Chapter 7 Playing a Game

Jennifer finished her water and noticed her clothes had been changed. After a moment of shifting expressions, she finally looked up and asked, "Hey, where are my clothes?"

Francis chuckled, "Ms. Brown, you don't think I changed them, do you?"

Jennifer blushed and looked down. "No, thank you for today."

After her IV treatment, Jennifer felt much better, her temperature back to normal. She thanked Francis again and asked for the bill. "I'll transfer the money to you once I get home."

"No need, it's no big deal," Francis replied casually.

"Ms. Brown, are you trying to repay me or just looking for an excuse to get my contact information?"

Jennifer genuinely wanted to repay him, but she also had other thoughts, so she remained silent.

As night fell, Francis offered to drive Jennifer home. After a moment of hesitation, she agreed, nervous about another incident like the one earlier in the day.

While waiting at a red light, Francis mentioned, "The bracelet you mentioned last time is at my place. The dry cleaners found it in the pocket of your clothes."

Jennifer had no idea he was lying. He had intentionally kept the bracelet, hoping to meet its owner again someday. He had lied out of anger the last time at the hospital. Seeing her pitiful state today, he felt a twinge of compassion and decided to return it.

Jennifer looked at him with delight. "That's great, Dr. Carter! Can I get it now?"

"It's at my apartment," Francis said, glancing at the dark sky outside. He teased, "Are you sure you want to come over now?"

He could see the sincerity in her smile, more radiant and charming than any of her previous smiles. Clearly, the bracelet meant a lot to her.

The idea of a woman visiting a single man's apartment at night could easily lead to speculation. Jennifer hesitated, but Francis refused to give her his phone number, and she didn't know when she would see him again.

Eager for her mother's keepsake, she nodded, "Yes." She trusted that Francis wouldn't do anything to her; a man like him didn't lack female attention. He had rejected her advances before, so why would he trick her into coming over now?

Jennifer followed Francis into the elevator. The apartment was in the upscale Golden Harbor complex, known for its privacy and wealthy residents. Francis had bought a unit here for convenience. The living room was spacious, with only essential furniture in black and white, and the lighting was cool-toned.

Jennifer sat obediently on the sofa, waiting.

Soon, Francis came out holding the bracelet. Jennifer's eyes lit up—it was the bracelet! She eagerly stood up to take it. "Thank you."

"Is Ms. Brown's gratitude only verbal?" Francis teased, holding the bracelet high and looking down at her with a smirk.

Jennifer looked up at him, her eyes wide and her chin small, resembling a playful kitten. She jumped to reach the bracelet, but he playfully moved it out of her grasp.

Finally, a bit frustrated, she frowned slightly. "This is my bracelet. What do you want in return for giving it back?"

Francis thought for a moment. "Play a game with me. If you win, it's yours."

"A game?"

"Close your eyes and count to thirty, then guess where I've hidden the bracelet."

It sounded easy enough, so Jennifer agreed. She covered her eyes and quickly counted, "1, 2, 3… 30!" Then she opened her eyes. Francis was sitting confidently on the sofa. She had counted so quickly that he couldn't have left the room, so the bracelet had to be nearby. She searched around the coffee table and sofa, checking every crevice, even peeking under the sofa, but found nothing.

She stared at Francis. "It's on you."

Francis spread his hands. "You can search me."

Jennifer didn't hesitate, starting to search his pockets and seams. She removed his jacket, checking every pocket, then moved down his shirt. Francis lounged relaxedly on the sofa while Jennifer knelt beside him, half her body moving over his. When she reached into his pants pocket, he grabbed her wrist. "Ms. Brown, are you looking for the bracelet or taking the opportunity to harass me?"

Jennifer replied, "You made the rules. I just want my bracelet back."

With a tug, Francis pulled her off balance, and she fell against his chest. Their breaths became slow and deep. He brushed his nose against her cheek, whispering in her ear, "Yes, this is what I wanted. Didn't you agree?"

Jennifer didn't speak, but her ears turned red, indicating her silent consent. Francis's kisses trailed from her earlobe, behind her ear, down her neck, even nibbling her sensitive earlobe and teasing it with his tongue.

She pulled back slightly, but Francis smiled in satisfaction, flipping her onto the sofa. His hot kisses trailed down her collarbone, undoing buttons one by one. Jennifer's chest heaved, her fair skin turning a light pink. His hands roamed over her, exploring her back.

Just then, a cheerful ringtone from Francis's jacket interrupted them. Jennifer whimpered in annoyance, but Francis froze. It was a special ringtone he hadn't heard in a long time.