Chapter 49
“And you really think someone would fall for you?” Patricia shot back, completely clueless about how much of a catch Anthony was back in Cabinda.
The light turned red, and the car slowed to a stop. Anthony reached into the glove box, pulled out a carton of milk, popped a straw in, and handed it to Charlotte.
Charlotte was busy scrolling through her phone, but she turned her head without thinking. Her eyes met his, dark and intense, and her lashes gave the tiniest flutter. She blanked for a second, then took the milk and started sipping.
“Grandma, you really don’t need to worry about this.”
Anthony rested his hand on the back of Charlotte’s seat, watching her with a soft, teasing smile that wouldn’t leave his lips.
“How can I not worry?” Patricia’s voice turned sharper. She paused, then suddenly seemed to remember something. Her tone dropped to a whisper. “Anthony, is it true? The rumors… do you actually like men?”
Charlotte choked on her milk, coughing hard enough for her throat to sting.
“Don’t move.” Anthony frowned and grabbed a tissue, dabbing at the milk that had spilled on her shirt.
“Grandma, I’ve got something going on here. I’ll call you back.” He hung up right away.
Back at home, Patricia stared at her phone, then looked over her shoulder at the housekeeper. ““Did I just hear a girl’s voice?”
The housekeeper’s cheeks turned pink. “Yes, I did too. She even made a cute little noise and Mr. Anthony told her not to move.”
“See, Patricia? Now you can relax. Anthony is perfectly healthy,” the housekeeper teased.
Patricia clapped a hand over her mouth, trying to hide a smile. The relief and excitement were too much.
“He has a girlfriend and didn’t tell me? Or maybe that girl Patricia’s face turned cold. She was not about to accept some random girl with a shady background.
The housekeeper rushed to reassure her. “Come on, Mrs. Patricia, your grandson has good taste. He wouldn’t pick someone who doesn’t deserve him.”
“You’re right.” Patricia let out a tiny laugh. Her grandson was always upright and disciplined, never got mixed up with those spoiled
brats for awhile, shed even ichnet
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worried he might have some health problem. Clearly, she was overthinking.
The smile came back to Patricia’s face. Now she was dying to know what kind of girl had finally stolen Anthony’s heart.
…
Meanwhile, Anthony was wiping Charlotte’s hand clean. Soft music played in the quiet car, filling the space with a gentle calm.
Charlotte lounged back in her seat, eyes drifting over to Anthony. He looked effortlessly perfect in his suit, the top buttons of his white shirt undone, sharp features catching the light. He drove with one! hand lazy smile at the corner of his mouth eyes shining with something mischievous and tempting.
No wonder girls went crazy for him.
But did guys like him too? The thought caught her off guard.
Anthony noticed her staring and shot her a knowing look, his smile curving just a bit. “What’s got you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing,” Charlotte replied, turning quickly to look out the window, her eyes
sparkling with something she wouldn’t name.
“Oh?” Anthony’s voice was low and playful, eyes full of quiet laughter. He really was
the kind of trouble you couldn’t say no to.
A few minutes later, Anthony pulled the car over on a street just five minutes from the school.
He got out, circled to her side, opened her door, and handed her a cute bag. Charlotte recognized it right away. It was dessert from The Oak & Vine-her absolute favorite mango flavor.
“If you get hungry this afternoon, you can have this.”
Charlotte looked up at him, her face unreadable. After a heartbeat, she reached out and took the bag. Their fingers brushed. The touch sent warm spark racing up her arm… Teaving her cheeks tingling and hot.