When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0595

+25 BONUS

Miranda wrapped her arms tightly around Paul’s neck with her legs off the ground, clinging desperately to him.

At this moment, she was like a koala bear hanging on a tree. And Paul was that tree.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, but that dog scared me…” Miranda apologized while fidgeting, trying to get down.

However, Paul’s hand was still resting on her waist. Even through her thick coat, Miranda could feel the hot and burning warmth from his palm.

Her cheeks reddened instantly, and the color spread across her face. Even the tips of her ears turned light pink.

“Dr… Dr. Jefferson…” Miranda used a little more strength to try and get down, but Paul’s grip was like an iron vise that locked her waist in place. She was completely immobilized.

“Are you scared?” Paul suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse. It wasn’t clear whether he was referring to the dog or himself.

Miranda nodded. “A little.”

“You jumped up yourself, didn’t you?” he asked.

Her face turned even redder, like a tomato. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. It was a spur–of–the–moment thing..

After all, she was scared. The dog was so large and suddenly rushed out. There was nowhere to hide on the narrow staircase. If she had just stood there dumbfounded, that dog would have crashed right into her legs.

Miranda didn’t regret her actions despite her embarrassment. If she had to do it again, she was sure she would still choose to jump onto Paul.

“Dr. Jefferson, um… Can you put me down now?” she asked softly.

Unbeknownst to her, her lips were right next to Paul’s ears. As she spoke, her warm breath brushed against his cheek and ear unintentionally.

Paul’s body stiffened at that moment. He moved her away from his body and bent slightly at the waist, but his hands still didn’t let go of her. He just made sure that their bodies weren’t pressing against each other tightly.

“Are you sure?” He finally spoke after a while. His voice sounded even huskier.

“Huh?” Miranda noticed one of her sneakers had been knocked off by the clumsy dog, which it had proudly carried away.

She looked at her beige cotton sock covering her shoeless foot, and then at the dirty stairwell. Instinctively, her arms tightened around Paul’s neck a little more.

“Dr. Jefferson…”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0595

“Do you still want to get down now?”

Miranda didn’t respond. She should get down, but her body refused.

Paul didn’t tease her further. If he pushed her too hard, she might really jump off and climb the stairs in just her socks.

He then carried her in his arms and began walking up the stairs.

Miranda curled up in his embrace. His arms were strong and steady as he held her securely against his chest. If she looked up just a little, she could see the sharp lines of his jaw.

Paul looked straight ahead, climbing flight after flight of stairs without even breaking a sweat. He calmly carried her to her front door.

Captivated, Miranda stared at Paul as the pleasant woody fragrance from his body wafted around her.

“We’re here,” Paul said.

However, there was no response from Miranda.

“Miranda?”

“Huh? What?”

Paul said, “Your keys. Open the door.”

“Oh, right!” Miranda snapped out of her reverie and fumbled in her bag for her keys.

Paul held her while she unlocked her front door. Once the door was open, Paul set her down gently on the floor at the entrance.

Her beige cotton sock remained spotless, with not a speck of dirt on them.

Then, Paul turned around and left.

Miranda changed into her slippers and walked into the living room. Her heart seemed to beat faster than normal. She tried taking deep breaths, but it didn’t calm down.

She went into the kitchen and poured a glass of warm water for herself, but she merely held it in her hands without drinking it.