The Officer's Runaway Wife & Secret Son novel Chapter 93

By six in the evening, the sea breeze had swept away most of the heat, though the air remained warm.

Clara stood in front of the full-length mirror, hooking her finger under the strap of a pale yellow slip dress and adjusting it.

She had bought this dress two years ago but never had an occasion to wear it. She applied a vintage red lipstick, swept her hair up loosely, and secured it with a pearl hairpin, letting a few stray strands frame her neck.

Rhys walked out of the bathroom wearing a simple white T-shirt and froze.

He walked over and hugged Clara from behind, his breathing visibly heavier.

"You're wearing that?"

"Why not? We're at the beach."

Rhys's large hand rested on her waist, his thumb rubbing against the thin silk. "It's too revealing."

"Revealing how?" Clara frowned, annoyed. "My back? My legs? Everyone dresses like this here."

Rhys furrowed his brow.

The dress was a typical resort style—entirely backless save for two crossing spaghetti straps. Lower down, the silk clung to curves it couldn't hide, and the neckline was a deep V that showed a significant amount of creamy skin.

He knew male nature too well. He knew exactly how many stares a woman like Clara would attract walking out like this.

From the moment he first saw her, he knew she was a girl who loved to dress up. Otherwise, who would wear short skirts in the dead of winter?

He sighed, choosing to compromise.

"It's beautiful. But put on a jacket. It's windy by the water."

Clara didn't refuse.

Rhys picked out one of his white dress shirts for her. The oversized menswear draped over the slinky dress created a look of accidental sexiness that was even more alluring than the dress alone.

Rhys's eyes darkened. He buttoned the shirt up to the second button, hiding the swell of her chest, before his frown finally relaxed.

...

The cliffside restaurant they had booked offered a prime vantage point.

The setting sun hung heavy on the horizon, dyeing the entire ocean in shades of molten gold.

The host showed them to their table. Rhys pulled out her chair and fussily adjusted the seat cushion for her.

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