Chapter 10 Toppling Over The Man

Valerie regained her composure after a brief shock.

She tightened the covers around her, exposing only her face.

"What... What are you doing here?" she stammered, eyes wide as she gazed up at Jonathan.

Jonathan looked down at her, a hint of amusement in his gaze at her evident surprise. His lips curled into a mischievous smile.

Leaning closer, he teased, "What do you think I'm here to do, aside from sleep? Or perhaps there's something else you're hoping for?"

Valerie felt a rush of heat to her cheeks as she was suddenly conscious of his commanding presence and striking looks.

But Jonathan, observing her flustered expression, felt only a mix of disdain and boredom.

He scoffed dismissively and straightened, resuming his earlier activity.

Startled by his mocking tone, Valerie's embarrassment turned to annoyance at her own vulnerability.

What angered her more was his apparent enjoyment in making her flustered.

Despite her growing irritation, she knew she had to maintain her composure.

"Mr. Holt, remember our agreement about maintaining a distance. It's really not appropriate for us to share a bed," Valerie said, trying to keep her cool.

Jonathan, unfazed by her discomfort, arched an eyebrow and replied casually, "You're not obliged to stay in bed. The room is spacious enough. Find another spot if you prefer."

Realizing his uncompromising nature, especially regarding his own comfort, Valerie conceded.

"Alright. You keep the bed. I'll find another place to sleep."

With an eye-roll, she slid out from under the covers and prepared to relocate.

As Valerie hastily attempted to stand, her nightgown twisted around her leg, causing her to stumble into Jonathan.

The sequence of events was so rapid that Jonathan had no chance to steady himself, and Valerie's unexpected movement knocked them both onto the bed.

In a flurry, Valerie tried to rise but ended up tumbling back into his embrace.

"You're doing this on purpose!" Jonathan's voice rang out, deep and threatening.

"No, I'm not. It was my nightgown's lace. It snagged on your shirt button," Valerie responded, her tone even as she attempted to disengage the tangled lace and button.

Their light summer garments and the closeness of their bodies allowed them to feel the heat emanating from one another.

Minutes dragged on, and Valerie still struggled to loosen the lace, her face flushing with frustration.

In her impatience, she tugged harder, hoping to forcefully free the lace. But the fabric was way too sturdy and resisted her efforts.

"Don't move!" Jonathan commanded, his voice gritty as Valerie's fingers grazed his chest, unintentionally stirring him.

"Almost done here," Valerie said, feeling the lace beginning to give. She prepared for one final pull, oblivious to the darkening expression in Jonathan's eyes.

Without warning, Jonathan acted, swiftly rolling to pin Valerie beneath him, altering their physical dynamic dramatically.