C
Shirley rushed over, splashing through the water.
Jared had been momentarily dazed from the fall into the pool. Thanks to his height, the water only came up to his waist. He took a second to collect himself before himing to Yvenne in disbelief.
“Did you just choose me?
She’d chosen him? That was ridiculous! If anything, shoving him into the pool was more like a cruelove
Yvonne’s voice was icy. “IfYou’re not thinking straight, go see a doctor!
She fought back without hesitation, trading blow for blow. Besides she didn’t need help getting out of the pool Reaching the edge, she hoisted herself and sat on the pool’s teilp, s
Her hair dripped with water, and the soaked fabric of her gown dragged down the thin straps, making them slip off her shoulders. She sat there, catching her breath. She had to be careful not to tear her pown.
૧૧, ૧૧-
The words “are stunning” lodged in Jared’s throat. He stared at her defiant expression, captivated. He stayed rooted in the water, his arm still tingling where she’d grabbed him
The harder Yvonne pushed back, the more he wanted her. Even though all she’d given him was retaliation, it left his pulse pounding and his breath ragged. It was thrilling!
Luther, who’d seen everything, remarked with admiration, “That’s just like Ms. Jamison.”
He’d always known Yvonne would never yield to Jared. Decisive in action and sparing with words, she was mesmerizing.
“Mr. Ford, are you okay? Your watch got wet. That must’ve cost a fortune…”
Shirley rushed to Jared’s side before turning to Yvonne, her voice trembling with tears. “Yvonne, if you hadn’t pushed me first, Mr. Ford wouldn’t have pushed you. This is still your fault.”
Yvonne rose slowly, fixing Shirley with a cool, disdainful look. She thought Shirley and Jared were perfectly matched. One loved the drama, and the other was downright unhinged.
“Shirley, if there’s a next time, I won’t hold back,” Jared warned.
Yvonne saw right through his little performance and didn’t even bother responding. She wanted to leave, but the skirt of her gown, heavy and waterlogged, clung to her, holding her in place.
Jared kept his eyes on her. He couldn’t risk Luther seeing her like this, vulnerable yet glowing.
“Stay here. I’ll get you another gown,” he said.
Yvonne ignored him. She lifted one leg behind her, grabbed the hem of her skirt, and hiked it just above her knees to wring out
the water
Just as Jared stepped out of the pool, the sight of her slender, pale legs sent a sharp rush of possessiveness through him. He shrugged off his suit jacket and held it out.
“Put this on for now-
Luther cut him off. “Here’s a fresh towel, Ms. Jamison.”
He was surprisingly quick, having already grabbed one of the large towels kept by the pool. This time, Yvonne took it from him and wrapped it around herself.
“Thank you, Mr. Feland.”
Chapter 76
+25 BONUS
Nearby, Shitley was still struggling to climb out. “Mr. Ford, I can’t out. I’m beat.”
Jared pretended not to hear her.
Once again, Yvonne turned her back on him, this time toward Later, Jared’s expression darkened further.
Now the two men faced each other, with Yvonne trapped between Dein like a prize they both wanted.
“Ms. Jamison, let me know if you need anything,” Lather said, pudding on a gentlemanly act
Thank you!
Yvonne left without delay. Luckily, the signed invitation papers her handbag were still dry.
When Jared came back after changing, he couldn’t find Yvonne anywhere. He was still holding the spare outfit meant for her.
“The charity gala isn’t over yet, Mr. Ford. Why the hurry?” Lather asked.
He’d positioned himself at the banquet hall’s entrance, blocking Jared’s way as he tried to go after Yvonne,
