Chapter 220
Lately, Latham couldn’t shake the feeling that Dorothea was mad at him. She’d always turned her back to him at night, but now there was a whole different vibe. Her slender back just radiated silent annoyance.
That day, Latham didn’t bother texting her first. He just showed up at her office.
The receptionist’s cheeks flushed pink when she spotted him. “Hi there. Who are you here to see p>
It was nearly quitting time, so she probably thought he was some last-minute client from sales.
He flashed a small, easy smile. “I’m here for Dorothea. I’m her husband. Would you mind letting her know? Thanks p>
The receptionist’s eyes went wide. “Oh! Of course, I’ll tell her right away p>
Dorothea’s secretary came over a moment later and greeted him. “Hello, Latham. This way, please p>
It didn’t take long for the whole company to start buzzing. “Dorothea’s husband is Latham? No way!” Some people were already whispering and sneaking glances as he walked by.
Latham just grinned, strolling toward Dorothea’s office. If she wouldn’t make their relationship official, he’d do it himself.
Dorothea was just hanging up the phone when she saw him. She looked surprised. “What are you doing here p>
“I have no idea why my wife’s mad at me, so I came to win her over p>
Dorothea’s ears turned red. She shot him a look, then nodded to her secretary. “Thank you. You can go p>
When the door closed, Dorothea pressed her lips together. “You should have told me you were coming p>
Latham sat right down in the chair in front of her, totally comfortable, raising a brow. “What, am I too ugly to be seen in public? Or do you just not want anyone to know about me p>
He checked his watch and tapped the desk. “It’s five-thirty, Dorothea. Time to go home p>
Dorothea could only sigh. There were times when Latham’s shamelessness was truly unbeatable.
She shut her laptop, grabbed her coat, and stood. “Let’s go home p>
She barely took two steps before Latham caught her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. His hand held her steady as she squirmed, and his laugh rumbled against her back.
He smiled and gently tipped her chin up. “So tell me, what’s got you so mad lately?” She felt his breath warm against her ear, making her cheeks heat up.
“I’m not mad p>
Dorothea tried to turn away, but Latham nuzzled the side of her neck, stopping her. “You still say you’re not angry?” He pressed a soft kiss to her puffed-out cheek.
He held her tight, his voice low and teasing. “I’m your husband. We’re married. If you keep bottling things up, you’re just going to make yourself sick p>
That only made her more annoyed.
“Let go!” she snapped, biting her lip. “Maybe I want to make myself sick p>
“Okay, okay… don’t be mad.” Latham stroked her back, gentle and patient, like he was trying to calm down a feisty kitten.
Dorothea pursed her lips. “Latham,
we agreed when we signed the
papers if your first love ever comes
you have to tell me right away
back you
I’ll bow out, no drama. But you have to tell me p>
Latham’s eyes lit up, amused. “What first love p>
She gave him a look. “Didn’t you hear all the gossip at my roommate’s wedding p>
Dorothea leaned her head on his shoulder and rolled her eyes. “You literally said it yourself. Your tattoo. Are you really going to tell me those,
aren’t your first love’s initials p>
Latham blinked, then broke into a deep, growing laugh. He couldn’t help kissing her
burning earlobe. “You’ve been angry about that this whole time p>
“What else would it be?” Dorothea shot back.
Latham narrowed his eyes, suddenly wanting to kiss her. So he did.
He kissed her, slow and sure, his tongue slipping into her mouth with practiced ease. Dorothea shivered, feeling his cool scent wrap all around her.
But she kept her wits, pushing him away just enough. “Latham, I’m being serious p>
Suddenly, Latham lifted her onto the desk, caging her in with his arms. His forehead pressed to hers, voice low and rough. “You think I’m not being serious p>
Dorothea gasped, giving his chest a weak punch. “You’re out of your mind p>
Latham undid his shirt buttons one by one, opening it below his collarbone. He stepped closer.
The tattoo was right there, clear as day. D.L.
“Look at it. Really look. Dorothea, there’s never been anyone else. No mysterious first love. Think about it. Who’s D? Who’s L p>
BUT
Latham had already taken ninety-nine steps toward her. He’d leave the last one for her, because love couldn’t be forced. He just hoped Dorothea would choose him, hot out of obligation but because she really wanted to.