Chapter 260

“Ah!” Sienna, too engrossed in her phone call, misstepped and sank her right foot into a puddle. The biting winter cold instantly enveloped her foot. Her white sneakers were soaked; water sloshed inside as she frantically retrieved them. The chill went right through her. The call had been disconnected. She had not forgotten the call, but realized it had ended. None of her guesses—wrong number, prank, annoying ad—felt right. “Who was it?” she wondered.

Just then, Josiah arrived. His car was parked by the roadside, and he hurried to her, taking her hand. “Let’s go.”

He opened the car door, but Sienna hesitated. She grasped his arm. “Wait a second.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Sienna didn’t answer, pulling off her wet shoe. Josiah noticed her soaked footwear. “How did you do that? Did you fall?”

“No,” Sienna shook her head. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

Josiah took her shoe and helped her into the car. Zaid was driving. Josiah gently touched Sienna’s foot, causing her to pull it away. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Josiah chuckled. “I’m taking off your socks. Your shoes are soaked; your socks aren’t dry!”

“I know,” Sienna mumbled, embarrassed, glancing at Zaid. “I’ll do it myself.”

“Don’t move.” Josiah refused, swiftly removing her socks. “What’s the big deal? I’ve done it before.”

“Hey!” Sienna blushed. “Watch what you say!”

Josiah paused, a smirk replacing his initial action. “Got it, I’ll be quiet.”

Sienna tried to pull her foot back, but Josiah stopped her, frowning. “Don’t move. Your foot is freezing. This isn’t normal.”

“It’s not that bad,” Sienna countered. “Most women are sensitive to cold, and I'm no exception. Shoes never stay warm, no matter how warm they are.”

“Is that so?” Josiah glanced at her other foot. “So, this one is just as cold?”

“Pretty much,” she replied. “This one's a little better, since it wasn't in the water.”

“I’ll take a look.” Before Sienna could protest, Josiah had removed her other shoe and sock.

Sienna bit her lip, her face burning. “What’s there to look at?”

“Yep, just as cold,” Josiah said, his warm palm covering her foot, causing her to flinch.

“Stop moving,” Josiah said gently, his expression darkening slightly. “Your feet are ice cold. Let me warm them.”

Sienna watched, wide-eyed, as he reached towards his waist, lifted his shirt, and gently placed her feet against his stomach.

Sienna froze, staring at his face, inches from hers. “Is that warm enough?” he smiled, his sharp features softened in the dim light.

A wave of emotion washed over Sienna; the last person to warm her feet this way was her grandmother.

“Hey, I’m asking you a question,” Josiah grinned, seeking praise. “Am I doing a good job?”

Sienna nodded, her voice barely audible, afraid her emotions would overwhelm her.

Josiah, not receiving the expected praise, felt a little disappointed. With a twinkle in his eyes, he mischievously asked, “Do you have stinky feet, babe?”

“What?” Sienna was surprised. She’d never considered it. “No one has ever told me my feet stink.”

“Silly girl,” Josiah said, holding back laughter. “Who would say that to your face? They’d talk behind your back.”

Sienna, somewhat confused, agreed.

“They’re not like me,” Josiah said, enjoying himself. “I always say it straight out.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Sienna was embarrassed. “Let me smell them.”

She struggled to pull her foot away.

“I’ll do it!” Josiah couldn’t resist, bringing her foot to his nose. “Mmm… They smell great!”

Sienna realized he was teasing her. “You’re so annoying!” She playfully kicked him. “Don’t do that again!”

“I couldn’t help it. Your cute foot is smaller than my palm,” Josiah laughed, kissing her foot. “It doesn’t stink; it’s fragrant.”

Sienna stiffened, glancing at Zaid. “Don’t…”

“What are you afraid of?” Josiah asked, unconcerned. “Zaid can’t see us.”

Sienna rolled her eyes.

Zaid played along. “Mr. Flynn is right. Ms. Shaw, I don’t have eyes in the back of my head. You don’t have to mind me.”

“See?” Josiah leaned in, his forehead touching hers. He smiled triumphantly.

They were so close Sienna could see his eyelashes. His eyes were slightly lowered, his lips curved gently in the soft car light. Sienna’s heart skipped a beat, remembering his captivating appearance. Back then, she hadn’t known he was like poison wrapped in honey—he would drag her into an abyss.

The next morning, Sienna awoke to find Josiah already gone. He’d left quietly, without turning on the light. A surge of resentment welled up inside her. ‘Why is he so gentle and considerate now? Why hadn’t he shown me any care all those years ago?’ she thought.

She threw off her blanket, tied her hair, and headed to the bathroom. She needed to reach Sunshine Neighborhood early for breakfast with Joyce.

After leaving Silver Beach, Sienna ordered a ride to Sunshine Neighborhood. Passing a pharmacy, she hesitated, then bought a pregnancy test. It might not be accurate yet, she knew, but she wanted some clarity. She desperately wanted to be pregnant.