Chapter 286

Xavier was still working, but the moment he noticed Scarlett peeking through the doorway, he paused. A soft smile touched his lips as he said gently, "Come in." Scarlett quickly stepped inside, closed the door behind her, and rushed over to the desk. To her surprise, Xavier rolled his chair back to make room and extended a hand toward her. "Come here," he said. She hesitated for just a moment before taking a step forward. Xavier took her wrist and gently pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin against the curve of her neck. He inhaled her subtle scent, as if this simple gesture could melt away all his fatigue. Even though Scarlett had been in his arms many times before, her cheeks still flushed, and her heart raced wildly. "The SAT scores came out today," she said, trying to ignore the warmth rising to her face. She smiled. "Can you guess how I did?" "You must have aced it," he said, his voice deep and rumbling. As he spoke, his warm breath grazed her cheek, making he