Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Chapter 90
Audrey’s POV:
:
I stared at Caspar across the candlelit table, his words hanging in the air between us like an invisible thread.
Had he really just asked for permission to court me?
My mind was spinning, struggling to process what was happening.
No wonder he’d been so insistent on sending Noah to Dorothy’s today.
Was this whole thing premeditated? The romantic dinner, the roses, the confession–had he planned it all along?
“I need a drink,” I muttered, reaching for the wine bottle only to find it empty.
Caspar had apparently finished it just now.
My fingers trembled slightly as I poured myself a glass of sparkling water instead.
The bubbles seemed to mock my agitation.
“You know,” I finally managed, attempting a light tone that sounded strained even to my own ears, “if you’re practicing your courtship speech for someone, I’d say it’s pretty effective.”
I forced a small laugh, desperately trying to defuse the intensity of the moment with humor.
But Caspar didn’t laugh. His dark eyes remained fixed on mine, unwavering and serious.
“This isn’t practice, Audrey,” he said quietly. “And there is no ‘someone else.“”
Before I could formulate a response, he rose from his chair with fluid grace.
Then he leaned across the table, his hands gently cupping my face.
Time seemed to slow..
My heart hammered against my ribs as he leaned down, one hand bracing against the table, the other gently tilting my chin upward.
The kiss was nothing like I’d imagined. It wasn’t tentative or questioning. It was confident, deep, and overwhelming.
When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my lips tingling and my thoughts scattered like autumn leaves in a strong wind.
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Caspar’s expression was intense yet vulnerable, a combination I’d never seen on his usually controlled face.
The silence between us was profound, filled only with the sound of our quickened breathing and heartbeats.
“You’re so… direct,” I finally said, my voice raspy and unfamiliar to my own ears.
His eyes remained fixed on mine, intense and unguarded.
“I had to be. If I waited any longer, one of us would have retreated.” His eyes held mine, seeing too much.
I felt my cheeks flush at his accuracy.
“Audrey,” he said, his voice softer now but no less intense. “Will you let me court you? Give us a chance?”
My heart fluttered traitorously in my chest. “Caspar, I-”
“Everything I have would be yours,” he added softly. “Including Noah.”
I swallowed hard. Was he really using Noah as a bargaining chip in his pursuit of me?
That’s so unfair, I thought, feeling my resolve weakening.
of me?
Using Noah like that when he knows how much I care about that little boy. It’s completely against the rules… and it’s working.
I took a deep breath, trying to sort through the chaos of my emotions. “I need time to think about this.”
“How much time?” His question was direct, his gaze unwavering.
I hesitated, wanting to put this off as long as possible. “A year, maybe?”
His face immediately turned gloomy.
“A year? Do I really seem that terrible in your eyes? Audrey. I’m asking for a chance to date you properly.”
“Six months?” I offered weakly.
271)
“Seven days,” he stated firmly, cutting through my stalling tactics with decisive precision.
As a negotiator, Caspar knew exactly what terms he was willing to accept. His tone made it clear this wasn’t up for further discussion.
I fidgeted with my napkin. “Fine. Seven days it is.”
He nodded once, satisfaction in the slight curve of his lips.
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“But, I added quickly, raising a finger, “I have a condition of my own.”
His eyebrow arched. “I’m listening.”
“During these seven days, I need space. No romantic gestures, no surprise visits, no…” I gestured vaguely between us, “…no more of
whatever. I need to think clearly, without interference.”
Caspar studied me for a long moment, as if weighing the cost of this concession against his own plans.
“Agreed,” he finally said.
Relief washed over me.
I immediately pushed back my chair and stood, reaching for my purse that hung on the back of my seat.
“Great. Then I should probably head home now. It’s getting late.”
Caspar’s expression shifted to one of mild amusement as he gestured toward our barely touched dinner.
“Without finishing your meal? You’ve hardly eaten anything.”
I glanced down at my plate, still largely full with the exquisite food he’d prepared.
“I’m actually full,” I lied, unable to meet his eyes.
I couldn’t possibly sit across from him for another hour, pretending that my world hadn’t just tilted on its axis, pretending that his kiss
wasn’t still burning on my lips.
Caspar saw through my excuse easily.
But instead of letting me stay, he simply nodded and reached for his phone.
Within moments, Edward appeared in the doorway.
“Ms. Lane will be leaving shortly,” Caspar explained. “Please package a portion of dinner for her to take home.”
Edward nodded without a flicker of curiosity crossing his professional demeanor.
“Of course, sir. Right away.”
Back in my apartment, I placed the packed food on the table casually.
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Chapter 90
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Looking at the delicacies placed on the table, my mind stubbornly replayed the moment Caspar had leaned across the table.
The gentle pressure of his hand tilted my chin upward. The unexpected softness of his lips against mine.
“Stop it,” I muttered to myself.
I moved to the living room and curled up on my couch.
I pressed my fingers to my lips, still feeling the ghost of his kiss.
How had we gone to… this?
First, I was just a woman who’d fled his bed after our impulsive night together.
Then, when I became his son’s art teacher, he grew suspicious of my true intentions.
And now this–his confession, his kiss, his ultimatum.
Seven days seemed both impossibly short and agonizingly long.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
