Chapter 678
But how was she supposed to explain this to Robert?
Samantha raked her fingers through her hair and wandered toward the restroom, lost in thought.
***
Outside the restroom, Charlotte stepped out after washing her hands and spotted a tall figure leaning against the wall, his posture relaxed and just a little bit careless.
Anthony had a cigarette between his fingers, his other hand stuffed in his pocket. His eyes were half-hidden by his short, tousled hair. He looked up as soon as he heard her footsteps, and the warm hallway light caught the edges of his silhouette, giving him this almost golden glow. For a second, he looked unreal, like he’d stepped out of someone’s dream.
He caught her eye, smiled slightly, and put out his cigarette before walking over. “Why’d you come out here?” he asked, his voice soft.
Charlotte stood still, letting him gently dry her hands. Her gaze lingered on his face.
“Anthony
He looked at her, his heart giving a weird little jump at the sound of her voice. “Yeah?”
“I’m not going to get lost, you know.”
Charlotte’s smile turned sly, like she was keeping a secret. Clearly, he didn’t have to follow her all the way here.
Anthony let out a quiet laugh and tossed the paper towel away. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, and leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. “It’s not about someone stealing you. I just hate the idea of anyone even thinking about it.”
“No one’s going to steal me,” Charlotte replied. She reached up and traced her fingers along his jaw, her eyes playful. Then she leaned in, bit his lower lip softly, and gave him a teasing smile. “Relax. Don’t be jealous.”
She started to pull back, but Anthony’s hand tightened on her waist, stopping her. In one smooth move he spun her around until her back hit the wall. He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her, slow and gentle.
At that moment, Samantha was hurrying down the hallway, still trying to figure out what she was going to say when she saw
whatever was happening
She
looked up and froze. There was Anthony, back to her pinning someone against the wall and
kissing them.
Her eyes went wide. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Was she really seeing this? Were those two really… together?
Her son…
Well, okay. She could accept that. Love is love, right?
Samantha patted her chest, trying to calm herself down, repeating little reassurances in her head. Just as she started to feel a little better, her eyes flew wide again.
Someone else came strolling out of the other restroom. It was Kenneth.
Samantha stared at Kenneth, then back at Anthony. If Anthony was hugging someone… but it wasn’t Kenneth… then who?
She took a few hesitant steps closer, finally seeing who was in Anthony’s arms The girl was wearing a long red dress looking delicate and sweet clutching Anthony’s shift and standing on tiptoe, cheeks flashed pink.
Lottie?
Samantha’s brain short-circuited. It was like lightning had struck her, leaving her head buzzing.
The shock of Lottie having a boyfriend was even bigger than the shock of her own son possibly liking men.
Suddenly, Samantha thought she might cry.
Kenneth came out of the restroom and looked up just in time to see Anthony kissing Charlotte. He glanced to the side and spotted his mother’s stunned expression. For a second, he almost bit his tongue in surprise.
Kenneth was completely floored.