Chapter 451

Alicia hesitated, a hint of dread chilling her. “I might have to work late tonight.”

Caden’s gaze remained steady. “No excuses. You have to come back.”

Seeing his seriousness, Alicia was stunned, her face falling. “Yesterday, you were professing your undying love, and today you’re planning to torment me in bed. Men really do change their hearts the minute they’re out of bed.”

Caden flashed a roguish smile. “Do you always believe what a man says in bed?”

Alicia was momentarily speechless, her mind drifting back to the previous night—the warmth of his embrace, the intensity of his gaze, his raw and vulnerable whispers that had lowered her defenses and stirred unexpected feelings. Now, in the clear light of day, she felt foolish for trusting those words. How could she have believed him so completely in the heat of the moment?

Determined not to lose face, she quickly replied, “Of course not. I say all sorts of nonsense too. Don’t take any of it to heart.”

Caden remembered every word, a mischievous smile creeping across his face. “What kind of nonsense?”

Alicia straightened, maintaining her composure. “Oh, things like, ‘Only you can make me feel this way.’”

Hearing her repeat such intimate words with a serious expression, Caden couldn’t be angry; instead, he burst out laughing. He reached over, pulling her close, his gaze smoldering. “All lies, huh?”

Alicia’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her voice barely a murmur. “Yes, all lies.”

He traced a finger lightly over her waist, watching her squirm, her flustered reaction evident on her face. Caden scoffed, “You can’t even handle a touch, yet you say it’s all lies?”

Just then, he saw Blake exiting the building and noticing his car. A possessive spark ignited in Caden’s eyes. Without hesitation, he cupped the back of Alicia’s head and kissed her deeply, the boldness undeniable. He closed his eyes, savoring the sweetness of her lips until he was sure Blake had turned away.

When he finally released her, Alicia looked up, catching the playful glint in his eye. “What was that?” she asked breathlessly.

“You look like you’re up to no good,” Caden said, licking his tingling lips, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Up to no good? You think I poisoned my own kiss?”

Alicia rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.” Flustered, she touched her warm cheeks, then smoothed her clothes, tying the ribbon on her blouse into a neat bow. “How do I look? Presentable?” She worried her disheveled appearance might be noticeable after that unexpected kiss. “Do I look like a cool, aloof boss?”

Caden’s gaze roamed over her, from her blouse to her flushed cheeks. “Hmm… I’m not sure about aloof, but you certainly look tempting.”

She playfully swatted his shoulder. “Be serious.”

His eyes softened. “I am being serious. No matter how put-together you look, I can’t forget how you were last night.”

Alicia felt her cheeks warm.