Chapter 231

Skylar leaned against the car and quickly fell asleep. When Joe saw her fatigue, he remembered the photo John had sent him earlier that day. Skylar was intensely focused while working; Joe was sure anyone seeing that photo would be captivated. He realized he still didn't know her well enough, and she never deliberately presented a polished image to him. With him, she was always sincere, natural, and casual. Subconsciously, his gaze sharpened.

Lucas was shocked to see Joe intently watching Skylar. It seemed Joe liked her; he'd even picked her up from work that day. Lucas drove Joe to and from work almost daily and had never seen him treat a woman this way.

Skylar's phone rang loudly, breaking the car's silence as she slept soundly. Still groggy, she opened her eyes, startled to find herself leaning on Joe's shoulder. She had no time to comment, however, as she answered the phone.

"Skye, the plan changed. I'm going on a business trip tomorrow and the day after. Can I see you tonight?" Steven asked.

Skylar glanced at Joe, unsure of his availability since the meeting had been moved up. Joe, having heard Steven's request in the quiet car, nodded.

Skylar was surprised by Joe's easygoing nature. "Sure, Steven. I'll send you the address later."

"Okay," Steven replied, relieved. He'd been worried for the past couple of days. He'd initially planned to meet Skylar the day after tomorrow, but his unexpected business trip—lasting anywhere from one or two days to a week—had him concerned. He feared she'd met another unsuitable man; after all, Christopher's experience had been a harsh lesson. There weren't many good men.

After the call, Skylar fully awoke. During the call, her eyes had held a distant, dreamy look.

Chapter 231

Beside her, Joe's thin lips curved slightly. He thought she'd looked adorable.

"I'll find a restaurant. What do you want to eat?" Skylar asked, her voice slightly breathy from sleep.

Joe's mood lifted at her voice. A faint smile touched his eyes. "Book anywhere Steven likes," he said.

Skylar laughed, imagining Steven's favorite restaurant. "Really?"

"Yeah."

"You'd better not regret this," she warned playfully, picturing the suited CEO eating street food.

Seeing her mischievous smile, Joe raised an eyebrow. "A barbecue restaurant?" He remembered a recent photo Paul had sent—Skylar eating barbecue with a man, whom he assumed was one of her brothers.

Skylar was surprised he'd guessed. "How did you know?"

Joe's lips curved. "You guess."

"You can tell me when you want. Keep it a secret for now," Skylar replied, surprised by his playful approach. She'd heard that men retain a childish side regardless of age; now she understood. But she wouldn't play along and guess!