Chapter 986

Skylar frowned, wondering what was wrong with Joe. Seeing her hesitation, Joe’s eyes darkened. “It’s not like we haven’t bathed together before. Why are you so bothered now?” She didn't want to talk to him because of Aiken; now, she didn't even want to bathe with him. The suggestion of bathing together almost made her blurt out, "No way." Instead, she took a deep breath and said, "It's already past 2:00 AM. If you're not going to bathe, I'll go first." She regretted the offer immediately, locking the bathroom door the moment she closed it.

Joe's face darkened with anger at the sight of the locked door. Skylar finished in about ten minutes. Exiting the bathroom, she glanced at Joe and said, "You can go now," before lying down on the bed. He entered the bathroom, grim-faced and silent, slamming the door shut.

Skylar sensed his anger but lacked the energy to investigate at that late hour, simply going to sleep. Fifteen minutes later, Joe emerged to find Skylar asleep. He heard her steady breathing as he approached the bed. This woman! Anger flared. As he lay down, he noticed she was sleeping on the edge of the bed, seemingly creating distance. His irritation intensified. Wasn't it too late to draw lines with him now? He was accustomed to sleeping with Skylar in his arms. Now, lying there only kept him awake, the familiar frustration of insomnia returning.

After a while, Joe moved closer, wrapping her in his arms. Skylar, seemingly used to his embrace, didn't wake; her breathing evened further. As he held her, his restlessness vanished, and he soon fell asleep.

Skylar woke at 6:30 AM. Worried about Simona, and remembering Aiken's scheduled pickup, she felt a natural alarm clock had roused her. As she attempted to get out of bed, she realized Joe's arm was around her. Gently trying to move it, she found his grip tighten, pulling her back. Looking at his arm, she was forced to speak. "Joe, I have to leave by seven. Please let me go."

A cold, clear voice, devoid of sleepiness, responded from beside her ear. "Did you forget we're supposed to continue shooting the wedding photos today?"

Skylar had indeed forgotten; she'd assumed there wouldn't be time, or that Joe wouldn't want to continue. Yet, here he was, insistent. Unfortunately, she didn't want to. "We took plenty yesterday. It should be enough. I'm tired and don't want to take more. Something happened to Simona yesterday, and she's not in a good state. I promised I'd be with her today. Plus, aren't you busy?"

Joe glared. "What exactly are you upset about?"

"So, you're allowed to leave whenever something comes up, but when it's my turn, I can't? Mr. Martin, what's with the double standard?" Skylar's fury ignited. She pushed him away, heading straight to the bathroom to freshen up.