The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 61

Jocelyn was tormented by Melvin bright and early in the morning, feeling uncomfortable all over. She thought men really had a knack for looking spick and span outdoors but turning into beasts indoors.

To avoid a run-in between Melvin and her mom, Jocelyn thoughtfully suggested Melvin wait for them at the entrance of the old neighborhood that afternoon.

She had to head back now.

Melvin grabbed her hand, “I'm eating lunch alone?”

“You wanna come over to my place for lunch?” Jocelyn's retort made Melvin let go her hand instantly.

Honestly, Jocelyn didn't give a hoot. If Melvin was up for it, she'd happily drag him home. Clearly, he wasn't.

Jocelyn wasn't bummed out or anything. She knew what the deal was. If he’d said yes just like that, that would've been a real eyebrow-raiser.

“If you're tied up this afternoon, we can just grab a cab to the station,” Jocelyn gave him an out. It wasn’t supposed to matter whether he dropped them off or not.

“I’m free.”

“Then I’ll give you a buzz later.”

Just as Jocelyn was about to hop on the elevator, Melvin pulled her back.

He wrapped her in his arms, with a rare glimpse of reluctance in his eyes.

“Why don't we find an excuse to have lunch at your place?”

Jocelyn raised an eyebrow, “What excuse? My dad’s at work today, so no one’s there to casually invite you over.”

Melvin pursed his lips, pondering, “Can’t it just be that you bumped into me and invited me over by the way?”

“Ha!” Jocelyn couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. What a genius was he to find such an excuse.

She eyed him sideways, “Why so eager to eat at my place anyway? It's not like you need to impress your mother-in-law.”

He hadn’t thought about marrying her, so there was no need to make a show of it to her parents.

If it all blew up in his face later, it would be a real kick in the backbone.

“Can’t I just want to spend more time with you?” Melvin frowned, “Starting to get fed up with me?”

Jocelyn didn’t buy his bull for a second; he was probably just messing around.

She gently pushed him away, “Better not show up at my place too often. My parents are sharp; they’ll figure it out. And if they start pushing for marriage, it’ll be late for you to regret.”

“Not fun.” Melvin let her go and pressed the elevator button for her again, “Kiss me.”

Jocelyn thought he was nuts. He’d never been like this before.

Still, she obliged and pecked him on the corner of his mouth. Then the elevator arrived.

“Gotta run.”

“Hold up.” Melvin fished out a small box from his pocket and handed it to her.

“What's this?”

“A gift.”

Jocelyn was surprised, “You got me a gift?”

“Heh, you think I'm heartless like you?” Melvin blocked the elevator door, “Now scram.”

Jocelyn waved goodbye with the box in hand, “Thanks a bunch.”

She got in the elevator, seeing Melvin stand with hands in pockets, his handsome face all frosty, but his eyes fixed on her, like a big dog left at home.

Once the elevator doors closed, Jocelyn opened the box - a delicate bracelet inside.

It sported a pink diamond, not big, but finely made and pretty. She tried it on. It was a perfect fit for her wrist.

Over the years, he’d been a decent boyfriend, always mindful of what girls like, bringing her gifts from his trips, plenty of jewelry too - earrings, necklaces, bracelets. Neither piece was cheap, to say the least.

He’d always been generous with her. But what she truly wanted was never these things.

She took off the bracelet, put it back in the box, and stepped out of the elevator.

Back home, Jocelyn couldn’t dodge her mother's questions about where she’d been all night, and she had to lie about being called last-minute by a colleague to check some textbooks and missing calls from home due to her phone being on silent.

Daisy just wanted an explanation and didn’t pry further.

The three of them were eating lunch when Daisy kept reassuring Quinta not to overthink and not to stress herself out, because a good mood was key to making things happen.