Just as Cassandra stepped out of the elevator, she ran into Ryan.
Without a word, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her back inside. Then, he pressed the button for the 64th floor.
“I was heading to the front desk to get a room,” she said.
“You’re staying in my place tonight,” he replied.
“No, I’m not,” Cassandra insisted.
“You sure? Cameron’s in Stokelle right now. If he shows up kneeling outside your door, begging for an explanation, do you think you’ll get any sleep?”
Hearing that, she remained silent.
“If you sleep in my room,” Ryan added, “and he shows up, I’ll tell him to get lost. I won’t let him disturb me and my girlfriend’s romantic evening.”
Defeated, Cassandra sighed and looked on as the floor numbers ticked higher and higher.
Ryan reached out to ruffle the dogs‘ heads. “You guys did well today. Tomorrow, your mom will give you extra chicken.”
At that, the dogs wagged their tails. They panted happily and licked his hand.
Ryan grimaced and wiped the slobber off on one of their coats.
Ever since arriving in Stokelle, Cassandra had spent most of her time on the 64th floor. She only went over to Daisy’s place in the evening to chat and sleep.
During the day, she worked. Additionally, Ryan would frequently order her to come to his place to manage his petting zoo.
By now, she knew this room like the back of her hand. First, she unclipped the dogs‘ leashes, freeing them. Then, she poured their kibble and changed their water.
Just as Cassandra finished, the doorbell rang.
Lilian personally delivered the late–night meal and reminded her, “Seafood soup and some side dishes. Mr. Scott asked for them specifically.”
Ryan walked over, took the tray, and gave Lilian a discreet signal. She understood instantly and quietly exited, even closing the door behind her.
“Come eat,” Ryan called out.
“I’m not hungry,” Cassandra replied.
Chapter 97
“Hungry or not, you’re eating,” Ryan said. “You spent the whole day fending off my admirers and walking my dogs. As your boss, I can’t let you keel over from exhaustion. But if you do starve to death, don’t expect me to file it as a workplace injury.”
Ryan ladled out two servings and nudged her. “Why are you just standing there? Go wash your hands. The dogs licked your hands today. Do you want to eat dog slobber?”
“I’m using a spoon, not eating with my hands,” she muttered.
Hearing that, Ryan burst out laughing. “That’s the Cassandra I know.”
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“You never back down,” he explained. “No matter what I say, you always have a comeback.”
Cassandra shot back, “That’s only because you always start it.”
“Well, that’s because-”
She raised an eyebrow. “Because?”
Because back then, all she ever saw was Cameron She never noticed Ryan at all. When he tried to talk to her, she’d politely brush him off and run right back to Cameron.
So, Ryan started saying harsh things on purpose so that she’d at least look his way. Then, she started snapping back at him with biting words.
In those moments, she felt so alive and vivid. That made him want it even more. More of her anger, wit, and anything to keep her eyes on him
Ryan just wanted Cassandra to notice him. He wanted her to talk to him, even if it was nothing but arguments. At the very least, he’d know that he wasn’t just another man to her.
Ryan smiled and pulled out a chair for Cassandra “Come on. Let’s eat.”
“Hold on,” she said. “Your dogs are food vacuums. I just filled their bowls, and they’ve already licked them clean. Let me give them a bit more.”
“Alright. Once you’re done with them, come eat with me.”
“Okay. I’m coming,” Cassandra replied.
The soup was hot. Ryan touched his earlobe to cool himself down as a warm feeling spread through his chest.
Their dynamic had changed, especially since the dogs arrived. It felt more and more like… they were a married couple.
Chapter 98