Chapter 34 Next Time
She was so slender that he could almost wrap his hand around her waist with just one palm. This petite figure probably wouldn’t withstand much of his teasing. Chandler’s warm breath brushed against her neck from behind, sending a shiver down Meryl’s spine.
Her heart raced wildly in response, caught off guard by the sudden rush of sensations. His deep, husky voice whispered in her ear, mingling with the intoxicating scent of his masculinity and the gentle floral fragrance wafting from the balcony. Meryl felt a bit lightheaded, unsure whether it was the half glass of red wine she’d sipped during dinner or the way his lips formed words that seemed to wrap around her like a warm embrace.
“Meryl, happy marriage.” Her eyelashes fluttered, and heat flooded her cheeks as memories of their kiss from the previous night surged back unbidden.
They had been this close then, too. Her fingers instinctively curled as she licked her lips, responding softly, “Mr. Aniston, same to you.” Her heart thudded steadily, each beat echoing the fireworks bursting above them. Chandler’s fingers intertwined with hers from behind. This embrace was dangerously intoxicating. Meryl could feel the rise and fall of his chest against her back, his warmth enveloping her completely.
“Mr. Aniston?” Chandler echoed, a hint of dissatisfaction lacing his tone. Meryl turned her head slightly, their eyes locking. “Then… Chandler.”
A smile appeared on Chandler’s face. He swallowed hard, his hand brushing over her shoulder as he turned her to face him fully. “I’d much prefer you call me ‘hubby,’” Chandler said, his voice low and teasing.
The words sent Meryl’s cheeks into a fiery blush. She bit her lip, her gaze dropping shyly. Her flustered expression deepened Chandler’s smile. The faint scent of wine clung to her, alluring him further. He gently grasped the back of her neck, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. Leaning in closer, Chandler was just about to bridge the distance for a kiss when, out of nowhere, his phone rang, shattering the moment.
Frowning, he answered the call. Meryl felt an unexpected wave of relief wash over her. She thought, “It seems he was ready to kiss me.” She shut her eyes tightly, her heart still racing.
Chandler, holding the phone to his ear, seemed to have urgent business to attend to, and he stepped into the study, leaving her alone on the balcony. After a refreshing shower, Meryl emerged, only to find Chandler still absent. As she lay on the bed, her mind wandered back to her conversation with Anne earlier that day.
Grabbing her phone, she dialed Anne’s number; but to her surprise, a strange man answered. “Who is this? Where’s Anne?” Meryl asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. She recognized Anne’s husband but knew this wasn’t Dante’s voice. The background noise was loud, with music blaring in the distance. Meryl thought, “Is Anne at a bar?”
The bartender’s polite voice confirmed her suspicions. “Are you a friend of this lady? She’s had a bit too much to drink. Can you come pick her up?”
Meryl’s heart raced, and she quickly threw on some clothes. “Please, can you give me the address?”
After hanging up, she rushed to the door but then remembered Chandler was still in the study. She hesitated for a moment, then turned back. Hearing her movements, Chandler opened the study door, his brow furrowing at the sight of her dressed and ready to go. “What’s going on?”
“My friend’s had too much to drink. I need to go get her,” Meryl explained, urgency in her voice.
Chandler studied her for a couple of seconds, his eyes narrowing slightly. “A guy?” “Of course not! It’s a girl! Her name’s Anne.”
After she spoke, Meryl bit her lip, feeling a twinge of guilt. She thought, “It’s our wedding day, and here I am, sneaking out in the middle of the night… Is this really appropriate?” Meryl lowered her gaze, gathering her courage as if preparing for a leap. With a blush creeping up her cheeks, she finally said, “Let’s save the nuptial night for next time.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she fled in embarrassment, not even glancing back. Even though Meryl had spoken those last words in a barely audible whisper, Chandler still heard her. Standing under the spotlight, he watched her retreating figure with a slight smirk. He thought, “From what she said, it seems like she was actually looking forward to that moment?”