The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 159

Jocelyn cleared her throat, looking at the bustling street around them. "You know, with so many people around, you might want to consider keeping up appearances."

"I don't care about appearances," Melvin countered, his gaze challenging. "When have I ever been less than human?"

"I'm not saying you're not human. It's just... even the most confident of men feel a bit jittery meeting their girlfriend's parents for the first time." Jocelyn's hand rested against his chest. "You're pretty down-to-earth right now. That's a compliment, by the way."

Melvin snorted. "Or a complaint?"

"Wouldn't dare."

He gently took her chin in his hand. "I've forgiven you for cozying up to Harrison, for the photos, for meeting his parents, and even for that overnight stay. Can't you be a little more generous?"

So that was it. He'd been waiting for the right moment to bring it up all along.

Jocelyn glared at him. "I’ve been with you for more than three years. Can’t you see through my feelings for you? Don’t you have trust in me?"

"Do you trust me, then?" Melvin's eyes dropped to her lips, which were pursed in frustration. His voice turned husky. "Can you take me to your parents?"

Jocelyn bit her lip. She tried to play it cool, but Melvin was already leaning in close.

His lips hovered a mere breath away from hers.

"Yep," was all she managed in response.

At that sound, Melvin captured her lips with his own.

In the midst of the public square, he ignored the stares of passersby and savored her taste.

Jocelyn's heart raced as she was utterly aware of his transformation.

A kiss like this? Unthinkable in the past. Even holding hands had been out of the question.

While she rejoiced in his change, a question nagged at her.

Why this sudden shift?

"What are you thinking about?" Melvin asked, noticing her eyes open.

"Nothing," Jocelyn shook her head.

Melvin pulled her into his embrace and opened the car door. "Let's head home."

As Jocelyn settled into the passenger seat, she watched Melvin buckle her in with care. It felt like him, yet not him.

This man must truly have a masochistic streak, she thought. He was finally doing all the things she had once hoped for, but now it seemed out of character.

Just as Melvin was about to drive, a nanny van blocked their path. The woman who stepped out was shaded by sunglasses. But it was still recognizable to those who knew her.

"What are you going to do, Melvin?" Willow's voice was seething with anger, even behind her dark lenses.

Melvin's expression soured at the sight of her. "Get out of the way!"

Willow stepped closer to block his way, and caught sight of Jocelyn in the car.

"Why is she in your car?" she hissed.

"None of your business." Melvin didn't mince words with those he disliked, regardless of their gender.

"She's with that guy, and you're still..." Willow turned to Melvin. "Were you with her last night?"

Melvin's face darkened with fury. He glared at Willow. "If you don't want your career to tank, you'd better back off. Don't push me."

"Are you so heartless?" Willow ripped off her sunglasses, livid. "She has a boyfriend, and yet you sleep with her. Who's the shameless one now?"

"Don't make me expose your notoriety completely," Melvin warned, his eyes menacing. "You've crossed the line."

Willow faltered, fear seeping into her defiance. She knew better than to provoke Melvin any further. In showbiz, she couldn't stand without his support.

Taking a deep breath, she glared at Jocelyn in the passenger seat. "Do you really think he'll marry you? Don't delude yourself. You're just a comfortable pair of shoes to him, ones he can't bear to part with but worth nothing."

Jocelyn's brow furrowed.

"I'm a bit nervous."

She laughed. "You know, you're my dad's boss. He's the one who should be nervous to meet you." Jocelyn's voice was light. "But brace yourself. If they give you a hard time for keeping our relationship under wraps for three years, don't take it personally."

"You've got to have my back," Melvin admitted in an anxious tone.

He was the boss in his company. But when it came to Jocelyn’s family, he was the one who should be obedient and submissive.

"Stern and tough as you, how could you really need my help?" Jocelyn teased as she opened the car door and stepped out.

She glanced up and found her parents gazing down from the balcony.

For a fleeting moment, a knot of anxiety tightened in Jocelyn's stomach.

She knew all too well how much her parents adored Harrison. What was worse, she hadn't yet told them that her relationship with Harrison was a no-go.

Now, bringing Melvin home was bound to throw them for a loop.

"I've got more explaining to do than you," Jocelyn muttered, without a hint of schadenfreude.

Melvin's brow furrowed slightly.

Meanwhile, Calvin and Daisy caught sight of that familiar car pulling up. They saw their daughter Jocelyn stepping out, followed by Melvin. Their minds just stopped cold.

"Isn't that supposed to be Harrison? Why is she coming back with Mr. Martinez?" Daisy was baffled.

Calvin shared her confusion, but the smile he'd seen on his daughter's face told him that their previous suspicions might not hold water.

Especially when Melvin began hauling out bags upon bags from the trunk, which was the spitting image of a son-in-law coming over to visit - loaded with gifts. They were both stunned.

"What on earth is Jocelyn up to?" Daisy's brows furrowed, her face a mix of concern and disapproval.

"We'll find out soon enough," Calvin said, his face a mask of composure.