Chapter 281: Afraid of Thunder

Fraser’s fingers slowly traced along her waist, making Summer’s body involuntarily soften. She quickly made up a lie. “It’s not that… Yvette said she’s scared of thunder and asked me to keep her company.”

“Really? I thought your best friend wasn’t afraid of anything.”

“I’ll go home tomorrow.”

“Alright then. Get some rest tonight.”

After hanging up, Fraser’s lips curved into a smile. “So well-behaved? Makes me want to really spoil you… what should I do about that?”

Summer looked down. “I’ve got my follow-up appointment tomorrow.”

Fraser let out a low chuckle. “Right… so it’s only because of the checkup that you’re staying.”

At Ravenshire Boulevard, the storm outside was in full force. Rain streaked down the massive windows, and dark clouds churned like ink in the sky. Lightning split the night in two with every strike. Summer stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, arms folded, quietly watching the storm unfold.

Fraser walked up behind her without a sound and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head.

“You said you’re afraid of thunder. So why are you watching it?”

Summer blinked, trying to wiggle out of the too-intimate embrace, but his arms held her firmly in place. After a pause, she said, “Actually… I’m not afraid of thunder. I lied that night.”

“Oh?”

“I just wanted you to stay with me.”

Fraser immediately thought of the message he’d missed that night. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

He scooped her up and carried her to the couch, settling her on his lap. His dark eyes locked onto hers, silent and intense.

Under that invasive gaze, Summer’s ears began to flush with heat. She was just about to stand when she felt a cool sensation around her wrist. The sapphire bracelet was already fastened.

Fraser said softly, “Keep it on.”

Summer stared at the dazzling bracelet. “I gave it back to you.”

Fraser murmured, “It was always yours.”

She brushed her fingers across the gems. Her voice was quiet. “It’s not mine anymore.”

Fraser lifted her chin, gently but firmly. “Summer, I know you don’t believe I really like you. That’s fine. This time, we’ll take it slow. I’ll wait. Wait for you to fall in love with me.”

Summer stared into his eyes. They were deep, still, like a whirlpool pulling her in. Eyes that seemed to say: just trust me one more time.

Later, Fraser’s phone rang. He went to the study to join a video call. Summer went to shower. Soaking in the bath for a while helped ease the exhaustion in her body. By the time she came out, he had finished the meeting. She picked up a magazine in the living room, then returned to the guest room as usual.

Fraser stood by the kitchen counter, drinking from a glass. The way his Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed was oddly alluring in the storm’s silence. His dark eyes didn’t leave Summer for even a second. That gaze was as heavy and consuming as the storm outside.

Summer bit her lip. “I’m going to bed.”

His deep, magnetic voice followed: “Mm.”

With his intense stare burning into her back, Summer turned and slowly walked toward the guest room. Even without looking, she could feel the heat of his gaze trailing her. Her movements grew clumsy. She opened the door, stepped inside, and glanced back. “Goodnight.”

Fraser didn’t move. His black eyes were locked on her, impossibly deep, watching her disappear into the room.

Summer leaned against it, feeling her pounding heart. She waited for it to slow down. That man… was actually seducing her.

On the other side of the door, Fraser stared at the wood for a beat, then gave a faint laugh. “Little coward.”

Midnight. Thunder rolled across the sky in deep rumbles. The storm outside seemed determined to shake the world apart. The noise woke Summer. Her throat was dry, so she got up to grab a glass of water. She stepped into the darkened living room. Not bothering to turn on the light, she used the faint glow from the storm-lit windows to find her way to the kitchen and poured a full glass.

After drinking it in one long gulp, the restlessness stirred up by the thunder finally began to settle. She turned to head back to her room. But just as she opened the guest room door—strong arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind and lifted her off the ground. The next second, she was pinned gently but firmly against the door.

“Mmm—” Summer let out a muffled cry. Fraser pressed against her, his lips catching hers and swallowing the sound whole.