, Dinner was a smooth affair, with Jeremy not putting on airs of a boss at all., Aside from passing me dishes and occasionally asking if I needed water, Ernest was almost silent, cool to the point where you'd think he was the boss., After the meal, Jeremy left in his understated Maybach., Grant, having enjoyed a few drinks, called for a rideshare., While waiting, Grant slung an arm around Ernest's shoulder.

"Ernest, what do you think? Were you satisfied with how tonight went?

", Ernest brushed off his hand.

"You've had too much to drink.

",

"Not at all, I know you're worried I'll blab, but trust me, I've got it under control,

" Grant tried to pat Ernest on the shoulder again., This time, Ernest grabbed his wrist firmly.

"Mr. Smith, I really dislike it when people pat my shoulder. You should probably avoid doing it to others as well. There's this old wives' tale that everyone's fortune rests on their shoulders, and you might just slap someone's good luck away. Get it?

", I almost laughed out loud, not expecting Ernest to care about such superstitions., Grant was initially confused, then burst into laughter.

"Ernest, since when did you start buying into those old wives' tales? I remember you used to...

"

"Your ride's here,

" Ernest cut him off just as the rideshare arrived., Without being asked, Ernest took the initiative.

"He's the one who called for the ride, talk to him.

", With that, Ernest wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"Let's go.

",

"But Ernest, I haven't finished talking yet. Why are you leaving?

" Grant called out to us, but Ernest didn't stop., As we reached the car, I remained silent.,

"What's wrong?

" Ernest sensed something was off., Leaning against the car, I looked at Ernest.

"Did Mr. Collins strike you as a big shot today?

", Ernest frowned slightly.

"Why, you think he didn't?

",

"Yeah, you seem more like a boss than he does,

" I locked eyes with him.,

"I've thought the same,

" Ernest naturally continued, then added,

"Licia, looks can be deceiving.

", I chuckled softly, touching his face.

"Yeah, you look like something out of a romance novel, yet you're not.

",

"Are you disappointed? Or did you hope I was?

" Ernest asked., I shook my head.

"No, don't think too, much about it. I like you just the way you are. Simple, handsome, and with, a clear background. It makes me feel safe.

" FindNovel.net, I hadn't drunk any alcohol tonight, but my mood was intoxicating, almost dizzying.,

"What if I become wealthy one day, Licia? Would you feel unsafe then?

" Ernest inquired., I squinted.

"When did Mr. Collins become rich?

", Ernest didn't answer. Thinking of his, financial struggles, even to afford, Susie's surgery, I reassured him,

"Feeling safe has nothing to do with money.

" FindNovel.net, After that, I withdrew my hand.

"Let's go.

", Von, However, Ernest pressed my hand against the car, slowly pushing it down..., He had drunk tonight, his breath laced with the scent of liquor, mingling with the night breeze and my breath, exceptionally tantalizing., My fingers curled around the car door, and I swallowed hard.

"Ernest, what are you doing?

", Ernest's gaze lingered on my lips, indicating he still yearned for a taste of my latest kiss invention., I looked at his lips, the traces of my lipstick long gone but teased him,

"Ernest, you look good with lipstick.

",

"Mhm.

", I laughed.

"Why do you like 'mhm' so much? What does it even mean?

",

"It means you can apply it,

" Ernest's nose was against mine.,

"Just on me?

" My hand lifted to his throat.,

"Mhm.

", My hand caressed his throat.

"Can I apply it here too?

",

"You know you've done it before,

" Ernest's words reminded me of the time I marked my territory with a love bite.,

"Now?

" He saw my silence as an invitation, asking softly., I bit down directly, eliciting a muffled groan from Ernest. Suddenly, my body was lifted and pressed against the cold car door, with Ernest's burning heat pressing against me in the dark, windswept night. FindNovel.net, Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.