Even until now, Hendrix hadn't admitted to liking her-not even once. But then again, even if he did, Noelle wasn't sure she'd believe him, and that made her desire an answer even more.
Hendrix glanced at her briefly before asking, "What do you think?"
Noelle pressed her lips together. "If you don't want to say forget it." She tried to pull her hand away again, prompting Hendrix to tighten his grip even more.
"It seems your temper has grown sharper these days," he said with a soft chuckle.
"My temper has always been like this, Mr. Freeman," Noelle retorted with a thin, sarcastic smile. "But of course, it's nothing compared to Sandra's and Ms. Wright's delicate charms."
Her words caused Hendrix to pause for a moment. Then, he unexpectedly laughed. Without warning, he turned the steering wheel sharply and pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Before Noelle could process what was happening, Hendrix Jeaned over her. "Mr. Freeman'? Sounds like a certain Ms. Swanson is still jealous."
"I'm not!" Noelle shot back without missing a beat.
"Didn't you read the news articles I sent you?" Hendrix gently lifted her chin toward him. "I've already
made it clear that I have no relationship with Yvonne anymore. As for Sandra, there was never anything between us from the beginning."
Noelle clenched her jaw. "But you still treated her well."
He was a little thrown off by her remark. Then, he slowly lowered his head and murmured huskily, "It won't happen again after this."
Noelle caught the subtle implication in his words and immediately pressed further, "What does 'after this' even mean?"
"What do you think it means?" Hendrix cupped her cheek with one hand. "Noelle, I won't waste my time playing these games with you anymore. I'm telling you now that if I can only choose one person to stay by my side, I want that person to be you.'
His confession was direct and firm. If this had been six months ago, Noelle could never have imagined hearing such a declaration from him. After all, this was a man who once begrudged her even the smallest of conversations.
Yet, here he was, looking at her. The warmth of his hand pressed against her cheek was overwhelming, as if to remind her that this was real. In that instant, words escaped her, and she simply stared at him in stunned silence.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" asked Hendrix.
His question snapped Noelle out of her daze. "Oh."
Hendrix-chuckled lightly. "That's it? Just 'ol'?"
Noelle lifted her gaze to meet Hendrix's. "Well, what else do you want me to say? That I'm willing to get back
gether?"
She managed a small, almost amused smile.
Hendrix narrowed his eyes. "So, are you not willing?"
There was a long pause before Noelle replied softly, "I need some time to think about it."
Hendrix clearly wasn't satisfied with her answer, but he said nothing further. Instead, he stared at Noelle for a moment before offering a smile. "Sure."
He then settled himself back into the driver's seat, but before he could start the car, his phone rang. The conversation on the other end seemed to be important, and Noelle noticed his expression gradually growing
serious.noveldrama
He threw a sharp glance at her. Without waiting for him to say anything, Noelle tactfully began to open the door, preparing to leave. But before she could do that, Hendrix swiftly locked the car door. "What are you doing?"
"I thought you had something to take care of? I can head back on my own."
"It's not urgent. Let's eat first," said Hendrix as he tossed his phone onto the center console.