Alicia met his gaze steadily. “So, what if I tell you that’s exactly what I desire? What would you do about it?”

Caden’s stern expression softened at her challenge, and he teased, “If you’re not in a hurry, we can wait until we get home. But if you are, I can arrange a room at a nearby hotel.”

Alicia was left speechless. Unable to contain herself, she silently swore at him. All he ever thinks about is sex!

Caden, purposely misinterpreting her reaction, smirked. “Can’t wait, can you? Should I ask Hank to pull over? I’ve never experienced that in a car before.”

Alicia’s cheeks flushed red, and she leaned in to cover his mouth. She was aware of his uninhibited nature in private, but his blatant boldness in front of Hank was shocking. He might be indifferent to his own reputation, but she certainly cared about hers!

Seizing the moment, Caden drew her into his embrace. She tried to wriggle free.

“Don’t move,” he said, holding her effortlessly. He shut his eyes. “Let me rest for a while.”

He rested his chin on her head and exhaled slowly. “I’m feeling a bit sleepy.” His voice was deep and hoarse, betraying his exhaustion.

Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ; comm

Alicia’s resolve melted, and she ceased her struggle. She shifted to make herself a more comfortable support for him to lean on.

Caden laughed.

Confused, she buried her face in his chest, her eyelashes fluttering against his neck. “Why are you laughing?”

The sensation of her lashes tickling him warmed his heart. He tightened his embrace. “I’m laughing at your silliness. I’m just tired, not helpless. What were you trying to achieve? Did you want me to lie completely on top of you? Considering your petite frame, are you sure you can handle that?”

Alicia hesitated before saying, “I just…”

All she wanted was for him to be more comfortable. She hadn’t considered whether she could physically support him. Feeling too shy to express this, she quickly changed the subject. “Just go to sleep.”

With the traffic at a standstill, it would be at least another hour before they reached home. Caden settled her on his lap, nestling his face into her neck and taking a deep breath, savoring her fragrance. For a moment, he was utterly enchanted.

Despite his exhaustion, he was typically vigilant and rarely slept soundly. But now, it seemed as though he had taken a sedative. He fell asleep almost immediately, his breathing becoming steady and regular. Alicia listened to his breath, and without thinking, she began to gently stroke his hair.

She couldn’t explain why she felt compelled to touch him. But when she realized what she was doing, she became flustered and quickly pulled her hand back. She consciously avoided further contact or even looking at him, instead gazing out the window.

Hank noticed that Caden had dozed off. This was the first time he had seen Caden so relaxed, asleep in the car with a woman cradled in his arms. He felt a mix of relief and concern.

“Mr. Ward has been on a business trip for three consecutive days,” Hank said quietly. “He only managed to catch two or three hours of sleep each day, and even then, he was easily disturbed by any noise.”

Alicia was taken aback. In a lowered voice, she asked, “Was he really that overwhelmed?”

“The foundation here isn’t as solid as it is overseas,” Hank continued, “and it’s not just the workload. There are other issues weighing on him too.”

He left it vague, and Alicia understood it was best not to probe further.

They finally reached the apartment garage. Hank discreetly exited the car without disturbing Caden. As sleep eluded her, Alicia opened his laptop to address a persistent product issue.

Although she had limited experience, her ability to learn quickly was evident. After analyzing several case studies, she formulated a new strategy based on her insights.

Once she completed the task, Alicia sent it off.

The buzzing of his phone roused Caden from his sleep. Bleary-eyed, he silently regarded the woman cradled in his arms.

Feeling somewhat responsible, Alicia asked softly, “Did I wake you?” Her voice carried a gentle timbre.

Caden was always struck by that tone. He turned his attention to the laptop screen.

The department heads had all responded affirmatively: “Sure thing, Mr. Ward.”

He fixed an intense gaze on her and smiled. “Even Hank wouldn’t dare touch my things without permission. You’re quite bold.”

Alicia hastily clarified, “I didn’t look at anything else, I promise. I just wanted to help a little. You retrieved my mother’s painting for me, and this is the only way I can think of to repay you…”

Caden’s eyes sparkled playfully. “So, how should I credit this plan when I present it tomorrow?”

Alicia blinked, taken aback for a moment.

Caden gently grasped the back of her head, bringing his face close to hers. “Should I introduce it as the work of my partner, or my girlfriend?”

Alicia’s eyelashes fluttered in surprise. “You’re not fully awake yet, are you?” Girlfriend? What girlfriend?

Her heart thudded audibly, echoing in her ears.

She was incredibly flustered.

Noticing her urge to escape, Caden’s playfulness intensified. He relished the moment.

“Which part?” he teased.

He slid his hand down, opened her coat, and firmly grasped her slender waist through her soft sweater.

He leaned in closer.

“Me, or here?”

Immediately, Alicia’s face flushed deeply red. She shivered slightly.

Her body instinctively reacted to his presence.

Terrified by the desire in his eyes, Alicia suggested, “If you’re not going back to sleep, let’s go upstairs. I…”

Her words were cut off by Caden’s kiss.

His intense kiss overwhelmed her senses.

Quickly, she found herself utterly vulnerable.

Yet, despite the rush of emotions, Alicia remained aware of their surroundings. She gently nudged him, cautioning, “Someone might see us.”

“There are no vacant spots near us. No one will come this way,” Caden reassured her. “Just once, okay?”