Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

They had a peaceful meal because Stephen didn't show even a hint of being a boss.

Brandon only spoke occasionally to serve me food or ask if I wanted water. He acted so aloof, and it was as if he were the boss.

After the meal, Stephen quietly left in a low-profile Maybach.

Xander, having had some drinks, called for a designated driver.

While waiting for the driver, Xander draped his arm over Brandon's shoulder and asked, "Bran, how was it? Are you satisfied with today's meeting?"

Brandon shrugged off his hand. "You've had too much to drink."

"Not that much. I know you're worried I'll say something I shouldn't, but don't worry, I'm in control." Xander raised his hand again to pat Brandon on the shoulder.

This time, Brandon grabbed his wrist. "Mr. Roulder, I don't like people patting me on the shoulder. It's best if you avoid doing it to others too. There's a saying in mysticism that everyone's shoulders carry their fortune. A pat like that might just knock someone's good luck away. Got it?"

I almost laughed. I didn't expect Brandon to care about such things.

Xander was taken aback but then laughed. "Bran, when did you become such a nag? I remember you used to..."

"Your ride's here," Brandon cut him off just as the driver arrived.

Before the driver could ask anything, Brandon spoke up. "It's his car. He called you."

Then, Brandon put his arm around my shoulders. "Let's go."

are you leaving?" Xander called after us, but Brandon didn't stop in

to the car, and I remained silent

Brandon noticed something was off with

at Brandon. "Do you think Mr. Stephen, whom we met today, seems

Do you think he

seem like it as much as you do."

Brandon replied. Then he added, "Mae, you

let out a soft, sarcastic laugh and raised my hand to caress his face. "Yeah. You look like a domineering CEO from a romance novel, but you're not." "Are you disappointed? Or

shook my head. "No, don't overthink it. I like men like you. Men with a clean

night, but my mood

Mae,

Howell, when did you ever have

tried to comfort him. "Safety isn't about

Brandon pinned my hand against the car and slowly leaned

on his breath, mixed with the night air and my breath,

gripped the car door as I swallowed nervously. "Brandon, what are

wanted to try the new type of kiss I'd taught

The traces of my previous kiss and the red lipstick had long since faded on his lips. Still, I teased him and said, "Brandon, you

gave a hum

"Why do you just hum

it on

hand