Chapter 83 An Awkward Accident
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Of course, the last time Jonathan had dressed her wounds, she had been unconscious. That was different.
Even though Anneliese Claude thought so, she didn’t dare say it aloud. She walked over and sat down beside him on the couch, keeping a careful distance so their bodies didn’t touch.
Jonathan picked up the scissors, and Anneliese quickly leaned forward, stretching out her hand to cooperate. But he didn’t move. When she glanced at him questioningly, he quirked a brow. “What are you, a gibbon?”
Anneliese scooted closer in embarrassment, forcing a smile. “I just didn’t want to sit too close in case it made you uncomfortable, Mr. Fullbuster.”
“And that idea never crossed your mind when you forced a kiss on me yesterday.”
Can we please not bring that up again?
She decided the only way out was to deny it. “I don’t remember any of that. I doubt I’d ever do something so outrageous. Maybe you’re mistaken, Mr. Fullbuster.”
Jonathan caught her hand and cut away the bloodstained gauze before lifting his eyes to give her a sidelong look. “There’s a dashcam in my car. Want me to pull up the footage of your heroic deed?”
No way to argue that one. But who in their right mind installs surveillance inside their car?
“No, no, I believe you completely. I just said it feels unreal since I don’t remember–it’s not that I think you’re lying… Ow!”
He suddenly ripped the gauze away. The sticky pull made her flinch, but his grip on her wrist held firm. Anneliese suspected he was taking petty revenge, though she had no proof.
He disinfected and dressed the knife wound again, his touch efficient if not especially gentle. She dared not speak, watching him intently.
At some point, she realized how close they were–close enough to breathe in the faint cedar scent clinging to him. The couch dipped beneath their weight, her skirt brushing his suit trousers. She could even feel the heat radiating from the hard lines of his thigh.
Startled, she pulled herself back just as he tied off the fresh bandage.
“Thank you,” she said quickly and tried to rise from the couch, but just then Meatloaf, who had
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14:26 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 83 An Awkward Accident
81
+20 Free Coins
been lying lazily by the cushions, suddenly bolted. The dog crashed into her knees, sending her stumbling off–balance–straight into Jonathan’s lap.
Flustered, her hands landed squarely against the firm muscle of his chest. He leaned back against the couch, and her lips–unbelievably–met the very lips she had studied in the daylight.
Hm–so soft! Wait–soft? Soft?!
Realizing what she had touched, Anneliese’s head snapped up. At close range, she met his narrow, deep–set eyes, framed by lashes so long they almost seemed gentle.
“Does it feel real enough this time?”
Her face burned. She scrambled to rise, pressing against his chest for leverage. But when her hands squeezed without meaning to-
“Mm…” Jonathan gave a low grunt. His hand shot out, seizing her wrist again.
Anneliese froze, crimson spreading to her ears. “I–I… Meatloaf ran into me. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
She tried tugging her hand free, but his grip didn’t loosen. “And Meatloaf made you grab me too?” he questioned with an arched brow, stupefying her.
Had she really grabbed him? Yes–her guilty hand was still pressed against his chest, palm tingling with the heat and strength beneath.
Speechless, she could only look at him pleadingly. His gaze turned dark, and she could almost feel him debating which hand to cut off first.
Just then, her phone shrilled. Some merciful soul had called at exactly the right time.
“Mr. Fullbuster, I need to take this call!”
Jonathan released her, and she bolted for the bathroom. Meatloaf, thinking she had started a game of chase, barked and bounded after her, pawing at her legs to get inside too.
Still holding a grudge, Anneliese shoved him back through the doorway. “More like Paw Patrol to the wreck! Go reflect on your actions!”
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