章 133: Held Back

As Derek locked the door behind him, the early morning sun greeted him with a soft warmth. He inhaled deeply, ready to tackle another day at work.

But just as he was about to head toward his car, a cab pulled up in front of his driveway. He squinted his eyes as he watched, waiting for the car to open, wondering who it could be.

An involuntary smile appeared on his face when he saw Cora step out.

She looked effortlessly stunning in a simple white blouse tucked into a high-waisted pair of navy blue slacks. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders, catching the light of the early morning sun.

Derek couldn't help but notice how the outfit accentuated her slender frame and brought out the hazel in her eyes, which seemed to twinkle with a mischievous gleam.

Derek's smile disappeared, replaced by a frown when it occurred to him it was a Thursday morning and she wasn't supposed to be there, especially without her car.