Chapter 357

In the second half, Teresa pushed Jonathan away with all her strength. “You’re rushing things, and I don’t like it. I’m leaving.”

Jonathan pulled her into his arms from behind, his lips brushing softly against her delicate neck. “I’m sorry. I messed up.”

Teresa stayed silent, her emotions tangled. He gently swept her hair aside and continued kissing down her neck, his voice low and full of regret. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. The day you left, I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”

“I just didn’t want you to see what we have as some kind of transaction. I don’t want you to think so little of our relationship.”

“Every time you talk about money and us just ‘fucking,’ it really gets to me. I’m sorry, honey. I really am.”

Teresa’s nose stung with emotion, and before she could say anything, his lips found hers again, this time softer and more tender. She mumbled, her voice muffled, “Are you sober right now?”

“Yeah,” Jonathan replied.

“This is the last time, Jonathan,” Teresa said quietly.

He agreed, “Alright.” Jonathan said something else after that, but Teresa didn’t catch it.

When Teresa woke up again, daylight streamed through the window. She woke before Jonathan. His face wasn’t as flushed as it had been the night before. Slipping out of his arms, she tried to get out of bed, and that’s when Jonathan woke up too.

The first thing he saw was her bare back and her long hair cascading down. She looked stunning.

“Where are you going?” he asked, his hand lingering on her, reluctant to let go.

Teresa brushed his hand away, a little annoyed. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Can you even walk?” he teased.

“Of course I can!” hissed Teresa.

After her shower, Teresa caught sight of herself in the mirror. Marks from the night before were scattered all over her skin. In the middle of summer, she was actually going to have to wear long sleeves.

When Teresa came out of the bathroom, Jonathan was already dressed and ready. He’d taken his shower in the next bathroom.

“I think I was drugged last night,” Jonathan said.

“What?” Teresa looked at him, surprised.

“There was a female boss from Everport who said she fell for me at first sight. I told her I was divorced with five kids, and she said she didn’t care,” he said, half-amused.

“Five kids? You really say whatever comes to mind,” Teresa said, her heart skipping a beat as she looked away.

“I’d say ten if I had to. Doesn’t matter—I don’t have any.” He straightened his tie, sounding much more like himself than he had the night before, looking refreshed and put together.

Jonathan handed Teresa a bank card. Teresa frowned, suddenly tense, as if a weight had settled on her chest. She shook his hand off, and the card fell to the floor. “What do you take me for?”

Jonathan just laughed at her anger, not the least bit offended. He bent down to pick up the card. “And what exactly should I take you for?”

“Ha. I shouldn’t have let my guard down with you last night.” Teresa turned to leave, as if she never wanted to see him again.

But Jonathan was quick. He grabbed her arm before she could go. “Relax, I was just joking. I told you, I was fully aware last night, and I already apologized, didn’t I?

“I shouldn’t have stormed out last time, but honestly, what you said was out of line too. Now you know how it feels, right? Words can hurt.”

Teresa’s heart twisted. After what happened last night, and now with him offering her money, it stung. She took a breath and admitted, “Yeah, I was out of line.”

Jonathan pressed the card back into her hand and sighed. Meeting her confused gaze, he finally explained, “It’s just for your living expenses in Mareigh. Take it.”

“I don’t need it,” Teresa said quietly.

Jonathan insisted, “Just take it.”

Teresa shook her head. “I really don’t want it. If you keep insisting, it feels like you’re paying me for last night.”

Teresa set the card down on the table. Her eyes drifted to the last drawer. She wanted to take out the ring box, but she’d have to wait until Jonathan wasn’t around. There was no way she could do it in front of him.

Jonathan’s attention was elsewhere. He glanced at the bed with the cartoon muffin blanket. “By the way, that kid—did he go home?”

“No idea.” Teresa turned to leave but then remembered she still hadn’t retrieved the ring. She hesitated, unable to go just yet.

Jonathan stopped her from leaving. He headed to the kitchen and soon had a pot of pasta ready, with two perfectly cooked eggs sitting on top of each bowl. Teresa was honestly starving. If she wasn’t, the baby inside her definitely was.