Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Erica nodded, pulling out her sketches and going over them with Ruby, detail by detail. She hoped Ruby would knock 'em dead at the competition and that she, Erica, would bag the final payment. There they sat, two minds each playing their own game of chess, plotting and planning.

As Josefina clocked out, the familiar car was parked just where she left it. The figure inside, still as recognizable as ever.

She slid into the passenger seat with a sigh. "Sorry, can't do dinner tonight. I've gotta prep. The competition's tomorrow."

Oliver didn't seem miffed at the rejection. He'd half-expected the rain check and offered, "I'll take you home then. Tomorrow, we'll celebrate your victory."

Josefina's laughter bubbled up, "How do you know I'll win? I'm not even competing. It's Alex representing the company."

Oliver's voice dropped to that affectionate purr, "In my eyes, you're always top of the podium."

Josefina blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue, making her look very sweet. He reached for her hand, but she tugged away, "Let go, would you?" His grip only tightened, "I can't bear to."

"Here we are," the driver announced, interrupting the lovebirds who seemed glued to their seats. The third wheel to their romance, the driver was full to the brim with their affectionate exchanges. Young love, he mused, was indeed a different breed. They were all wrapped up in each other.

Josefina's blush deepened as she pushed Oliver away and stepped out. Following suit, Oliver got out and ushered her to the front seat.

"How 'bout I take you home, swing by that bakery you love, pick up some of those pastries, and maybe grab some other snacks for the road?"

Josefina patted her belly, "No thanks. Ever since I got back, I've been living the life. I've probably packed on the pounds."

Oliver started the car, a sly smile playing on his lips, "You're perfect as you are."

Their eyes met, loaded with unspoken words, and Josefina cursed under her breath, "You're impossible, Oliver."

He feigned innocence, "I didn't say a thing."

She turned away, done with his insinuations. Men, she thought, always hinting at more.

Throughout the journey, Josefina didn't speak to Oliver until the car reached outside the estate gates, where she requested to get out of the car. She didn't want Oliver's car to go down to the underground garage and then come back up, as it would be too much trouble.

"I'll get off here. I'll take one of the cars from home later."

The estate was vast, and walking was a chore. She had things to do, preparations to make.

Josefina unbuckled her seatbelt, but as she was about to leave, Oliver killed the engine, took her hand, and pulled her back. His arms wrapped around her, their bodies touching, and a fragrance enveloped them, her form trembling slightly. His seatbelt clicked open.

As Josefina was drawn back, her head was cradled, soft lips meeting cool ones in a bold and unrestrained kiss. Her eyes, wide with shock, locked with Oliver's.

In that moment, she felt a wave of heat radiating from him, engulfing her.

Oliver's kiss was all too familiar, his tongue expertly claiming her, his right hand sneaking around her slender waist, then up her back, sending shivers down her spine. Josefina felt his hand edging toward her chest.