The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 617

That heart-thumping sensation seemed to find its home only in the presence of Everett.

He kissed her with a focus that intensified from a whisper to a storm.

It wasn't until the onlookers began to tease that Dorothy pushed him away and bolted. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Everett knew she was shy. Striding with long steps, he caught up to her, "What's the worry? Think we're breaking the rules?"

Dorothy didn’t know how to reply.

"Then let's make it official," he said, gripping her hand a bit tighter. "I'm back in town now. Let's head to city hall and renew our vows."

Dorothy blinked out of her daze and then smiled at him, "You think you can just whisk me away to sign papers? I've learned my lesson the first time around."

Looking for a proposal? Everett thought she was softening up.

But Dorothy shook her head, "I want to give it more serious thought before I give you an answer."

In the world of grown-ups, anything short of a yes was a no.

Everett understood.

...

They bought some snacks and trinkets on the streets, and only when Dorothy felt a hint of fatigue did they head back to their place.

"Go rest up. I'll tend to the kids."

Everett stroked her hair, seeing the weariness in her eyes.

"Your company must be swamped, right? Don't dump it all on Kevin and Jeffrey. I'm not that tired. Playing with the kids is doable."

"Are you sure you’re not tired?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dorothy nodded firmly, "Of course!"

"Then let's do something else." Without further ado, Everett lifted Dorothy into his arms.

"No, it's my news!" Jeffrey chuckled, "Karen agreed to be my girlfriend, and I'm meeting her parents today!"

This revelation stunned both Dorothy and Everett.

Before their trip to Snowfall City, Jeffrey and Karen had been at odds.

"How did you pull it off?" Everett pressed immediately. "Jeffrey, you promised not to force her."

He could feel Dorothy frowning beside him.

"What do you mean 'pull it off'? I pursued her properly, and she said yes properly!" Jeffrey didn't appreciate the insinuation, his voice showing a hint of pique. "With my looks, do I need to resort to deceit?"

"Karen agreed willingly?"

"Of course! If you don't believe me, ask Dorothy to check with her!"

Everett paused, noticing Dorothy reaching for her phone, then asked again, "Jeffrey, you're serious about this, right?"