hands. “Happy birthday, Mr. Chadwick.”
Howard’s typically stoic eyes shimmered with surprise. “For me?”
“Yep! I picked it especially for you. I just knew it was perfect the moment I saw it.”
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, a delicate blush coloring her face.
Howard took the box and found a pair of sapphire cufflinks nestled inside. They couldn’t compete with the finest things he’d seen, but he could tell the
a pretty penny.
It was the thought that counted, and that was priceless.
“I like them,” Howard said in a deep voice.
must have cost Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn’s face bloomed with a radiant smile. “I’m so glad you do. Now, let me help you get ready for bed.” Her speech was playful, almost flirtatious, the alcohol lending her words a sing–song quality.
“Okay.”
Howard surrendered to her care, realizing she was more sober than the last time. Yet he couldn’t predict what the usually shy Gwendolyn might do under the influence. A little alcohol could unleash one’s true nature.
She escorted him to the spacious bathroom, squeezed toothpaste onto his brush, and twisted a warm washcloth in her hands.
As Howard meticulously cleaned himself, he was thankful that tomorrow was Saturday, a day off for both of them.
“Here, let me.” Gwendolyn wiped away the toothpaste foam from the corner of his mouth.
She had filled the bathtub with warm water and bent down to unbutton his shirt. Howard caught her wrist suddenly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “That’s enough.”
Any further, and he might take advantage of the situation.
“We’re not done yet.” Gwendolyn shook her head stubbornly, intent on undressing him.
waist and lifted her onto the washbasin. Her bare ankles, then in his
alabaster
wing His voice was husky as his fingers traced her ankle, sliding up under the Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
rather foral dress caressing the smooth skin of her leg.
The sting of scobol the dopamine rush, and the steamy bathroom air had accelerated Tverains heartbeat, making it hard for her to breathe.
Sheftet she needed CPR and mouth–to–mouth resuscitation.
“Mt. Credwick saved Mrs Lopez at the hospital today and gave her CPR,” she said, coking for praise with an endearing expression.
“Our Dr. Over is quite impressive, Howard responded as she wished, his fingers.
Gwendolyn giggiet softly, leaning forward.
With her on the wastcasin and him in his wheelchair, their lips were just a tilt away from
“Mr. Chadwick, I’m having treuele breathing.” Her hint was clumsy yet adorable.
After her words, her reew lips met his cool ones, drawing the breath from his mouth.
Howard’s fingers tightened involuntarily, their ridges grazing her soft skin. He tilted his heat taking the lead.
Gwendolyn rencied under his kiss. Her hands braced on either side of the basin.
Her slender fingers clenched, her body taut with an unfamiliar urge that left her fearful and
In the end, tears welled in her eves, and her limbs went weak.
“Mr. Chadwick, mouth–to–mouth isn’t supposed to be like this,” she said earnestly, trying to
homect him.
1. Dr. Gwen, you weren’t just craving a taste?” He watched her leisurely, his eyes intense. 1thought you were horny.”