Her body softened in his arms, and Gavin adjusted her position with ease, his hand steadying her thigh as he shifted her to straddle his lap.
His kisses were unrestrained, his breathing heavy and erratic as he trailed down to her chin, her neck...
When her shoulder strap slipped off and he pressed a firm kiss onto her bare shoulder, leaving a faint, suggestive mark, Jolie snapped back to her senses.
"Gavin Cooper!" she called his name sharply, a clear warning-though her voice came out far softer than she intended, almost trembling.
He didn't push further.
Instead, his breathing grew even heavier as he held her tighter, as though he wanted to pull her into his very being. It was a long moment before he finally released her.
As soon as she was free, Jolie scrambled to fix her clothes and slipped off his lap, putting as much distance between them as possible.
She sat on the sofa, her face flushed, her breath uneven, and her limbs weak from the intensity of the moment. Her red-rimmed eyes and rosy cheeks betrayed how shaken she was. Gavin stood abruptly and asked, "Where's the restroom?"
Jolie raised a hand and pointed silently in the direction of the bathroom.
He strode off, and moments later, returned with his hair damp and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Clearly, he had splashed water on his face and hands to cool down.
Jolie glanced at him briefly, her voice steady but detached. "The pasta is in the dining room. Eat and leave when you're done."
Without responding, Gavin walked straight to the dining room.
Jolie sat quietly, trying to calm herself. After a few moments, she headed to the bathroom to wash her face, the cool water helping her regain her composure.
When she returned to the living room, she turned on the TV and put on a variety show. The lively atmosphere lightened the tension, giving her something to focus on other than the lingering awkwardness. Not even ten minutes passed before Gavin returned from the dining room.
Jolie glanced at him and said flatly, "Goodbye, Mr. Cooper."
She didn't even bother getting up to see him out.
Gavin stood there, watching her sit on the sofa, engrossed in her show, as though he were no more important than background noise.
He had intended to leave, but now... he had no desire to go.
Instead, he walked over, sat down beside her, and fixed his gaze on the TV.
Jolie blinked, turning to him in confusion. "What are you doing?"
Gavin leaned back casually, his voice calm as he replied, "This is the fourth time."
Jolie froze, her lips parting slightly in disbelief.
Right. She had completely forgotten-there were still several more to go!
It seemed there was no escaping tonight.
Jolie asked cautiously, "So, now?"
But Gavin simply replied, "No rush. Weren't you watching the show?"
His gaze stayed fixed on the TV, giving no indication he noticed her questioning look.
Jolie blinked, puzzled.
Gavin could sit through a variety show? Him?
She found it hard to believe.
Shrugging off her doubts, she turned
her attention back to the screen. Soon enough, the antics of the guests drew her in, their comedic efforts eliciting laughter from the audience-and from Jolie herself.
She had a low threshold for humor and was soon laughing openly, her cheerful expressions inadvertently catching Gavin's attention. Was it really that funny?
But as he watched her laugh so freely, her brows relaxed and here entire demeanor unguarded, the irritation that had been simmering within him melted away completely.
For once, she was completely herself in front of him.
The two of them continued to One chuckling without
restraint, the other quiet and
composed. Time slipped away el
without either noticing.
By ten o'clock, Jolie stifled a yawn. Turning her head, she was startled to replace Gavin still there.
That was when she remembered. He'd mentioned the fourth time earlier.
Getting up, she said, "I'm going to take a shower. Wait here."
Gavin said nothing, only following her with his eyes as she walked into the master bedroom.
Once the door closed, he stood and left the apartment.
When Jolie came out of the shower, she found the living room empty. Surprised, she looked around. Where did he go?
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Walking over, she checked through the peephole and froze.
Why was he outside?
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