From

Chapter 32

Natalie was cornered, her panic palpable, Josh was close, their foreheads and the bridges of their noses touching. His intense gaze locked onto hers.

“What’s got you avoiding my eyes, huh?” Josh’s raspy voice was tinged with allure. “Feeling shy, Natalie?”

His warm breath brushed against her face, setting her heart racing. “Am I right?” He nudged her for an answer. “Hmm?”

“No.” Her voice quivered, vulnerable and soft. “No.”

“Then look up. Look at me,” he commanded in a low, husky tone.

Natalie bit her lip, frozen in place.

Josh lost his patience. Gently lifting her chin, he gazed intently at her, swallowed hard, and then captured her lips in a kiss.

—–

Natalie struggled to recall how she eventually drifted off after their hot tub session. She only had a hazy memory of Josh drying her off, dressing her, and tending to her with such care, even placing a pad in her underwear.

Maybe it was the medicinal soak that eased the discomfort in her abdomen, because Natalie slept like a rock and didn’t wake until late the next day.

She gave Josh the silent treatment all day.

Even on their drive back the next night with Martin at the wheel, Natalie stayed mum. Her lips pressed into a tight line, she ignored Josh completely, dodging his attempts to embrace her–her chilly rebuff couldn’t be clearer.

Josh was at a loss. Pacifying a girl in a mood was no easy feat.

He signaled Martin to raise the privacy partition and then took Natalie’s hand, massaging it gently. “Everything okay?”

Martin heard him, puzzled.

Natalie clamped her mouth shut, unresponsive.

As Josh caressed her hand, he let a slight grin slip and began his charm offensive. “Natalie, your hands are so delicate and soft. How did they get like thish

Annoyed, Natalie pulled her hand back

Josh let out a heavy sigh. “Tim sorry, Nat. Can you forgive me! He flashed a sheepish grin, hoping to charm her into a response.

Natalie still ignored him.

Taking her hand, Josh pressed a kiss to it. “My bad, I totally lost control there. You can yell at me, or hey, even give me a whack if it’ll make you feel

better.”

But Natalie wasn’t swayed. She thought to herself, ‘Sure, he plays the perfect gentleman, but behind closed doors, he’s out of control

Remembering their intimate moment made her flush with a mix of mortification and irritation,

Reading her like a book, Josh leaned in with a roguish smile. “Can’t help it; you’re irresistible, Natalie. I just lost my cool”

His words had Natalie’s cars burning up again, her entire face hot with blush.

From the front seat, Martin

caught off guard. He thought, “Whoa, what’s he saying? What on earth went down here?!

“Josh Franco Natalie was embarrassed and angryY

Josh looked at Natalie with a smile and said, “I love it when you say my name, Nat.”

It was the first time she had called him by name, and it was out of sheer frustration. Her voice was naturally soft, so even her anger sounded like

DYUNIC

“But…” Josh paused, giving her a teasing look. “I prefer you calling me something else. For example…”

Multitask like never before on the new sun Y De as

Chapter 32

He moved his hands to her waist, to which Natalic swiftly pushed him away.

The car jerked to a stop, and Martin cleared his throat. “Mr. and Mrs. Franco, we’re here.”

Natalie flung the door open, stormed out of the car, and didn’t look back once as she charged through the doors, under the surprised gazes of the

servants,

Upon entering. Josh was met by Spencer’s concerned expression. “Mr. Franco, what’s with Mrs. Franco?”

Josh said, “Just whip up a fantastic dinner. Make her favorite dishes from that recipe list I gave you, will you?”

“Yes, sir.”

Josh headed upstairs, only to find their bedroom door shut tight

He knocked softly, but there was no answer. A second knock, still silence. Turning the knob gently, he found the door unlocked. Josh entered to see Natalie on the bed, turned away from him. He cracked a silent grin, thinking, Yikes. She’s seriously pissed:

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