Callie was already a light sleeper in unfamiliar places and couldn’t fall back asleep after being woken by a noise. The next day, she felt groggy and disoriented, her head pounding as if she wanted to bang it against the wall.
Rubbing her eyes, she opened the door just as someone emerged from the room opposite hers. Both of them froze in place.
The unfamiliar woman-oh, somewhat familiar-wasn’t really a stranger. It was Marilyn. Marilyn’s slightly curly long hair draped over her shoulders, her eyes were large and expressive, her face small and radiant even without makeup, exuding an aura that set her apart from ordinary people.
Marilyn looked at her without any surprise, even nodding slightly, “We meet again.”
Callie didn’t move, a wave of unease washing over her.
“How’s your injury?” Marilyn rubbed her head and glanced at Callie’s abdomen. “No one expected what happened that day. Don’t blame Nelson.”
One might think she was Mrs. Oconnor herself, being so considerate.
Callie forced a smile, “It’s fine. I’ve blamed all that needed blaming.”
Marilyn’s smile faded, “Yesterday, I drank too much. I didn’t know Nelson would bring me home. I hope we didn’t disturb your rest.”
From beginning to end, she never addressed Callie by name-not because she didn’t know who she was, but because she refused to acknowledge it.
Callie shook her head and walked past Marilyn without another word, heading straight upstairs.
Marilyn watched her go, tilting her head slightly.
The Paucaster Villa Complex had many rooms. Callie didn’t need to guess which one Nelson was in. She raised her hand and knocked on the door, wincing as it pulled at her wound.
The secretary opened the door, looking surprised. “Ma’am?”
“I need to see Nelson.”
“Sorry, Mr. Oconnor is resting and doesn’t want to be disturbed.”
Callie found it amusing. “If he’s sleeping, what are you doing inside? What are you two up to?”
The secretary blushed at her insinuation.
To prove his innocence, he had no choice but to open the door and let Callie in.
She then realized the room had an inner and outer section, with Nelson in the inner bedroom.
Callie went straight in and called out, “Nelson!”
The secretary hadn’t expected her to be so bold and blocked her path. “Ma’am… Mr. Oconnor is really resting. He’ll be angry if you wake him. Please don’t…”
Callie grew frustrated with him blocking her way and raised a finger threateningly. “Move aside.”
“Ma’am…”
“If you don’t move, I’ll kiss you!” She leaned in slowly.
The secretary’s eyes widened.
Nelson had already woken up and spoke through his Bluetooth earpiece to the secretary, “Let her in.”
The secretary sighed in relief and quickly stepped aside.
The first thing Callie said as she entered was, “Nelson, why did you bring Marilyn back to the villa?”
She paused as soon as she finished speaking, raising a hand to shield her eyes.
Nelson was dripping wet, his shirt unbuttoned and nearly bare-chested, his skin taut and fair. His belt was undone and hanging loosely. He tilted his head slightly while drying his hair with a towel.
It was a tantalizing sight.
Callie’s mind went blank for a moment.
She had to admit, she hated everything about Nelson except for his physique and face-she had no resistance to them.
Too perfect, making it impossible not to be tempted.
Nelson tossed the towel aside and glanced at her. “Since when do I need your permission to bring someone home?”
Callie lowered her hand and walked over to him. “Indeed, our Mr. Oconnor never cares about anyone’s status. As long as he’s interested, he can bring them home. Especially this young lady who always makes you break the rules. I just didn’t expect you to disregard my status as Mrs. Oconnor so completely. Are you intent on humiliating me?”