He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 752

"Careful!"

Julian let out a sharp breath, his arms instinctively wrapping around her slender waist to break her fall.

Scarlett looked up, her gaze colliding with his deep, concerned eyes. She reflexively tried to yank her foot free, but the heel was wedged tight. As she pulled, her foot slipped completely out of the shoe.

"Ah!"

Losing her balance completely, she tumbled flush against his chest.

She was instantly enveloped by his scent—a subtle, intoxicating blend of cedarwood and clean linen. It was incredibly grounding.

The elevator began to beep a warning.

Scarlett looked down at her bare foot and the abandoned shoe still wedged in the gap, her face burning with embarrassment.

She groaned, thoroughly mortified. "Ugh, if I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn't have worn heels. This pair is clearly out to get me."

Julian chuckled at her frustration, his voice low and soothing. "Lean against the wall to steady yourself."

She did as told, stepping out of his embrace and placing a hand on the cool metal wall.

Julian immediately crouched down. His long, elegant fingers grasped the shoe, gently wiggling it back and forth until he worked the heel free from the metal grate.

Scarlett bent down, intending to slip it back on herself.

Instead, his hand closed gently around her ankle. He guided the stiletto back onto her foot with surprising tenderness.

Scarlett was tall, with long, elegant limbs. Her skin was luminous, and even without a drop of polish, her toes were perfectly shaped and delicate, looking like pristine porcelain.

Julian stood up slowly. The lingering dark intensity in his eyes matched the sincerity in his voice. "I just think everything about you is beautiful."

Scarlett was momentarily speechless.

Ever since he had disappeared for a few days and returned, he had been acting so strange. Was he... flirting with her?

Yet, looking into his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine admiration. There was no sleaze, just raw sincerity.

Julian's gaze flickered to her ankle for another brief moment. An image of a ruby anklet he'd seen at a recent auction flashed through his mind. That fiery red resting against her glowing skin would look absolutely breathtaking.

He'd been trying to figure out what to get her to celebrate her award. Now, he knew exactly what he wanted to buy.

Concealing his swirling emotions, he casually checked his watch. "Let's go. I'll take you to another spot for dinner. You'll love it."