That heart-thumping sensation seemed to find its home only in the presence of Everett.
He kissed her with a focus that intensified from a whisper to a storm.
It wasn't until the onlookers began to tease that Dorothy pushed him away and bolted. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Everett knew she was shy. Striding with long steps, he caught up to her, "What's the worry? Think we're breaking the rules?" Dorothy didn’t know how to reply.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Then let's make it official,” he said, gripping her hand a bit tighter. "I'm back in town now. Let's head to city hall and renew our vows." Dorothy blinked out of her daze and then smiled at him, "You think you can just whisk me away to sign papers? I've learned my lesson the first time around.” Looking for a proposal? Everett thought she was softening up.
But Dorothy shook her head, "I want to give it more serious thought before | give you an answer." In the world of grown-ups, anything short of a yes was a no.
Everett understood.
They bought some snacks and trinkets on the streets, and only when Dorothy felt a hint of fatigue did they head back to their place.
"Go rest up. I'll tend to the kids." Everett stroked her hair, seeing the weariness in her eyes.
"Your company must be swamped, right? Don't dump it all on Kevin and Jeffrey. I'm not that tired. Playing with the kids is doable.” "Are you sure you're not tired?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dorothy nodded firmly, "Of course!" "Then let's do something else." Without further ado, Everett lifted Dorothy into his arms.
She gave a start, then playfully hit his shoulder, a hint of complaint in her voice, "We just did... yesterday." "Just kidding," Everett said as he laid her gently on the bed. "I've got the company matters in hand. Go to sleep.” Reassured, Dorothy was about to speak when Everett's phone suddenly rang.
He glanced down. It was Jeffrey calling. Dorothy also caught a glimpse of the name on the screen.
"And here you said you had it under control. Look who's calling now." Everett sat on the edge of the bed, crossing his long legs. With Dorothy watching, he answered.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Hello?" "Everett! When are you and Dorothy heading back from Snowfall City?" Jeffrey sounded oddly excited, as if he'd stumbled upon some grand fortune, a stark contrast to his gloominess earlier when they had landed.
But this was the Jeffrey Everett knew, on his usual cheerful self.
"We haven't decided yet," Everett played with a strand of Dorothy's hair, twining it around his finger. "Is something up at the office?" "No, it's my news!" Jeffrey chuckled, "Karen agreed to be my girlfriend, and I'm meeting her parents today!" This revelation stunned both Dorothy and Everett.
Before their trip to Snowfall City, Jeffrey and Karen had been at odds.
"How did you pull it off?" Everett pressed immediately. "Jeffrey, you promised not to force her." He could feel Dorothy frowning beside him.
"What do you mean "pull it off? | pursued her properly, and she said yes properly!" Jeffrey didn't appreciate the insinuation, his voice showing a hint of pique. "With my looks, do | need to resort to deceit?" "Karen agreed willingly?" "Of course! If you don't believe me, ask Dorothy to check with her!" Everett paused, noticing Dorothy reaching for her phone, then asked again, "Jeffrey, you're serious about this, right?"