?Chapter 537:


    The thought was almostughable—ridiculous, even!


    As she wrestled with these questions, Eric finished his call and approached her, phone still in hand.


    Hadley lifted her gaze to his striking features. Without thinking, she reached out her arms. “Hold me.”


    Eric froze, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. The softness in her voice—especially at this early hour—was utterly disarming.


    Noticing his hesitation, Hadley teased him, eyes yful yet challenging. “Why are you staring at me like that? You don’t want to hold me?”


    She pouted, pretending irritation. “I’m barefoot. If I walk upstairs by myself, aren’t you going to scold me again?” Seated below him, she tilted her chin upward, eyes glittering softly, drawing him in irresistibly.


    Truly, she was breathtaking. Eric had always known Hadley was beautiful—but in the past, he’d never feltpelled to possess that beauty. Now, however, the idea of anyone else even ncing at her made his heart twist ufortably.


    “I’m more than willing to hold you,” Eric finally said, voice low and gentle. He leaned down and scooped her into his arms. “In fact, it’s my pleasure.”


    Effortlessly, he carried her upstairs andid her down on the bed with care. “Want to sleep a little longer?”


    “No,” Hadley replied softly, shaking her head. “Too much sleep now, and I’ll be up all night.”


    “All right.” Eric stood, fetched a tablet, and ced it gently in Hadley’sp. “Here—keep yourself busy. Watch some shows or y games. I’ll finish some work and be back soon.”


    Hadley rolled her eyes yfully, feigning irritation. “Go ahead. I’m not a child who needs constant attention.”


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    “All right, all right.” Heughed lightly, tucking the nket snugly around her. Just before leaving, he hesitated and turned back with a curious look. “By the way, when did you n on telling me you’d moved here?”


    Hadley’s pulse quickened involuntarily. She shrugged nonchntly, her tone cool. “I didn’t think I had to. The old ce was cramped and outdated, and now I share an apartment with someone else. Yesterday was just an ident. Next time, don’t barge in like that—it’s inappropriate.”


    “Inappropriate?” Eric raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling something.


    “Wait—the people you’re living with—they have a child?” Hadley’s breath caught, her palms growing mmy. “How did you—”


    Eric chuckled softly, pinching her cheek teasingly. “Come on, did you think I wouldn’t notice? Yesterday, I saw children’s things lying around.”


    His expression suddenly darkened. “You’re not living with a couple, are you? That would mean a man—”


    “What nonsense are you thinking?” Hadley interrupted quickly, eager to protect Joy at all costs. She kept her tone convincingly casual. “Rx. It’s just a single mom and her kid.”


    Eric visibly rxed, relief washing over him. “Ah, good.”


    “So you really shouldn’t keep dropping by whenever the mood strikes you,” Hadley seized the chance to reinforce her point. “Please don’t show up unannounced again.”


    With a sly smile, Eric leaned closer and pulled her gently against his chest. “Fine. But promise me you won’t just run away like this again. Do you realize how desperate I get when I can’t find you?”


    Desperate? Hadley scoffed inwardly. He sure knew how to dramatize his concern. Feigning indifference, she replied yfully, “You look fine to me now. Where’s all this desperation you’re iming? Maybe you weren’t desperate enough.”


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