Chapter 13

Miranda felt incredibly exposed in the scanty fabric covering her chest. "No way," she said firmly. "I need to change."

"Hey!" Winter grabbed her arm. "Change into what? You look great! Besides, there are people out there barely wearing anything. Why are you freaking out?"

"Winter, come on, give me a break. I can't… Forget it, I just can't go out like this."

Winter's phone rang, interrupting her. Miranda seized the opportunity and slipped away. "Don't worry about me," she called. "Go take care of your blue-eyed darling!"

Winter sighed and reluctantly went outside to answer the call.

"Dear, do you think this outfit looks good on me?" Ingrid asked.

Hansel hummed in response without looking up.

Ingrid picked up another outfit. "What about this one? Is the color too plain?"

"It's fine."

"And this one? It's a bit more sexy." Ingrid held it up to the full-length mirror. Hansel remained completely absorbed in his phone, not glancing at her once.

She frowned, glaring at him. Just as her temper flared, she changed her mind. Her irritation melted away.

She flitted over to him and snuggled into his arms. "Dear, can you help me pick one of these three?"

Hansel pointed to one without looking up. "That one."

"Ah! That's my favorite, too. Looks like we're on the same page. Should I…" She bit her lip. "…try it on for you?"

Hansel simply hummed.

Ingrid stood up and began undressing in front of him. It wasn't until she unfastened her bra that Hansel finally looked up. His reaction was unimpressed; he even frowned.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

Ingrid froze, feeling self-conscious.

"Isn't there a walk-in closet?" Hansel asked.

Ingrid hesitated, then quickly grabbed her dress and went to the closet. "I'll go change in there."

When Ingrid emerged, fully dressed, Hansel had put down his phone and was massaging his temples, looking exhausted. He'd left the office in such a rush that he hadn't finished much of his work. Joe had compiled the urgent matters and sent them to him, and he'd just dealt with them.

"Finished changing?" Hansel asked, standing up.

"Y-Yes," Ingrid replied.

"Let's go." He headed for the door without looking at her.

Ingrid's excitement felt dashed, but she quickly composed herself. Hansel was still a man, after all. Even if he wasn't paying attention now, his protective side would likely emerge once they were out and other men noticed her.

With that in mind, Ingrid adjusted her top, pulling it down slightly. "Dear, wait up!"

The beach was packed. As far as the eye could see, the shore was dotted with people of every description, wearing every imaginable color of bikini and swim trunks.

Ingrid caught up to Hansel but purposely kept her distance, not linking arms with him. She drew plenty of admiring glances and a few whistles, but Hansel remained oblivious, striding ahead. Ingrid gritted her teeth in frustration.

When they reached the beach, Hansel immediately lay down on the sand. Ingrid stood unsure whether to join him. She felt out of place, stiff, and uneasy. She'd come to relax and enjoy a romantic getaway, not to be overlooked. But since Hansel was ignoring her, she figured it was worth it.

Luke Clemett, a handsome man with brown eyes, approached with a warm smile. "Hey there, beautiful. Are you from Hebrana?"

Ingrid returned his smile. "Yes, I am. Do you speak Hebranian?"

"I actually teach Hebranian," he replied.

They began a lively conversation, but Ingrid kept glancing at Hansel, watching for any reaction.