Chapter 763
Observing Skylar's astonished expression, Janine sensed something was amiss. She wondered why Skylar seemed reluctant to let Joe stay. Had they argued?
Janine lowered her head, contemplating briefly before deciding, "Alright, Joe can stay here."
Joe nodded, his gaze fixed on Skylar. Despite her confusion about his behavior, Skylar acted as if she hadn't noticed. His visit to his mother made sense, but his decision to stay overnight was puzzling. She questioned whether their relationship was close enough to warrant this, and whether he was aware of the potential for misunderstandings, especially on her part.
That night, they lay on a bed barely five feet wide; Joe's presence made it feel even smaller. Unlike the Galaxy Villa, an uncomfortable awkwardness lingered. Silence fell for a moment.
When Joe's arm reached out, Skylar jolted upright. She whispered, "The room isn't soundproof." The master bedroom and guest room were separated only by a thin wall lacking sound insulation.
Joe chuckled softly and withdrew his arm, resting his hands behind his head. He smirked, "Why do I get the feeling you're deliberately reminding me the room isn't soundproof? Trying to make things a bit more interesting?" He quickly added, "Not that it's impossible."
Skylar's face flushed. "Be quiet." His suggestive words were disconcerting. Thankfully, he kept his voice low. If Janine had heard, Skylar would never have been able to face her again.
Joe's eyes twinkled with amusement. "The bed may be small, but it could offer a different experience. Wouldn't you like to try it?"
"Joe! Do you really think I won't kick you out?" Skylar gritted her teeth. She wondered where the aloof, self-controlled man she knew had gone. The usually cold Joe seemed completely different. She couldn't help but think that whenever Joe got into bed, he transformed into someone entirely unlike his usual self.
Noting he'd pushed his teasing to its limit, Joe pulled Skylar into an embrace and instructed, "Stop moving." If she kept wriggling, he might actually do something about it. Lying next to her, he felt no urge to restrain himself.
Skylar bit her lip and lay still in Joe's embrace.
The next morning, Skylar and Joe had breakfast with Janine at the Yancey Residence. Janine, having risen early, leaned on her crutch as she prepared a simple breakfast. "I've said I can take care of myself. You both should get back to work. Don't fret about me; I'm fine at home, even if I can't go downstairs. You can be assured."
"Mom, don't worry about lunch. I'll order some delivery. In the evening, I'll pick up groceries and cook when I get back," Skylar said, still feeling uneasy.
After considering it, Janine didn't object. She could manage lunch but agreed to let Skylar take care of it to ease her worries.
Once Skylar and Joe left for work, Janine turned on the television. A rerun of the drama they'd watched the previous night played on the screen. As she watched the unfaithful male lead, her thoughts wandered back to a figure she'd seen the day before. She smiled and shook her head. "Why do I seem to be getting more imaginative as I age?" Then, she picked up the remote and changed the channel.
That morning, Joe didn't have Lucas pick him up. Instead, he walked downstairs and got into Skylar's car. Skylar glanced at Joe, who was seated in the passenger seat.
"Are you looking at me like that because you're hoping I'll kiss you?" Joe asked, his mood buoyed by their good night's sleep.
With a forced smile, Skylar said, "I was just considering that my bed might not be quite large enough for someone as esteemed as you, Mr. Martin. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."