Chapter 273

Lately, Shermaine and Joshua had barely found time for intimacy. Between her grueling orientation at Basterel University and professors constantly pulling her into labs, her days were packed.

Joshua, too, was swamped. Since their last passionate encounter, they had settled for fleeting embraces and quick kisses, but they were never enough.

Joshua’s warm breath brushed Shermaine’s ear as he murmured, “Sheary, I only ever want you.” His lips trailed down her neck, each kiss featherlight yet searing.

Shermaine smiled and cupped Joshua’s face in her hands. She gently removed his glasses. His usually sharp gaze softened, his eyes, charming and deep-set, holding only her reflection. The faint flush at their corners betrayed his longing for her.

She ran a hand gently down his cheek. “I know.” Her heart fluttered. She wanted him just as much.

Joshua kissed her lips hungrily as if trying to fuse his soul with hers.

Shermaine’s fingers traced the line of his throat downward, pausing just long enough to tease in his ear, “I’ll take responsibility.”

Ross lit a cigarette, the smoke doing little to dull the ache in his chest. After catching the smell of smoke on his clothes, he turned and headed into the bathroom for a shower.

He knew Joshua was here to stay the night. Truth be told, he was really satisfied with the guy, and more importantly, Shermaine liked him.

After showering off the scent, Ross lay in bed, forcing his thoughts away from Ruth’s death fourteen years ago. The truth was unbearable, yet undeniable.

His mind drifted to Danielle. Suddenly, he craved the sound of her voice. Reaching for his phone, he dialed her number before he could second-guess himself.

Ross never imagined that in just a few months, Danielle’s absence would leave him feeling hollowed out. Now, he was willing to try to win her back.

He dialed her number several times, but she didn’t pick up. Frustrated, he tossed his phone aside.

Ross had never pursued a woman before, let alone knew how to mend things after angering one. Eventually, he grabbed his phone and posted on a forum: [How do I win back my ex-girlfriend?]

Soon enough, comments started coming in: [Are you hot?]

Ross: [Fairly.]

Truthfully, he was attractive, one of the most popular guys in Basterel, with plenty of admirers.

Comment: [Got abs?]

Ross: [Yes.]

Comment: [Dude, you’re hot and ripped, then just seduce her. She’ll cave.]

Ross frowned at the screen and replied: [She’s not that shallow.]

Comment: [Trust me, I did this with my ex-wife. Now we’re back together, and damn, life is so good.]

Another added: [Just chase her. If she still has feelings, she’ll give you another shot.]

Ross thought, ‘Would seduction even work on Danielle? But how am I supposed to do that if I don’t even get the chance to see her?’

Danielle hadn’t ignored Ross on purpose. She had been busy and only noticed the missed calls an hour later. Curiosity prickled, but she resisted redialing.

Unexpectedly, his number flashed on her screen again. After a brief hesitation, she answered, “It’s late. What’s up?”

After a brief pause, Ross said, his voice warm and measured, “Nothing, really.”