Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1010

James let out a little scoff. Not only did he stay undressed, he sprawled out on the sofa, totally unbothered, legs wide and posture wild.

“You’re video chatting with some other guy in the middle of the night, but I don’t see you calling me any extra,” he grumbled, sounding every bit like a jealous boyfriend sulking over being ignored.

Emmy stared at him, honestly a little stunned. This didn’t sound like James at all. Since when was he this petty?

Her heart softened. She walked over and sat down beside him.

“That was John. He’s my senior from college and the lead on our research team,” she explained, keeping her voice gentle. “I saw a message in our group chat about a bug in the core code. That’s literally my job. I only called to help figure it out.”

James just made a noncommittal noise and turned away, refusing to look at her. He was obviously still annoyed.

Watching him pout like that, Emmy couldn’t help but think he actually looked pretty cute. She leaned a little closer, thinking for a second.

“How about this? From now on, whenever I’ve got time, I’ll video call you more. Sound good?” She tilted her head, giving him a playful smile. “I’ll check in every morning and night, keep you updated so you never have to wonder where I am. But if you’re busy and can’t answer, well, that’s out of my hands.”

James just frowned even more.

Boston and the Capital were twelve hours apart. Once she left, their schedules would be flipped upside down. When she was sleeping, he’d be working, in meetings, or out networking. When he finally got to rest, she’d be buried in her studies or research.

Thinking about how long this would go on made James feel restless, a frustration building inside him that he just couldn’t shake.

He glanced over and caught sight of Emmy’s legs beside him. Because of how she was sitting, her deep red nightgown had slipped up, leaving her legs completely bare and glowing softly in the golden light.

She had no idea just how tempting she looked right now.

James swallowed hard, his gaze darkening. Suddenly, he leaned back, spreading his legs even more, then stretched out his arms along the back of the sofa. One hand covered his eyes, like he was trying to relax, but his whole pose was open and suggestive.

That movement made his abs stand out, all hard lines and tight muscles. His black boxer briefs clung to him, leaving nothing to the imagination.

He dropped his hand from his face and grabbed her wrist, sitting bolt upright. His eyes were locked on hers, burning with intensity, his voice rough and low.

“Are you trying to start something?”

Realizing what she’d just done, Emmy’s face turned bright red, hot enough to cook an egg. This was mortifying. Had she really just reached out and touched him?

Frustrated with her lack of self-control, she tried to pull her hand away, but he held her tight. There was no getting free.

If she couldn’t escape, she’d just have to face it head-on.

Taking a deep breath, Emmy looked straight into his hungry eyes and finally let out the words she’d been holding back.

“Um… about last time. I want to explain.”