Chapter 30
Jensen stood there, floored.
Meanwhile, Josh was tending to Natalie’s wrist, dabbing on ointment like he was handling fine china.
Jensen marveled inwardly, Josh, Mr. President of Solterra, kneeling? That would blow those old men’s minds. He’s totally whipped
After the ointment was on, Natalie nudged josh, hinting he should offer it to Jensen. But Josh just shot Jensen a look and then trashed the tube nonchalantly.
Jensen was speechless.
“So, what brought you here?” Josh settled himself on the couch beside Natalic.
Jensen took a seat, nursing his bruised pride, and said, “Just dropping by to say Franco Group outdid the four prominent families in Gobis last week. We’re making waves overseas now.”
Josh replied casually, “Cool”
Jensen was no ordinary joe, the guy had a golden touch in business, dabbling in medical, traffic, entertainment, jewelry, and beauty industries, without riding on Josh’s coatralis
Although Jensen was a royal, he was not interested in Josh’s area. He had always felt that people like Josh were all very s scheming.
Jensen shrugged off Josh’s lukewarm reaction. “I’m throwing a bash to celebrate, and I want you and the missus to
“Nope.” Josh was quick to decline
“Come on! I’m personally inviting you!”
“Got stuff to do.”
come.”
“How can you have plans on my birthday? You’re my brother! It’s a milestone bash!” Jensen exclaimed with a dramatic hand covering his mouth. He then cast a woeful glance Natalie’s way.
Feeling sorry
for him, Natalie chimed in, “Maybe we could swing by…
Josh turned to her, his eyes unreadable.
Natalie thought she had said something wrong, so she clammed up.
But Josh leaned in and asked, “You want to go!”
Sensing a sliver of opportunity, Jensen gestured wildly at Natalie.
Natalie clenched her fists. “1…”
“We’ll be there, then.” Josh cracked a smile, softening.
Jensen’s jaw hit the floor.
He thought, Josh didn’t agree even though I tried so hard. She speaks, and it’s a done deal? Natalie’s got skills! I owe her big time!
Jensen beelined to Natalie, all eagerness. “Thanks a ton, Natalie! I’m at your service from here on out
Josh gave Jensen a sideways glance. “You can leave if you’re done here,
Jensen was speechless. He deadpanned, “Who says I’m done! Can’t I stick around to just chill for a bit?”
Jensen kept things casual with Natalie, skirting around Josh’s big–shot status. He peppered her with questions about everything from her name to what drew her to Josh, who seemed so standoffish.
But Natalie was thrown for a loop. ‘Standoffish Josh has always been anything but that to me, she thought.
Josh had enough of Jensen’s chatter and checked the time. “It’s about noon. Fil have Martin bring us some lunch.”
Chapter 30
Jensen piped up, “What about me?”
“Scram, Josh replied.
Again, Jensen was at a loss for words. “Bro, what happened to brotherly love? I’m your flesh and blood…
Josh was unamused. “Natalie’s my number one.”
Seeing Jensen’s kicked–puppy look, Natalie caved in. “Well, it is almost lunchtime…”
“Great, it’s settled!” Jensen beamed triumphantly.
But Josh had other plans. Spotting a deck of cards, he suggested. Let’s let a card game decide. Loser leaves.”
Jensen balked. “No way Josh would clean his clock!
Natalie, bless her heart, agreed.
Jensen saw an opening. With Nalle in the game, I might not be the worst, he thought
“Let’s do it” Jensen became really confident.
The three of them sat down to play. Natalie had skills but lousy luck with her hand. Josh and Jensen went head–to–head, with Josh playing like a pro, giving his brother no quarter. Jensen was fuming and blushing-
When it was Josh versus Natalie, the tension was palpable. As Natalie laid down a card nervously Josh studied his hand, his stunning poker face in place. After a suspenseful pause, he smirked. TIL pass
The roo
room went dead quiet. Natalie was confused, So was Jensen
“Josh, that’s not fair! You’re throwing the gamel Jensen accused.
Josh’s cool glance shut him up.
In the end, Josh kept passing, Natalie won, Josh got second, and Jensen was dead last.
“Nicely done, Nat, Josh murmured with a hint of pride while Natalie blushed and stayed mum.
Jensen was internally kicking himself, thinking, Great, I’ve lost the game and had to witness all this lovey–dovey stuff instead of eating!
But Josh surprised him–nobody got kicked out. Martin brought Junch, and the three of them ate together. Jensen relished the meal until something clicked.
Jensen couldn’t help but wonder, “Since when do you eat spicy, Josh
Josh passed some food to Natalie. “People change”
Jensen rolled his eyes at himself. Why did I even ask? he thought.
After lunch, Natalie caught some sun on the lounge chair by the window, getting lost in a book. Jensen lounged on the couch, stealing glances at her.
Before he knew it, Josh joined her on the chair, wrapping her in his arms, He’d kiss her hand with each page turn, even though she tensed up initially,
Josh’s slight smile bloomed under the soft, golden sunlight, marking a serene and beautiful moment,
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