Jessica froze, her body tensing for a split second before she shoved Timothy

away with all her strength. She yanked the comforter up to shield herself, glaring at him with a wariness that hadn't been there before.

"It was just a kiss. Was that really necessary?" Timothy scoffed.

She never used to react like this.

Her rejection stoked his frustration-ever since Herbert Wheeler had shown up, Jessica hardly let Timothy touch her at all.

Jessica silently cursed her inability to speak; if she could, she would have called him a creep to his face.

As if he even realized where he'd tried to kiss her.

After making sure the blanket was secure around her, Jessica reached out and signed, "Trying to pull that stunt in broad daylight at the hospital? Get out. I'll change by myself."

Timothy's irritation softened, if only a little.

She was shy-especially in the middle of the day, in a hospital room no less. With her temperament, of course she couldn't accept it.

As long as she wasn't pushing him away for another man, he could live with it.

He was still coaxing her, after all; the last thing he wanted was to drive her so far that she'd never come home again.

So he left the room.

hurry and slipped out of

led her toward the exit,

him the entire way home. When they returned to The Gilded Whisper Estates, Henry was nestled up against Sheila, chatting with her. "Miss Sheila, could you please talk to my dad?

Timothy's voice was cold, sharp

up and saw his father's stony expression. Remembering the scolding he'd received at the paper-cutting

talk Timothy out

politely, then turned to Timothy. "You shouldn't be so harsh

ma'am,

lecture Henry, but with dinner ready and guests

lunch, so he said, "Let's eat

Jessica's hand, leading her to the dining room. Pulling out her chair like a perfect gentleman, he waited for her to sit before

two of them sat across from

authority, ladled a bowl of soup for Jessica and set it in front of her. "You just got over a high

was gentle, almost

felt as if her heart were being

tenderness had belonged

head

Sheila was there or not, it barely seemed to matter

Jessica, picking out

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255