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."

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

car, and

something was off

against the car and looked at Brandon. "Do you think Mr. Stephen, whom we met today, seems like the

frowned slightly. "Why? Do you think

doesn't seem like it as much as you do." I stared

Then he added, "Mae, you can't judge a book by

to caress his face. "Yeah. You look like a domineering CEO from a romance

head. "No, don't overthink it. I like men like you. Men with a clean background, simple and handsome.

alcohol that night, but my

money, Mae, would you feel

Howell, when did you ever have

I remembered how he couldn't even afford Ellie's surgery and tried to

the car and slowly leaned me

The faint odor of alcohol on his breath, mixed

car door as I swallowed nervously.

stared at my lips. I knew he wanted to try the new type of kiss I'd

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

a hum in

do you just hum in reply? What does it

want you to put it on me."

as my hand moved up to touch his