Chapter 378

The drive back to Silver Moon Estate was quiet. Evelyn Whitmore leaned against the window, exhausted from Benjamin Rivers' relentless attention all afternoon.

Her stomach pleasantly full, all she craved now was a hot shower and her soft bed.

Nathaniel Grayson followed her up the grand staircase silently. Just as her fingers brushed the doorknob, his larger hand covered hers, trapping it beneath his warm palm.

Evelyn froze. "Mr. Grayson?" She tilted her head up, meeting his intense gaze.

He leaned in until his lips nearly touched her ear. "I need to—"

She shivered, pulling away instinctively. "N-need to what?" Her voice came out embarrassingly high.

Nathaniel's breath was warm against her skin as he murmured, "Need to come in."

Those three simple words sent heat rushing to Evelyn's cheeks. The way he said it—low and rough—made her pulse quicken.

Her body responded instantly, but she steeled herself. "If you're serious about me, you'll learn patience."

His grip tightened briefly before releasing. Straightening, he ruffled her hair. "Fine. I'll wait until you invite me in yourself. Rest well."

As Nathaniel turned toward his study, Evelyn called out, "Wait!"

He paused, glancing back. "Yes?"

She crooked a finger, beckoning him closer. When he bent down, she rose on tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you for the umbrella today. No one's ever done that for me before. Goodnight."

The door clicked shut before Nathaniel could respond. He touched the spot where her lips had been, still warm.

A slow smile spread across his face as he walked away.

Fresh from her shower, Evelyn booted up her laptop. She logged into her work email, curious if Nathaniel had reviewed her designs.

There it was—an unread message from him. She clicked immediately.

His reply was characteristically brief: [The design shows promise, but misses the essence I envisioned.]

Evelyn groaned. Typical client behavior—vague feedback with no concrete direction.

She typed back: [Mr. Grayson, I appreciate your feedback. Could you please describe the aesthetic you're seeking? Specific details would help tremendously.]

After sending, she reached for her hair dryer. By the time her hair was dry, Nathaniel's reply already waited in her inbox.

This time, his response was more detailed.