“Mr. Flynn,” she said again, her voice warm and undeterred. “Not into fruit? Maybe you’d prefer a cup of coffee instead? Grandpa’s got some excellent beans. Do you have a favorite blend?”
At last, Ernest lifted his eyes and locked them on hers.
Ernest studied Bonnie intently, thoughts cascading through his mind like rapid-fire calculations. Without warning, his lips curved into a disarming smile. “Don’t go to any trouble. Elissa will be joining us momentarily…”
His hand extended toward the meticulously arranged fruit platter, fingers hovering deliberately. “I’ve never been particularly fond of fruit, but how could I possibly decline when faced with such genuine thoughtfulness?”
With calculated casualness, he selected a thin apple slice and brought it to his lips. “There, satisfied? I’ve indulged.”
The corners of his mouth lifted in a practiced gesture, eyes crinkling slightly as he directed a dazzling smile at Bonnie. That singular smile sent Bonnie’s heart into an erratic rhythm, stealing her breath momentarily. Ernest’s striking good looks were undeniable—his typically serious demeanor acted as a mask that, when dropped for a smile, revealed a devastating charm that few could resist.
Heat bloomed across Bonnie’s cheeks as elation surged through her veins; she floated in a state of pure euphoria. Despite the logical moment for departure having arrived, an invisible anchor held her in place. Her mind scrambled desperately for any excuse to prolong this moment, regardless of how transparent her intentions might appear. Seizing upon inspiration, she gestured toward Ernest’s smartphone. “Mr. Flynn, does anything pressing demand your attention at the moment?”
“Not particularly.” Ernest’s thumb swiftly tapped the lock button, screen instantly darkening. “Just idly browsing to pass the time.”
Bonnie pounced on the opening like a predator spotting weakness. “In that case, perhaps we should connect on WhatsApp?”
Her pulse thundered in her ears, a deafening drumbeat of anticipation and fear. Rejection seemed entirely possible, even probable. Check latest chapters at Find1Novel.net
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“Why not?” The casual acceptance blindsided her completely as Ernest, without so much as a moment’s hesitation, unlocked his device and navigated to WhatsApp with practiced efficiency.
“Would you prefer to scan my QR code?” he offered, tilting the screen toward her.
“Yes, absolutely!” Elation radiated from every syllable as Bonnie leaned forward eagerly, her phone already poised to capture the digital key to his world. Without warning, Ernest’s eye closed in a conspiratorial wink as he murmured, voice dropping to a secretive whisper, “Your sister is descending the stairs.”
“Oh.” The syllable escaped as little more than a startled breath.
The faint percussion of approaching footsteps reached Bonnie’s ears just then. Her gaze darted upward to find Elissa materializing at the staircase summit, beginning her downward journey with measured steps.
In a flurry of movement, Bonnie stashed her phone and snatched up the fruit platter, composing herself with remarkable speed.
She cast Ernest a smile tinged with newfound boldness. “Now that I know fruit doesn’t appeal to you, next time I’ll surprise you with something more aligned with your preferences.”
“I look forward to it,” he replied, voice carefully modulated.
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