Chapter 26 Next Time, Don’t Get The Wrong Idea
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Chapter 26 Next Time, Don’t Get The Wrong Idea
Julian was shirtless, wearing only dark gray athletic shorts, sweat beading across his chest and abs
before trailing down into that suggestive V-line at his hips.
The night wasn’t even warm, yet he was drenched. Somehow, he didn’t smell bad at all. He smelled of soap with a trace of sweat, exuding masculinity.
His brows drew together when he saw Rosalie. “Did I wake you again?”
Rosalie’s brain blew a fuse. Again? Last night’s racket wasn’t enough, and he was at it again tonight? Good grief, he really did have stamina.
Her cheeks went hot. She stammered, “No… No! I just noticed you hadn’t eaten, so I threw something
together.”
She held out the food container. “Mac and cheese isn’t a real dinner. If that’s not enough, I can bring you
some more.”
“Some more?” Julian’s frown deepened, his voice puzzled.
Something seemed to click. He thought back to her weird reactions the last two times and apparently
figured out exactly what nonsense she’d been imagining.
He didn’t bother arguing. He caught her wrist and pulled her inside.
Rosalie squeaked and tried to bolt. “What are you doing? Let go of me!”
He scooped her by the waist like she weighed nothing and carried her in with a few unhurried strides.
“I’m training,” he said over her head, resigned more than annoyed. “If the noise gets to you, I’ll switch the
time.”
He set her down abruptly. Her knees buckled, and she nearly fell, but his hand gripped her waist again and
steadied her.
When she finally looked up, she saw a hulking black heavy bag, its surface still damp with sweat.
Dumbbells and weight plates lined the wall. A multi-station machine took up the corner. The place wasn’t a bachelor pad at all, but a compact gym.
So, the muffled bangs from last night weren’t what she’d thought. He’d been pounding the heavy bag.
Rosalie’s face grew so hot it could have fried an egg. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could just disappear.
1… I didn’t know you were working out,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “The dinner… I’ll
just leave it here.”
Julian watched the flush creep up her ears and the way she ducked her head, as if trying to hide in her
Chapter 26 Next Time, Don’t Get The Wrong Idea
shirt. The corner of his mouth curved up before he pressed it flat again.
He took the food container with a nod. “Thanks.”
He paused for a moment, then added, “Next time, don’t get the wrong idea.”
Rosalie thought she might die of embarrassment on the spot.
“I didn’t get the wrong idea! I didn’t!”
She turned to leave, then remembered the keys in her hand and set them on the entryway cabinet.
2/2
“Take the white Bentley downstairs for work. If you don’t like the color, the dealership can repaint it, or
just get it wrapped.”
Thinking of the Mac and cheese, she pulled out her phone and sent him ten grand. “That should cover the wrap and this month’s expenses. Is that enough?”
Julian raised an eyebrow and stared at Rosalie, his eyes steady and unreadable.
The look made her skin prickle. She took it for no and tapped to send more. “Is that not enough? Then,
I’ll…”
Julian’s hand came down lightly on her phone. “I don’t need it,” he said in a low voice.
Rosalie’s fingers froze on the screen.
Julian pulled his hand back from her phone, his gaze locking on hers again. “You cooked for me and even
gave me a car.”
He leaned in slightly, his voice probing. “Rosalie, what are you trying to do?”
