The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 173

Harrison watched as Jocelyn sauntered over to Melvin, who gazed at her with a look so tender that it could melt butter. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and as they turned to leave, Melvin shot a triumphant glance back at Harrison. His smirk was a silent taunt, proudly proclaiming his place by Jocelyn's side.

They slipped out of the bistro and went back into the car. Once the engine hummed to life, Melvin's curiosity got the better of him. "What did you tell him?"

"Not much," Jocelyn said with a shrug, "just that we're better off as friends."

Melvin chuckled, steering onto the road. "Friends, huh? That's just an excuse to keep someone on the back burner."

Jocelyn's eyes twinkled with mischief. "What's the matter? Scared he's gonna steal me away?"

"Ha!" Melvin scoffed. "I was here first. Why should I be scared?"

She smirked, her lips curling in amusement. "Quite confident, aren't you?"

"Who else would you want when you've got me?" he retorted.

"Well, what if you dump me one day?" Jocelyn quipped with a teasing pout. "I can't be expected to pine for you forever."

Melvin frowned, "Why would I ever let you go? Unless you don't want me."

Jocelyn laughed off his charm. "But mark my words, if you ever dare to dump me, I'm not the type to revisit old flames."

"I won't," Melvin said, gripping her hand with an intensity that brooked no argument. "You're the only one for me."

Jocelyn loved these cheesy lines.

"Don't be friends with him," Melvin said abruptly. "When a guy wants to 'just be friends' with a girl he couldn't have, he's usually lying in wait."

"Why don't you just not give him the chance?" Jocelyn teased, eager to see him squirm. "Besides, you have Willow as a 'friend.' Why should I stop making friends?"

That was an old score waiting to be settled.

Melvin scowled, "There's nothing romantic between Willow and me."

"But she's got a thing for you," Jocelyn stood her ground. "With all the history you two have, if you can manage to keep it platonic, surely Harrison and I can be friends without an issue."

Melvin glanced at her, finding her too cheerful and obviously enjoying the discomfort she was causing him.

"It's not the same."

"How's it different?"

"Men have primal desires, and mine are for you alone," Melvin declared, as if asserting his fidelity to Jocelyn meant downplaying himself as a beast of sorts.

Jocelyn burst into laughter. She still had her arguments ready. "Desire doesn't discriminate between men and women. Otherwise, Willow wouldn't do that thing to you."

Melvin fell silent.

"Makes sense, doesn't it?" Jocelyn loved to see him at a loss for words.

After a moment, she spoke again, "Wait 'til we get home. I've got something to show you."

"What's that?" Melvin's bravado had deflated.

"You'll see. Don't want it to distract you while driving," she replied calmly.

Melvin couldn't fathom what she had up her sleeve.

Back at her apartment, Melvin watched her expectantly. "What did you want to show me? It isn't some kinky surprise, is it?"