Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 534

Chapter 534

After hanging up, Sydney sat back at her desk, her heart still hammering against her ribs.

A few minutes later, Tiffany pushed open the door and found her sitting there, red-eared and flustered, trying to steady her breathing.

“What happened?” Tiffany asked with a teasing grin. “Did Mr. Sterling say something sweet to you?”

Sydney rubbed her nose and pretended to look busy. “Nothing. Go take your shower. I already laid out your pajamas in the bathroom.”

Seeing her shy reaction, Tiffany decided not to pry. Whatever tension had lingered earlier was clearly gone.

Once Tiffany disappeared into the bathroom, Sydney replayed the phone call in her mind-the one line that made her heart skip.

“I miss you too.”

Just that simple sentence from someone as composed and restrained as Julian was enough to make her blush again.

But she hadn’t expected what followed. His voice had dropped, low and husky, carrying a heat that made her fingertips tremble. “My body misses you too.”

For several seconds, her mind had gone blank. Then, realizing what he’d said, she panicked and hung up on him right there in the cold wind, fumbling like a teenager.

‘What body? Who wants that part to miss me? Shameless man.’ Even thinking about it now made her cheeks burn.

When Sydney woke the next morning, Tiffany was already propped against the headboard, scrolling through her phone. The clock read just before eight.

“You’re up early. Got work?”

Tiffany shot her a deadpan look. “Let me guess. He wakes up early too?”

Sydney thought about it. Actually, he did. Every morning she woke to find his quiet, warm gaze already on her. He seemed to enjoy watching her sleep with a faint smile.

She nodded. “I guess he does. Why?”

Tiffany groaned and pinched her cheek. “Because you’ve turned into a violent sleeper! You were boxing in your sleep last night.”

At five in the morning, a stray fist had landed squarely on her chest, jerking her awake with

1/3

+25 Bonus

her heart pounding and her will to live gone.

Sydney’s eyes went wide. “I hit you?”

“What do you think? I nearly went from a C-cup to a flat A.”

Sydney burst out laughing and grabbed her friend’s arm, rubbing her head against it like a guilty kitten. “I’m sorry! Thank goodness your C’s survived. Otherwise, I’d owe you for life.”

“Alright, alright.” Tiffany ruffled her hair and climbed out of bed, chuckling. “I can take a punch or two. Poor Julian, though. No wonder he ran off overseas right after you moved in. Maybe he’s still recovering from the trauma.”

“Don’t you dare!” Sydney hurled a pillow at her, cutting her off mid-sentence. “Go wash already!”

When the sound of running water came from the bathroom, Sydney’s laughter faded.

‘Wait. I haven’t actually hit Julian in my sleep before, right? Have I? No way.’

up

If she had, someone with his temper would have said something or “disciplined” her by now. He wouldn’t have just let it slide.

By the time the two women went downstairs, Agatha-light sleeper that she was-had already returned from her morning walk.

After breakfast, Sydney spotted Elliot passing through the living room and stopped him. ” Elliot, did you book Julian’s return flight?”

She’d hung up too quickly last night and forgotten to ask what time he’d be back.

“Yes, ma’am,” Elliot replied, pausing politely.

“When’s he landing?”

“If there’s no delay, around eleven tomorrow night.” He hesitated, then added, “Mr. Sterling said it’s getting cold, and since you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t go to the airport. He doesn’t want you out that late.”

“Got it.” Sydney nodded. She hadn’t planned to go anyway.

He was right. Her health and the baby came first. It was better to stay home, rest, and nap before he arrived.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify