After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 110

She sent a little cheer-up sticker, then added, "Miss you!"

Right at that moment, her phone rang. Catherine's heart did a happy flip. It was her husband.

"How's everything going over there? Are you getting used to it?" Lawrence's voice came through, deep and smooth, the kind of voice that somehow gets even more attractive at night.

Catherine couldn't help but smile. "Everything's great. The other students are super easy to get along with. Even the security guards at the institute look like sweet grandpas."

"You even noticed the security guards?" There was a soft, amused warmth in his voice.

"Yeah, everyone here is really nice," Catherine replied, then dropped her voice to a whisper. "Honestly, everything's perfect... except I kind of miss you."

She bit her lip, feeling a little embarrassed. For some reason, she missed him so much tonight.

"Just kind of?" His voice dropped even lower, teasing now. "Sounds like I'm not doing my job if my wife only misses me a little."

The quiet night made his voice sound even more intimate. Catherine's cheeks started to burn.

"What about you? How much do you miss me? Be honest," she shot back, half shy, half playful.

Lawrence drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the city lights outside. His lips curled into a small smile. "I want to be in Harrisburg with you, right now. No waiting."

Catherine's heart thudded, but she couldn't help pushing further. "If you were here, what would you do?"

"I'd do... exactly what I should do," he replied with a soft laugh.

The warmth in her face spread all the way to her chest. She pressed her face into the blanket, feeling a mix of giddy and bashful.

"I'm still young, you know. I have no idea what you mean," Catherine said, trying not to laugh, teasing him on purpose.

She heard him catch his breath, his voice growing husky. "Do you really want to know?"

Catherine buried her face deeper in the pillow, mumbling, "Yeah... I do."

Lawrence let out a quiet, knowing laugh. It sent a shiver right through her.

"Alright, that's enough. Stop daydreaming and focus on your studies. This is a big opportunity. Don't waste it," he said, still sounding amused, but a bit more serious now.

"You... you're such a tease," Catherine pouted, pretending to be annoyed but honestly feeling sweeter than ever. She let out a soft little huff. "Just wait till I get back. You'll see."

Catherine grinned. "Goodnight, husband."

She ended the call, hugged her phone, rolled around on her bed, gave her cheeks a little pat, then hurried back to her computer.

She was determined to win a spot in Project Apex Initiative.

***

Next door, Shirley's phone buzzed with a message from Waldo.

"Shirley, bring back Project Apex Initiative. Don't let me down."

Shirley smirked. None of these students were on her level. This project was as good as hers.

As for Catherine, she wasn’t even worth considering as competition.

Don't worry, Waldo. The lead researcher spot is already mine.