chapter473

Chris had been trying to keep it together all afternoon, but now he was practically shaking with laughter. Seeing Connor-usually the picture of self-control-get so thoroughly put in his place was more than he could handle. Weston and the others were barely holding it in too, faces stiff as they fought not to burst out laughing. Watching the legendary cold-faced king of the capital get jealous? None of them were ever going to forget it.

Cameron and Kylie came back from the restroom and immediately noticed Jay was missing.

"Lydia, where's Jay?" Kylie asked, glancing around.

"He left," Lydia answered, her voice casual.

Cameron looked surprised. Already? We were hoping to invite him to dinner at Blake's tonight."

Lydia shrugged. "Don't worry about him."

"Well, okay then. Connor, Chris, why don't you two come to Blake's for dinner with

us? Lucinda's already there, practicing piano." Blake's villa had a grand piano, so Lucinda had gone over earlier to practice.

Chris shook his head quickly. "Thanks, Mr. Norwood, but we've already got plans for tonight. Team event."

Cameron and Kylie turned to Connor. "What about you, Connor?"

Before he could answer, Lydia spoke up. He's eating out with me tonight."

Connor stared at her, surprised. How did she know exactly what he wanted? He'd been hoping for some time alone with her all day.

Cameron and Kylie exchanged a knowing look and smiled. "Alright, have fun, you two."

When everyone finally left, Connor let out a huge breath, relief flooding through him. He pulled Lydia into his arms, holding her close.

"So, what's up with Jay? Is he really your distant cousin?" His voice was quiet, but the jealousy was obvious.

Lydia gave him a little smile. "What do you think?"

Connor pressed her gently up against the trunk of a nearby tree, his eyes narrowing.

I don't care if he's your cousin or not. I don't want you even looking at him.

Lydia raised an eyebrow, lips twitching. "What do you mean, looking at him? I was just being polite."

Connor huffed in annoyance,

tugging at his tie. Even that small

gesture made Lydia's heart skip.

could someone!

so good

doing something so simple

"He's got a thing for you," Connor muttered, still pouting.

Lydia laughed quietly. "You actually fall for his act?"

Connor paused, looking thrown off.

"You didn't notice he was just trying to get a rise out of you?"

Was that it?

"Don't overthink it," Lydia said, her voice soft. "I'm not interested in him." Connor's eyes lit up with mischief. "There's a way to make sure I don't overthink."

Lydia arched her brow. "Oh? And what's that?"

He tilted his face toward her, the meaning crystal clear. If you kiss me, I'll let it go.

Lydia rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help grinning at how childish he was sometimes.

Connor waited, humming a little impatiently when she didn't move. Hmm?

Finally, Lydia rose up on her toes and pressed a soft, barely-there kiss to his cheek.

Her lips were warm and sweet, and the second they touched his skin Connor's heart went wild. When she pulled back, a wave of desire hit him hard. It wasn't enough.

He caught her around the waist, holding her tight as he bent down and kissed her,

slow and deep, tasting her lips like he never wanted to stop.

Aiden, who was sitting in the car nearby, nearly had a heart attack Oh my god. Was his boss really just going for it? Kissing her in broad daylight, right on the side of the road?