Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 26

James was still shirtless, his toned body slick with sweat, only a pair of dark gray gym shorts hanging low on his hips.

Sweat traced down his chest and abs, disappearing into the sharp V of his waist—a sight that was way too easy to imagine lingering on. It wasn’t even hot tonight, but he looked like he’d just run a marathon.

Strangely, he didn’t smell bad at all. Instead, there was this clean, soapy scent mixed with a hint of masculine sweat—honestly, it was kind of intoxicating.

When he spotted Emmy standing in the doorway, his brows drew together just a little.

“Did I wake you up again?” he asked.

Emmy’s brain short-circuited.

No way. Seriously? After last night’s noise, he was going at it again? Did this guy ever get tired?

Her cheeks instantly turned scarlet. She stammered, “N-no! I just… you looked like you hadn’t eaten, so I made you something.”

She stepped forward, holding out the insulated lunch box. “Instant noodles aren’t good for you. If you’re still hungry, I can bring more. For you guys, too.”

“You guys?” James echoed, his deep voice puzzled.

A weird look flashed across his face as he seemed to put together her earlier weirdness. Suddenly, he got it—exactly what kind of wild ideas she’d been having.

He frowned, then reached out and grabbed her wrist before she could even react, pulling her inside without warning.

Emmy squeaked, totally caught off guard.

“What are you doing? Let me go!” she yelped, trying to pull away.

James barely broke a sweat. He wrapped one arm around her waist and just lifted her up, carrying her further in like she weighed nothing.

“I was working out,” he said above her, sounding half-exasperated, half amused. “If it’s too loud, I’ll switch to another time.”

He set her down on the floor—not exactly gently. Her legs wobbled, and she nearly fell, but he caught her around the waist and steadied her before she could hit the ground.

When she looked up, she was face-to-face with a giant black punching bag—still damp from his workout. Dumbbells and weight plates were scattered everywhere, and a legit-looking gym machine stood by the wall.

So… it was a home gym. All those noises last night? Not what she’d thought at all. He was just working out.

James raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes fixed on her.

Emmy suddenly felt nervous—maybe she hadn’t sent enough?

“Is it not enough? I can—”

Before she could finish, his large hand covered hers, pressing her phone down.

“I don’t need your money,” he said quietly.

Emmy froze, her fingers still on the screen.

James let go and looked straight at her. “You bring me food. You give me a car.”

He leaned in, his presence filling the space between them.

“Emmy, what exactly are you trying to do?”