Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Erica nodded, pulling out her sketches and going over them with Ruby, detail by detail. She hoped Ruby would knock 'em dead at the competition and that she, Erica, would bag the final payment. There they sat, two minds each playing their own game of chess, plotting and planning.

As Josefina clocked out, the familiar car was parked just where she left it. The figure inside, still as recognizable as ever.

She slid into the passenger seat with a sigh. "Sorry, can't do dinner tonight. I've gotta prep. The competition's tomorrow."

Oliver didn't seem miffed at the rejection. He'd half-expected the rain check and offered, "I'll take you home then. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate your victory."

Josefina's laughter bubbled up, "How do you know I'll win? I'm not even competing. It's Alex representing the company."

Oliver's voice dropped to that affectionate purr, "In my eyes, you're always top of the podium."

Josefina blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue, making her look very sweet. He reached for her hand, but she tugged away, "Let go, would you?" His grip only tightened, "I can't bear to."

"Here we are," the driver announced, interrupting the lovebirds who seemed glued to their seats. The third wheel to their romance, the driver was full to the brim with their affectionate exchanges. Young love, he mused, was indeed a different breed. They were all wrapped up in each other.

and stepped out. Following suit, Oliver got out and ushered her to the front

love, pick up some of those pastries,

her belly, "No thanks. Ever since I got back, I've been

sly smile playing on his lips, "You're

unspoken words, and Josefina cursed under her

feigned innocence, "I didn't say a

insinuations. Men, she thought, always hinting at

car reached outside the estate gates, where she requested to get out of the car. She didn't want

get off here. I'll take one

chore. She had things to

but as she was about to leave, Oliver killed the engine, took her hand, and pulled her back. His arms wrapped around her, their bodies touching, and a fragrance

drawn back, her head was cradled, soft lips meeting cool ones

a wave of heat

claiming her, his right hand sneaking around her slender waist, then up her back, sending shivers down her

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