James stepped out into the crisp moming hir, his figure wrapped in a steak, ck wool coat. Hisplexion seemed to glow against the dark fabric, giving him an air of refined, almost aristocratic elegance
Mirabe slid into the car with a casual grace, allowing herself a few unabashed nces at him before leisurely drawing her gaze away James sat back one leg crossed over the other, his hand resting nonchntly on his knee. When he caught Mirabe’s curious gaze beside him, he tilted his head towards her and asked, “Do you like what you see?”
Wyatt who was already steering the vehicle into motion, cast a discreet nce in the rearview mirror, a silent testament to his growing ustomed to James increasingly shameless antics.
Propping her elbowzily against the car door, Mirabe’s pale fingers cradled her forehead while her beautiful face bore no hint of shyness. She nodded slightly, offering a sincere assessment, “You look good.”
James arched an eyebrow “Just good?”
Mirabe rubbed her temple thoughtfully, pretending to consider her words carefully. After a moment, she replied, “Very good–looking”
James was rendered speechless.
“Ahem… Wyatt couldn’t hold back a chuckle. One should never expect anything out of the ordinary from a woman as straightforward as Mirabe. Straight shooters like her had a way of leaving all the gents at a loss for words. Also, she was a renowned medical expert, and her trademark was brevity, never one for beating around the bush.
Leaning back in her seat, Mirabe’s eyes, clear and distinct as day and night, suddenly sparked with another question, “How old are you,d?
James‘ lips twitched, but before he could speak, Wyatt chimed in from the front seat. “He’s 24, a lifelong bachelor–no girlfriend to speak of, past or present!”
As James‘ devoted subordinate, Wyatt felt it was his duty to seize every opportunity to market his item….to promote James.
At Wyatt’s words, James brought a hand to his forehead in exasperation. It appeared that his patience had be too lenient, and that rascal was actually daring to poke fun at him.
Mirabe’s eyebrows rose. “Are you not interested in women?”
Wyatt was taken aback. Could she really have interpreted it that way? Ms. Mirabe seemed to have a unique misunderstanding about the nature of being single.
Quickly after, her voice floated through the car again, her lips pursed in a serious expression, “Buddy, if you need help, I can whip up prescription for you.” After all, they were neighbors, and she had received plenty of generous gifts from him in the past. She could afford to offer her services free of charge this time.
James‘ face darkened in an instant. Wyatt cleared his throat sympathetically, casting a nce at the rearview mirror. Indeed, his poor boss, James, was having a rough time.
<b>Being </b>single for so many years was one thing, but to finally find someone who stirred his heart and then to be subject to such personal jabs…
“…I really appreciate it,” James finally managed <i>to </i>say, his cool voice tinged with a gritted edge.
Mirabe waved a hand dismissively. “No worries, we’re neighbors, after all.”
??? ??? ??? ? ? ?? ?? ? ? ??
James could only respond with silence.
With a yful tilt at the corners of her eyes, Mirabe turned to look out the car window, pressing a button to lower it slightly. The cool breeze rushed in, tousling the fine hairs at her temples. The smile hidden in her eyes remained unseen by James.
Blossom’s Eden was the city’s premier private club, famed for its discretion and the choice of many families for hosting theirvish
events.
The traffic was a bit congested, but they arrived without beingte, just a few minutes shy of noon.
After disembarking, Wyatt went to park the car while Mirabe and James stepped into the club’s grand foyer.
The lobby manager, in the midst of conversing with another guest, noticed James‘ entrance. He approached with a polite nod and a warm greeting.