Chapter 1212

As Josefina spoke, her eyes lost their shine, heartbreak written all over her face. She looked like she might fall apart, and she started to get up from Oliver's lap, ready to leave before things got any worse.

But before she could stand, Oliver pulled her gently back down, settling her right on

his lap.

He reached out, his long finger lifting her chin. There was a playful glint in his eyes as he asked in a low voice, “Josie, when have I ever been the controlling type, huh?"

"You're doing it right now," she shot back. "You want me holed up at home, never letting me step out and live my own life."

Oliver couldn't help but laugh. This girl and her quick comebacks—she always kept him on his toes.

"Josie, it's not about keeping you inside. I just worry about you. You know how much I love you, right? I love you. Only you."

His words made her heart skip, but Josefina kept her cool, though her eyes held a trace of longing.

"Then why are you giving me the cold shoulder? Isn't it because you're mad I went out?"

She poked his chest, half teasing, half serious. "Men are full of sweet talk. Can't trust a word."

Oliver caught her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers, his gaze locking onto hers.

That look he gave her way too intense. Josefina's heart pounded in her chest. No one could make her feel this way but Oliver.

For a second, she forgot how to breathe.

His voice dropped, impossibly gentle and a little rough around the edges. "Josie, you've got your own dreams. I'll always be by your side, cheering you on. Always."

Josefina leaned into him, still perched on his lap, listening to his strong heartbeat. Suddenly, everything felt lighter.

"Oliver, I knew you were good to me. I must be your favorite person in the world." She grinned, all sweetness.

Oliver just shook his head, a fond smile on his lips. A minute ago she was saying he didn't love her at all-now she was convinced she was his number one?

Women, he thought. Their moods changed faster than the weather in spring.

But honestly? He wouldn't have it any other way. He was completely, hopelessly in love with Josefina.

"Oh, so now you believe I love you? Who was it just now saying I didn't care at all, hmm?"

Josefina pinched his waist, but when that didn't get a reaction, she tried somewhere else.

Only this time, her hand went a little too far south.

Oliver caught her wandering hand. "Josie, just because you're having my baby doesn't mean you can abuse the goods, you know?"

It took Josefina a second to realize

where she'd grabbed. If she'd

squeezed any hardeljus

say Oliver's future as a dad would be over.

Oh god.

Too much.

She snatched her hand back. "I'm hungry."

She tried to get up, but Oliver pulled her right back down.

"I'll feed you,” he said with a crooked smile.

Josefina just stared at him. "...I can feed myself, thanks."

"Sure you can, but where's the fun in that?"

She shot him a look. Why did that sound so suggestive?

Oliver started feeding her, and soon the two of them were wrapped up in each other, flirting and laughing as he slipped her bites of food.

Lel

After they finished eating, Josefina started to feel drowsy. She curled up in Oliver's arms, and it didn't take long before she drifted off to sleep.

When George's messages went unanswered, he had no choice but to knock and let himself in. He was about to remind Oliver about the meeting but the words caught on his throat when he saw Josefina

in

sleeping peacefully.

He didn't need Oliver to say a thing he knew to back out quietly.

George slipped out with an awkward smile, then hurried down the hall to stop anyone else from coming in.