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,

and

noticed something was off

you think Mr. Stephen, whom we

slightly. "Why? Do

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

so too," Brandon replied. Then he added,

You look like a domineering CEO from a romance novel, but you're not." "Are you disappointed? Or do you wish

it. I like men like you. Men with a clean background,

any alcohol that night, but my mood felt as

I had money, Mae, would you feel

my eyes. "Mr. Howell, when did you ever have

I remembered how he couldn't even afford Ellie's surgery and tried to comfort him. "Safety isn't about money." Then,

pinned my hand against the car and slowly leaned

on his breath, mixed with the night air and

gripped the car door as I swallowed nervously.

lips. I knew he wanted to

had long since faded on his lips. Still, I teased him

a

laughed. "Why do you just hum in reply? What

you to put it on me." Brandon brushed his nose against

as my hand moved up