Faintly, Melanie thought she could smell a light, fresh scent.
It must be Preston’s shampoo, she thought.
It couldn’t possibly be just his natural, masculine scent.
Melanie chuckled silently to herself.
Just then, a single, crystal-clear drop of water slid from a strand of his soft hair onto his broad, smooth forehead, then slowly trickled down the bridge of his high nose.
Melanie’s eyes followed its path downward.
Her gaze, however, moved faster, landing directly on Preston’s chest.
While Preston’s face was more than captivating, at this moment, Melanie found it hard not to focus on his physique.
Living under the same roof with Preston, she was, of course, familiar with the kind of sleepwear he usually wore.
It was a set of simple black loungewear, with every button fastened, never revealing even his collarbones.
But now, the black top was draped over his shoulders like a cloak, hanging open to offer an unobstructed view of his sculpted chest and abs.
This tantalizing display was a complete departure from Preston’s usual reserved demeanor.
Was he in a hurry to open the door for her?
Melanie wondered.
Just then, Preston stepped aside, allowing her to enter.
The atmosphere in the living room was a little strange, and Melanie even started to feel a bit warm.
She wasn't sure if Preston’s uncharacteristically exposed chest was raising the temperature in the room.
“Um…”
“I’m sorry.”
Before Melanie could apologize, Preston’s apology reached her ears.
Melanie’s eyes widened.
The Preston standing before her had his usual cool expression, but his eyes were as sincere as a clear pool of water.
“That day… I shouldn’t have taken you away on my own accord. I caused you trouble.”
“No, no, no.”
Melanie quickly waved her hands.
“You were a huge help that day. I’m the one who should be sorry for leaving you alone on the bridge.”
Preston silently watched the apologetic look on Melanie’s face, and after a moment, a look of realization dawned on him.
“So, you’re not mad at me?”
“Why would I be mad at you? I was worried you were mad at me. Why else would you have been gone for so many days?”
“I… was away on a business trip.”
“Oh, so that’s why!”


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