A imaginative kiss

Dave's POV

The moment Celine walked back inside, I turned to Faye.

"She doesn't seem to like you."

Faye lifted her head and walked closer, standing beside Jeff.

"It will take time, but I will charm her soon," she replied.

I nodded.

Knowing how much Celine hates bodyguards, I needed a way to keep one closely by her side.

"Make sure she doesn't suspect anything," I added, and turned to Jeff.

He handed me the report for the monthly data of our businesses in Atlantic City.

The numbers were a bit disturbing, I might as well deal with that while I'm here.

I still had my eyes focused on the screen when Celine walked back out.

I moved to set down the tablet, glancing at her when my eyes caught what she was wearing. I stopped halfway.

My eyes trailed from the curve of her shoulder down to the sway of the fabric against her waist.

Heat crept up my neck and my throat felt dry, my hand tightened around the phone and I straightened.

She put on a smile the second our gazes caught, a sweet, innocently deliberate smile that I knew so well.

I inhaled sharply, dropping the tablet onto the sofa.

"Shall we?" she said and continued to walk.

I stopped her.

"You're not planning to escape and go somewhere else, are you?"

She turned to me with a slight frown. "Of course not," she shrugged.

"Fine," I said, glaring suspiciously at her.

There was silence for a second before Faye spoke.

"Mr. Montessori, can I get a ride too?"

Celine shot her a glare too fast.

I nodded. "Sure."

Her death glare shifted back to me. I watched her bite her lower lip hard, and just when I was expecting her to throw a tantrum, she shut her mouth and walked out.

—

Celine's POV

This ride was supposed to be private. How am I supposed to make a move when Faye is in the car too?

I got into the back and Dave joined me. Faye sat in the front seat and Jeff took the driver's seat.

Suddenly, I remembered Max and turned to Dave, who seemed too focused on his phone.

"What are you going to do about Max?" I asked.

I wanted to ask for more details, but I needed to know if he was going to be spared first.

We spent a lot of time together, and I almost couldn't believe that he was a spy, but more than that, I trusted Dave.

There was no reason he would lie to me.

"Why? Worried I'll break his legs?" he answered, his gaze snapping up.

I stared into his eyes, a little anxious. "Can you spare him? He must have had a reason."

Dave's expression shifted at my plea; he looked upset. He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me close.

"Celine Sawyer, are you seriously defending someone who might have harmed you?" he retorted.

I swallowed hard.

I didn't mean that, I just can't bear to know that Max was hurt because of me.

Suddenly, the car jerked back and I was thrown forward.

Dave's hands caught me quickly, but as he pulled me to himself, our lips collided.

I froze for a second, two blinks. I was stunned and didn't know what to do.

Dave's arms were still wrapped around me, holding me against his chest.

Should I...? My heart beat fast.

Before I could gather my thoughts, I felt Dave's mouth move against mine. It felt like I had imagined it, the warm, cozy taste.

Then his palm seemed to pull me closer. I felt his tongue against my lips and pulled away.

He was staring at me, like nothing had just happened.

Did I imagine that? My head raised an alarm.

It happened in a breath. I must be so obsessed with him that I thought for a second he had kissed me.

My fingers slowly reached for my lips and I turned away.

"I'm sorry, Boss," Jeff quickly apologized. "It's a cat."

He got out of the car and Faye followed after him.

I was about to join them when Dave suddenly grabbed my wrist. He pulled me back to himself and my breath caught.

I stared at him, a little afraid.

"What...?" I blinked.

He seemed to be struggling; I don't know why, but it felt like he was uncomfortable.

Did he hate it when our lips touched just now?

I pressed my lips together.

He didn't say a word, just stared into my eyes, until Faye appeared and we were both forced to look away.

"It's a stray cat," she informed us.

I stared at the cat; it was beautiful. I turned to Dave again.

"Can we keep it?" I pleaded.

"The owner is probably looking for it," he reminded me.

I frowned, pouting a little.

"Fine. But I'll keep it until then," I said.

He paused, his eyes glancing at Faye for a second.

"As you wish."

My face contorted slowly. Why did he look at her?

I rolled my eyes and took the cat from the window, placed it on my lap, and stroked its fur.

The ride continued and we soon arrived at the campus gate. I turned to Faye, knowing I couldn't take the cat to class.

"I'm sorry, Miss Celine. But I have to be in class."

My brows raised a little. "You're a student too?"

I threw a side glance at Dave. Could this be what I think it was? A secret bodyguard to watch me.

Smart. But not good enough to fool me.

"I will keep it for you," Dave offered, and I handed over the pet to him.

I got out of the car with Faye, who walked behind me.

Dave was still there, window rolled down, watching me. I paused and caught Faye doing so too.

A smile spread at the corner of my lips and I turned back to face Dave.

"Don't come pick me up," I told him.

His face turned sour quickly, and before he could protest, I leaned down and pecked his cheek.

I drew back and waved at him before rushing off inside the gate.

Faye was still walking behind me, most definitely watching my steps.

Alright, girl. Let's play this game.