The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 560

"Okay." Charlotte nodded, sweet and obedient.

She stepped over to him and settled right in front of him, her back pressed against his chest. They were so close, all he had to do was glance down and he’d see more than he probably should.

Anthony’s grip on the towel tightened. She was still warm from the shower, her heat soaking right into him. He felt his heart start to race.

"Lottie..." He pressed his lips together, his fingers brushing her cheek as he tried to keep his feelings in check. "Is this comfortable for you? Maybe you should sit on the couch instead."

"I'm fine," she replied instantly, her eyes closed as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "Why haven’t you started drying my hair?"

He let out a quiet sigh and turned on the hairdryer, carefully running his fingers through her hair as he dried it.

The only sound in the room was the gentle whir of the hairdryer. Minutes slipped by. Soon, her hair was soft and dry.

"All done." Anthony set the hairdryer aside and gave the back of her head a gentle pat. "Didn’t you say you had a present for me? Where is it, Lottie?" He was doing everything he could not to let his mind wander.

"Hold on." Charlotte opened a drawer at the desk and took out a black leather belt.

A belt? Anthony’s eyes darkened, his breath catching for a second. Did she know what it meant to give a guy a belt?

"What’s with the surprise present?"

"I’m not finished yet. Why are you in such a hurry?" Charlotte’s lips curled into a teasing smile as she opened the drawer again and pulled out a dark blue box.

A tie.

Anthony’s heart thudded. Was she really not upset? She just kept handing him gifts. How many did she have waiting for him? He was completely lost.

Charlotte leaned in and gently loosened his old tie, moving like a kitten curling up in his lap, so soft and careful.

Anthony tensed up even more. She was being too good to him and it made him feel both grateful and a little guilty, all at once.