CHAPTER 266: CHAPTER 266 THE GIFT

Ava’s POV

The work day couldn’t end fast enough. Ever since our steamy video call last night, I’d been restless, distracted, and counting down the minutes until I could see Joseph again. He said he’d pick me up after work, and I found myself glancing at the door every few minutes as closing time approached.

Finally, the clock hit six.

I stepped outside, immediately spotting Joseph leaning against his black sports car across the walkway. He looked devastating in dark jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

When our gazes locked, he gave me that warm smile that made my stomach flip. I walked over, playing it cool while my heart hammered.

"Hey," I said, suddenly feeling shy after what we’d shared last night.

"Hey yourself," he replied, his voice deep as he opened the passenger door. "You look beautiful today."

"Thanks." I slid into the seat, trying to ignore how good he smelled as he leaned in.

As Joseph drove toward my apartment, I noticed several shopping bags in the back seat.

"Doing some shopping?" I asked.

He glanced at me with a mischievous smile. "Actually, those are for you."

"For me?" I frowned, confused.

When we arrived at my apartment building, Joseph grabbed the bags from the back seat.

"Open them," he said.

Hesitantly, I reached into the first bag and pulled out a gorgeous gold sequined dress—the same one he’d purchased saying he’d give it to a friend.

"Joseph..." I breathed.

The second bag contained a pair of strappy gold heels that perfectly matched the dress. And in the third bag, nestled in tissue paper, was a delicate white lace lingerie set that made my cheeks flush hot with memory of our video call.

"Why are you giving me these?" I asked, looking up at him. "I thought you were buying something for a friend."

Joseph’s lips curved into a smile. "Aren’t you my friend? And I’m hoping this friend might become a girlfriend."

My breath caught. He remembered my flirtatious question from before. But what did this mean? Was he seriously pursuing me, or was this just another conquest for the notorious playboy? We’d known each other for less than a month.

"What’s wrong?" Joseph asked, noticing my conflicted expression. "Don’t you like them?"

I carefully folded the dress and placed it back in its bag. "I can’t accept these, Joseph."

"Why not?" His brow furrowed. "Did I offend you somehow? Or is this moving too fast?"

My cheeks burned. "Moving too fast? What exactly is moving between us?"

"Well," he said with a smile, "there was that rather sexy interaction we had last night."

"That—that was..." I stammered.

"How would you define what’s happening between us, Ava?" he asked, his voice serious now. "Because I can tell you officially that I’m pursuing you."

I stared at him, trying to read the truth in his eyes. My heart wanted to believe him, but my mind remained guarded.

"We’re friends with benefits at most," I finally said.

A flash of anger crossed his face before his expression settled into a forced smile. "Friends with benefits usually go on actual dates, you know."

"I don’t recall any proper date invitations," I lied. If I actually agreed to go on a real date with him, I’d definitely end up sleeping with him. And that scared me.

Joseph sighed. "Fine, but aren’t you going out with the girls to that club tomorrow night? I thought you might need something nice to wear. That’s all."

I glanced at the bags again. The dress was beautiful, and I did need something to wear tomorrow...

"Fine," I relented, picking up the bags. "But don’t think this means you’ll be the one taking these off me."

"Wouldn’t dream of it," he replied, but the heat in his eyes said otherwise.

He was quiet for a moment, like he was gathering his courage.

"Ava, you look tired," he said, glancing at me. "I want you to quit that store job. It makes you work too hard and you have no free time."

I frowned, having a vague idea of what he was about to say.

"You told me you got your business degree," he continued. "Come work at my company. I can give you a good job."

Just as I thought.

"No," I said quickly. "I do not want to do that."

Even though I was tired from working at the store and had to deal with my terrible coworkers, I still did not want to say yes to him.

"Why not? You will make more money and have better hours."

"Because it will make things complicated between us," I explained to him. "I do not want to mix work with personal things."

Joseph was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "I will find a way to change your mind."

I shook my head. "You cannot make me do this."

"We will see about that," he said with a small smile.

As I prepared to get out of the car, I knew I should just say goodnight and go inside. But I knew he bought me gifts and offered me a job at his company because he cared about me. I could not be so cold to him. Instead, I found myself leaning forward to place a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you for the gifts," I whispered, pulling back before I could do something stupid like kiss him properly.

Joseph’s eyes darkened, his breath catching. For a moment, I thought he might pull me into his arms, but he simply nodded.

"Sleep well, Ava," he said, his voice rough with restraint.

I watched him drive away, clutching the bags to my chest. As soon as I closed my door behind me, I leaned against it, my heart racing.

I’d almost been so captivated by him that I wanted to agree to everything he said, to kiss him, to sleep with him. He was just too hard to resist.

I shook my head, trying to clear it. One thing I knew for sure—I was playing with fire, and falling for him more each day.