After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 88

The car glided through the night, everything outside quiet and still. Catherine had knocked back two glasses of red wine earlier, and now, with the cool breeze drifting in, she could barely keep her eyes open. She leaned her head against the seat, and before long, she was fast asleep, arms wrapped around her seatbelt like it was a teddy bear.

Lawrence glanced over, saw her dozing, and eased his foot off the gas. The streetlights painted soft patterns across her face. Her hair, with its gentle waves, framed her delicate features. Sleeping, she looked so innocent, almost like a little kid.

At a red light, Lawrence found himself watching her. Just a few seconds, but his gaze grew more intense, something unspoken passing between the two of them even though she was fast asleep. He looked away, swallowing hard.

He pulled the car right up to the front door, got out, and circled around to her side. He opened the passenger door and carefully undid her seatbelt.

“Catherine?” he called quietly.

She just murmured a little, barely awake. “Mm.”

She was out, totally gone, peaceful as a kitten curled up in a sunbeam.

A soft smile tugged at Lawrence’s lips. He slipped one arm under her shoulders and the other behind her knees, lifting her into his arms like she weighed nothing at all.

Catherine stirred a little as he picked her up. Lawrence’s scent filled her nose, clean and warm, and she couldn’t help but let a sleepy smile curl across her lips. Her eyes cracked open just a bit. “Lawrence, are we home?”

“Yeah. Let me take you to your room,” he whispered.

She relaxed against his chest, letting him carry her through the house and up the stairs. She didn’t even notice the tiny smile she was wearing.

Once they reached the master bedroom, Lawrence set her down gently on the bed. Just as he was about to pull away, Catherine’s arms slipped around his neck. Still pretending to be half-asleep, she stole a quick kiss on his cheek, then rolled over, burying her face in the pillow to hide her embarrassment.

Lawrence froze, caught off guard by the soft brush of her lips. He looked at her, pretending to still be sleeping, but he noticed her ear had turned a bright shade of pink. It was almost too cute.

He smiled, kneeling at the edge of the bed. He slipped off her high heels, made sure she was comfortable, and pulled the blanket over her. He took one last look. Her face was half-hidden, eyes squeezed shut, but her eyelashes fluttered, not fooling anyone.

Alice sat beside him, dabbing tears from her eyes, her voice sharp and angry. “Nestor, you have to do something. She’s completely out of control these days.”

“What did Shirley do wrong? Why should she get slapped twice in one day? Is it because she’s better than Catherine at something?”

Just thinking about Catherine’s recent stunts made Nestor’s temper flare. “Tell me, why did she hit you this time?”

Shirley bit her lower lip. “I was just worried about her. I asked why Lawrence didn’t show up at the banquet, and she just… lost it.”

Alice’s anger boiled over. “See? That’s no excuse. She knows what kind of man she married, right? Is Shirley not even allowed to mention it?”

Nestor rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Enough. I’ll call Catherine tomorrow and make sure she apologizes to Shirley properly.”