The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 99

On the car ride home, Jocelyn clutched a bouquet, telling herself not to look back.

But the moment the car pulled away, her gaze, disobedient as ever, caught a glimpse of Melvin sitting by the window, alone and looking rather forlorn.

"What's up?" Sitting next to her in the backseat, Harrison instantly picked up on her mood.

Jocelyn shook her head, withdrawing her gaze. "It's nothing."

Harrison did not press further.

A wise man knows when to leave well enough alone.

When they arrived at the hotel, Harrison did something different this time. Instead of saying goodbye outside, he walked her to her door.

Standing at the threshold, Jocelyn looked down at the flowers in her arms. "Thank you."

"Boyfriends giving girlfriends flowers is as natural as Thanksgiving turkey; you don't need to thank me," Harrison said with a hint of reluctance. "I had a great time today because you made it feel like a real date."

Jocelyn blushed at his words. She, too, had felt the flutter of romance.

Back when she was with Melvin, everything was so secretive they could never have been this open about their relationship.

"Yeah, I had fun too," Jocelyn admitted, her heart touched by his care.

There was an awkward pause before Harrison suggested, "You should get some rest."

"You too," Jocelyn replied, swiping her key card, the door clicking open.

Harrison lingered, not moving an inch.

Jocelyn laughed softly. "You should head back. Your ride's waiting, isn't it?"

He nodded but still did not move.

Their eyes met again, and Jocelyn could not help but laugh.

"Are you going or not?" She teased, finding him endearing in his hesitation, like a teenager in his first romance.

A bit embarrassed, Harrison pushed his glasses up his nose and bit his lip. "I don't want to go."

Jocelyn paused.

"I just mean I don't want to go. I'm not saying I want to stay," Harrison quickly clarified, seeing her hesitation. "I just...don't want to leave."

Jocelyn stepped aside, laughing. "You're not new to this, are you?"

"No," he confessed earnestly. "But it feels like the first flush of love."

Jocelyn knew that feeling well—the excitement, the longing, the fear, and the desire for more.

"Got work tomorrow," she reminded him, stepping back into her room. "You better head back."

"Okay." Harrison took a step back, understanding the night had to end. "We're officially a couple, right?"

Jocelyn nodded.

Harrison's eyes, visible behind his glasses, betrayed his hidden thoughts, and Jocelyn, an adult herself, understood him perfectly.

She hugged the flowers tighter, feeling a nervous thrill.

She was torn between refusing and accepting what was unspoken between them.

"I'm leaving," Harrison finally said, stepping back. "Good night."

His retreat brought Jocelyn a sense of relief. She replied, "Good night."

He took a couple more steps away. "You can close the door."

Jocelyn retreated further into her room, her hand on the door frame. "Get some rest."

"Yeah." Harrison gave her a parting smile. "Close the door."

She slowly shut the door, his figure shrinking from view.

Jocelyn leaned against the closed door, releasing a breath she had not realized she was holding, her hand over her racing heart.

She was shocked.