Chapter 127

He suddenly cracked a smile. So in her eyes, he was the road she should never take, huh? Claire couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. She lowered her head and muttered, “I’ve got stuff to do this afternoon. I’m gonna grab something to eat.” This time, she didn’t ask for his permission or wait around—just spun on her heel and walked out of the room, clean and crisp. He was doing just fine. His kiss, though... it had completely shaken her. But really, Julian was that kind of man—charming by default. If he set his mind on winning someone over, how possible was it that he’d fail? For him, letting go or holding on was effortless. But for her... she wasn’t that girl anymore—the one who’d throw herself against the world for some guy. ＊＊＊＊＊ Back in the restaurant, Claire plopped down and reached for a glass of water. Her lips were still tingling from that kiss, and his scent still clung to her like some kind of mild drug—faint, but lingering. She was zoning out mid-sip when a low, teasing v