Jocelyn was pretty chuffed with his attitude. She had to admit that he did a bang-up job.
But she still had a bit of an affectation and chinned up, not saying a word.
"Are you..." Melvin, lost for words by her demeanor, just went for it and pinned her to the couch, leaning over to seal her lips with a kiss.
"Mmm..." Jocelyn patted his back.
Melvin eased up just as she was about to speak, then went in for another kiss, even more dominant and fierce this time.
His palm rested on her waist, and her thin nightie was no match for the heat in his hand. Jocelyn easily fell prey to him.
Jocelyn wriggled, still putting up a fight.
Finally, Melvin, breathing heavily, let her go, noticing her flushed face and misty eyes. His hand that had sneakily made its way onto her flat but heaving belly, now wandering upward, “Spill it, don’t overthink.”
Jocelyn was like jelly at this point, all soft and pliable.
Her mind was still clear, though, “You treat me too nice, I'm scared I won’t ever be able to quit you.”
"Then don't think about leaving." Melvin’s lips met hers once more.
Jocelyn turned her head, and his kiss landed on her cheek.
Melvin frowned, none too pleased.
"What's up?"
"Be my boyfriend." Jocelyn’s eyes shone bright.
Melvin paused, "Aren't I already?"
"The kind you can show off in the daylight." Jocelyn was crystal clear about what she wanted.
Right then, she was after a solid yes.
Pulling his hand out from under her clothes, Melvin sat aside and leaned back on the couch. He seemed to be another person with that indifference.
Jocelyn was used to his attitudes by now, not surprised in the slightest. But her disappointment never changed and grew stronger.
"I'm not pushing you to marry me; I just want a relationship above board." Jocelyn straightened her clothes, calmed her emotions, and said coolly, "If that's not gonna fly, then forget it, no biggie."
Jocelyn stood up, "It's getting late, you should hit the sack. I’m out."
"You always play this trick with me; do you find this fun?" Melvin suddenly looked up, fixing his gaze on her, "Haven't we been doing fine these past three years? Why the sudden urge to shake things up? Can’t we just have a good time?"
He was ticked off.
Jocelyn knew full well that he was getting riled up.
She looked down at him, sincerely saying, "Yeah, it's just not doing fine for me anymore, that's why I can't keep this up. Married or not, I need a change."
Melvin tightly knitted his brows, seeing her seriousness this time.
She’d been different in previous squabbles, not as composed as today.
"All because Willow upset your dad?" Melvin shot back, "I handled it. What's still got you miffed?"
"Not just that." Jocelyn was calm and collected, "I know my dad has his duties with his job. Without Willow, there would be others treating him the same. You know what I’ve always wanted. Not trying to pick a fight, I’m just worn out, that's all."
Jocelyn smiled at him, "These years with you have been great and they'll be a cherished memory. I want to take a break to get my head straight. You and I are different. All you need is a sexual partner which can be anyone, while I want to settle down."
"Is it because you’ve got your sights set on marriage now?" Melvin’s face darkened, "That guy gave you hope, and now you're using it as an excuse?"
Jocelyn hadn’t expected him to dredge up her past with Harrison at a time like this. Who said men with broad shoulders don’t hold grudges? He remembered everything clear as day.
She was done explaining old news, simply stating, "Think what you want."
Melvin narrowed his eyes dangerously and said coldly, "It’s your last chance. If you walk out that door tonight, I'll never come after you!"
"I get it, I won't come after you either. As for my dad, if you think he’s not the right fit, just let him go." Jocelyn took a deep breath, "Goodnight."
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