Arabella Vanderbilt's heart suddenly skipped a beat; she was accustomed to Joel Russo's gentle indifference, as well as the indulgence and tenderness he showed only to her.
But the things he occasionally revealed inadvertently made her keenly aware that the man before her definitely had another side that was not open to her.
The hand resting on his shoulder slowly slid down, and Arabella's breathing was still short and messy from the searing heat.
"I'm going to take the call."
Joel Russo looked down at her quietly, not saying a word. Arabella took the initiative to slip out of his embrace, and he did not continue to restrain her.
She turned and followed her out of the kitchen.
Arabella answered the call, having already seen the caller ID.
"Mhm, Jinna Martinez?"
Her voice was still slightly husky from the deep kiss she had just received, and she felt a tickle in her throat as she spoke.
She couldn't help but cough lightly.
"Cough..."
