In the Lap of Luxury

Chapter 557 Almost Kissed

From this angle, Xander looked somber. His face was dark and clouded, which made Grace feel alarmed.

She couldn't help but straighten up and ask, "What's wrong?"

Xander stared at her for a moment, lost in thought, and then relaxed. "The kitchen is smoky. You should wait outside."

Grace hadn't expected him to say just that. She felt rather perplexed by his change in mood. "How long are you back for?"

"I'm leaving early in the morning."

Xander couldn't leave Fulton Group unmanned. One and a half days was his utmost limit.

"So soon?" ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Grace immediately stepped forward and offered, "Then I won't go out. I'll stay and help you with whatever you're doing."

Her clinginess made Xander's mood lighten up, and he smirked. "How would I dare make you do things by yourself?"

"I insist."

Grace squeezed into the kitchen, took some cherry tomatoes, and began rinsing them under the faucet.

Xander had no choice but to go over and roll up her sleeves for her. "Don't get your clothes wet."

He was proficient with the knife and sliced the chicken up with swift movements. Grace watched him while munching on some cherry tomatoes from the basket in her hand..

Just then, Xander stood up straight to remind her, "If you keep eating, there won't be any left."

Realizing this, Grace saw that there were indeed only a few left in the basket and smiled in embarrassment.

"They're very sweet. Do you want some?"

Xander shook his head.

Grace had been up all night. The red juice on her lips formed a stark contrast to her pale complexion. Xander's gaze darkened as he looked at her.

Inching closer, Grace insisted, "Try one. They're really sweet."

She held a cherry tomato up to Xander's mouth. He instinctively dodged, and Grace stumbled and fell into his arms. His masculine scent overwhelmed her.

The cherry tomatoes scattered all over the floor.

Startled, Grace looked up and met Xander's dark eyes. Her heart pounded violently.

"I …"

Xander tightened his hold on her, and his gaze burned into her.

"I don't like tomatoes, but now I want to try one."

Grace stiffened. She could hear her heartbeat thudding in her chest.

She watched as Xander slowly leaned in. Their faces were mere inches apart, and their lips were almost touching.

Just then, a voice suddenly interrupted, "Mr. Fulton—"

The voice stopped abruptly. Hazel stood at the door, frozen to the spot.

Grace quickly pulled away.

Xander's expression soured, and he snapped, "How did you get in?"

"The door was open so I let myself in. I'm sorry." Hazel quickly looked down.

"What is it?"

"It's about Fulton Group."

Grace quickly walked out, her face burning. She locked herself in her room and leaned against the door, gasping for breath.

Would she and Xander have kissed if Hazel hadn't shown up? Although they hadn't confirmed their relationship, it seemed like they were both drawing closer to each other!

Grace's mind was in turmoil.

…

Half an hour later, Xander knocked on the door. "Gracie."

Grace had just composed herself, but her heart started racing again when she heard Xander's voice. She opened the door and peeked out.

"Xander."

"Come down for breakfast."

"What about Hazel?"

"She's outside."

Grace felt awkward. "She can eat with us."

Xander chuckled softly. He grabbed her wrist, leading her downstairs.

"Hazel has been with me for five years. She's trustworthy. You can consider her one of us. You'll meet her a lot in the future. There's no need to be shy."

So they had a deep connection.

"No wonder I felt like you treated her differently when I first saw her."