Blind date turned proposal (Josie and Dexter)

As she stepped into the dimly lit room, she paused in the shadows without flicking on the switch. Swiftly, she slipped out of her heels and the elegant dress, ready to change into her usual clothes. But just as she reached for her outfit, the room suddenly lit up. Caught off guard, she spun around, alarmed. "Who's there?"

Dexter was unmistakably the figure by the door, casually leaning with no clear indication of how long he had been watching.

His attention, though, was respectfully averted. "I came to apologize," he stated plainly.

Josie clenched her hands into fists at his sight. "Who let you in here?"

Her irritation was evident, barely contained. Thankfully, she wasn't entirely undressed.

"I let myself in."

"That can't be. Mark would never allow it."

"Actually, while you were busy with Morgan, I managed to speak with Mark. He was quite understanding of our predicament." Dexter's voice carried his usual assuredness, his casual demeanor belied by the deliberate tapping of his fingers.

This revelation only fueled Josie's anger. Hastily covering up with a T-shirt, she confronted him. "You're overstepping," she shot back. "You're the reason we're in this mess. Had you been there, Morgan wouldn't have been involved!"

Dexter calmly caught her accusing finger. "Yes, and that's precisely why I'm here to apologize."

This caught Josie off guard.

His grip firmed gently. "I'm sorry for missing our arrangement.”

Regret tinged his voice, revealing a rare vulnerability.

Thus, Josie's temper simmered as she retreated to the couch, nonchalantly inspecting her nails in the light.

"I wouldn't dare to have you apologize. The fact that you, Mr. Busyman, could spare some time to see me, is already a great favor."

Her behavior was passive aggressive.

Dexter hovered close behind her, a playful smirk on his face. "Feeling jealous?"

"Why would I? Have you been involved with other women behind my back, Mr. Russell?" Josie challenged, meeting his eyes. "Yes, it was Juliette."

His calmness took her by surprise. "What did you say?"

"It's exactly what you're thinking."

With the truth out, Josie saw no point in delving deeper. Dressed only in a T-shirt, her legs drew a stark contrast under the room's light.

Dexter, managing a neutral facade, sat down beside her. "You haven't asked about my response," he pointed out.

"I don't want to know. This has nothing to do with you breaking your promise. Besides, it shouldn't take an hour to decline an offer." Detecting her disillusionment, Dexter seemed contemplative. "How about allowing me to explain?"

Josie rarely witnessed such in Dexter, his usual aloofness replaced by earnestness. Her resolve softened slightly. "If

Mility

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insist, you can beg me for a chance."

A smile broke on his face at her words. "Please, I'm begging you. Give me a chance to rectify my mistake."

Josie hesitated initially but then

acknowledged his gesture. The dinner was supposed to be his. apology. Despite her waiting in vain, he didn't just disappear; he came to the hospital, waiting for her

It could be said... he was quite sincere.

"Fine, go ahead and plead your case."

His explanation was succinct, needing only a few sentences. Afterward, Josie pondered before admitting, "Many women are drawn to you. Juliette might not stand out, but her sincerity does." S

"I'm aware."

"Why didn't you accept her proposal?"

Dexter lifted his gaze, his eyes burning with striking intensity. "Do you want me to?"

Had this conversation occurred right after her return, Josie might have answered impulsively. But now, she hesitated. "I'm unsure." Her uncertainty only meant she didn't want him to accept Juliette's proposition.

Dexter moved closer, his hand gently but firmly turning her face toward him. "Morgan came back to Wavery for you," he revealed.