Dave’s laughter followed her as he walked behind.
They hailed a cab to Sophia’s apartment. Dave decided it wasn’t right for him to go up, so he handed Elaine to Bianca and opted to wait downstairs.
Sophia had been back at her place for about thirty minutes when the doorbell rang. Opening it, she saw Bianca holding a sleeping Elaine in her arms. Sophia gently took Elaine from Bianca’s arms.
“Was Elaine difficult today?” Sophia asked with concern.
“No, not at all. Elaine is lovely. We had a great time together. She even said she wants to go out with me again!” Bianca replied cheerfully.
Sophia was surprised to hear this. In the past, Elaine had been distant from everyone except her. She hadn’t expected Elaine to warm up to Bianca so quickly.
But then again, Bianca was intelligent and kind-hearted, so it made sense that Elaine would like her.
After tucking Elaine into bed, Sophia settled down on the living room sofa with Bianca.
“Sophia, how was your day? Did things go well with Ms. Garcia?” Bianca asked, curious.
Sophia smiled warmly, tinged with excitement. “She’s a globally recognized professor. As you know, I’ve been out of acting for a few years and felt a bit rusty. She patiently pointed out several issues with my performance and created a personalized training plan for me. Now, I feel much more confident. With more time, I’ll surpass my previous abilities! She also said I can come to her for acting lessons anytime before the audition.”
Bianca’s eyes lit up with relief and happiness for her friend. “That’s fantastic! Take full advantage of this opportunity to refine your skills. You’re going to do amazing!”
With Ruby helping Sophia, she was sure to do well in the audition!
After leaving Sophia’s place, Bianca was eager to call Ruby and thank her.
Downstairs, Dave waited for Bianca. As she approached, still on the phone with Ruby, Dave could tell who she was talking to.
It was clear Bianca and Ruby were close.
Dave’s expression changed slightly, and a frown appeared.
Once they got home, Dave took a shower, and Bianca relaxed on the sofa with a book.
Her phone rang, and seeing Paige’s name on the screen, Bianca quickly sat up and answered.
Paige sounded excited. “Bianca, it’s Sunday tomorrow! I’m organizing a trip to a nearby city with some friends to go to a hot spring. Do you want to join us?”
“Me?” Bianca was surprised by Paige’s sudden invitation. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. Mr. Lopez advised against it before the audition…”
“My husband may not want to see you, but he didn’t say anything about me seeing you. Don’t worry, it’s just our close friends this time. No outsiders. They won’t cause any trouble. Plus, there will be senior agents there. It could expand your connections and help your future career,” Paige reassured her.
Paige’s generous invitation left Bianca conflicted. The opportunity to network with experienced senior agents was appealing, making it hard for Bianca to turn down the offer.
Taking this into account, Bianca accepted Paige’s invitation.
Just as she ended the call, Dave came out of the bathroom and walked into the room.
He stood drying his wet hair with a towel, a bath towel wrapped around his waist, revealing his well-defined upper body.
Bianca couldn’t help but feel a rush at the sight.
Every time she saw his physique, she couldn’t help but admire his fitness, her face turning red and her heart beating faster.
Their eyes met as Dave looked up.
Feeling flustered, Bianca quickly grabbed a book to hide her burning face.
A large hand gently took the book from her grasp. Dave, noticing her embarrassment, charmingly remarked, “Enjoy reading upside down?”
“What?” Bianca was confused, realizing she had been holding the book upside down earlier when she was distracted.
“Well, I… Sometimes I practice reading upside down…” Bianca stumbled over her words, feeling incredibly flustered.
It was so embarrassing.
She wished she could disappear right then and there.
Seating himself beside Bianca, Dave’s still-damp body emitted a subtle water vapor, a pleasant scent enveloping her space.
Resting his arm on the sofa behind her, Dave remarked, “I think you’d rather gaze at me… than read…”
“I didn’t expect such narcissism. Men’s upper bodies are all similar, nothing extraordinary,” Bianca replied, avoiding eye contact, hesitant to acknowledge Dave’s strong chest muscles.
“Look at me,” Dave whispered into her ear.
“No,” Bianca firmly replied, maintaining her gaze away from him.
“Turn around,” Dave said firmly. He gently lifted Bianca’s chin, guiding her face to meet his. His handsome face loomed in front of her, framed by broad shoulders and a fit waist that showed off his strong physique.
Bianca blushed again.
Seeing her reaction, Dave chuckled deeply.
Expecting a joke, Bianca was surprised when Dave’s tone became serious. “Bianca, I’ll be very busy over the next few days. I won’t be able to spend time with you like this starting tomorrow. I might not even be back at night.”
Bianca nodded calmly, meeting Dave’s eyes. “Okay, take care of yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I thought you’d protest about me leaving,” Dave said, gently brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.
Bianca wasn’t one to act coy or cling to others casually. Even if she didn’t want him to go, she hid her feelings to make sure Dave stayed focused on his work.
Bianca spoke firmly. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’d manage just fine without you.”
“Is that so?” Dave held her shoulders and pushed her back against the sofa. “That’s not what I wanted to hear. You need to learn when to keep quiet.”
Then he kissed Bianca on the lips.
Later that night, while Bianca slept, he went out onto the living room balcony and called Michael.
“Dave, it’s a bit odd to hear from you so late,” Michael said as he answered the phone.
“I met Sophia’s daughter today,” Dave said simply.
“Her daughter’s name is Elaine. Her eyes remind me of you.”
“Elaine…” Michael repeated softly.
Dave hung up without saying more.
When Bianca woke up the next morning, she realized Dave had already left.
Remembering their intimate moments from the previous night made Bianca blush. The idea of not seeing him for days filled her with a deep sense of loss and loneliness.
Shaking off her feelings, she got up to get ready. Today, she was supposed to go to a hot spring with Paige.
Quickly packing her things, Bianca left the apartment.
She caught a bus to the nearby city. At exactly one o’clock in the afternoon, she arrived at the hot spring resort Paige had mentioned right on time.