Chapter 723:

Kallie couldn’t help but laugh. Even Jake, who was standing nearby, chuckled, his voice pleasant.

Kallie felt a strange flutter in her chest. The memory of that day in the elevator flashed before her eyes, and a blush crept up her cheeks.

Flustered, Kallie reached for her glass of water, but it was still steaming hot.

Kallie yelped as the heat seared her hand. Her hand trembled, sloshing hot water over the rim of the glass.

The cup wobbled precariously, threatening to spill scalding water all over her hand.

“Watch out!” Jake cried, springing into action. He reached around Kallie, his arms encircling her as he steadied the cup.

But some of the water sloshed out, landing on Jake’s hands.

Jake winced, a grimace flashing across his face.noveldrama

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Kallie and Jake were incredibly close—close enough to feel the warmth of each other’s bodies and hear the frantic beating of each other’s hearts.

Kallie caught a whiff of Jake’s cologne, a clean, masculine scent that made her head spin. She turned her head slightly, her gaze tracing the sharp lines of his profile. “Jake,” she called out, suddenly aware of just how close they were.

Jake’s heart hammered in his chest. He was acutely aware of her nearness, his face and ears burning with a telltale blush that Kallie thankfully didn’t seem to notice.

The way they were pressed together felt like an embrace.

A warmth spread through Jake’s chest, and he found himself strangely reluctant to break the moment. He didn’t release her until Kallie began to squirm, a hint of panic in her eyes. Reluctantly, Jake loosened his grip and stepped back, a strange pang of disappointment echoing in his chest.

The air crackled with awkwardness. Kallie avoided Jake’s gaze, her cheeks flushed.

Elma observed the scene with wide and curious eyes. Even at her young age, she could pick up on the strange tension between them. But strangely, she didn’t feel upset or threatened by it. Instead, she simply clapped her hands and giggled.

Elma chirped, “Daddy, why is your face so red?”

Elma’s innocent question only deepened the crimson hue on Jake’s face.

“I, uh… I need to use the bathroom,” Jake mumbled, making a hasty retreat.

When Jake returned, Kallie had regained her composure, playing a game with Elma.

The soft lamplight illuminated Kallie’s delicate features, and her gaze, fixed on Elma, was filled with warmth and affection. Jake had never seen Cara look at Elma with such tenderness.

When Kallie noticed Jake emerge from the bathroom, the memory of their earlier close encounter flooded back, sending a blush creeping up her neck. Her eyes sparkled with embarrassment.

Jake felt a strange flutter in his chest, a nervous energy he couldn’t quite explain.

“It’s getting late, sweetheart,” Kallie said softly. “I should let you get some rest. I’ll come visit again soon.”

Elma’s face fell, her bottom lip trembling. “Can’t you stay? If you leave, my daddy will go too, and I’ll be all alone.”

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