Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 279

Emmy could tell right away—James was all over the place tonight. His emotions were running high and she could feel it in the air between them.

“Did something happen? Are you in trouble? Maybe I can help,” she asked, watching him carefully.

James’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His voice came out low and rough. “No. I just missed you.”

Emmy paused, a little speechless. They’d only been apart for half a day, but somehow, hearing that made her heart melt. She reached up to fix his collar, which was tucked awkwardly under his jacket, smoothing it out with gentle fingers.

“I’m not going anywhere, you know. Next time, don’t rush over so fast—your collar was a mess,” she teased, giving him a dimpled smile when she finished.

“All right, we’re good now. Ready to go?”

James grabbed her hand and held it tight, like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go. Even while driving, he kept one hand on the wheel and the other wrapped firmly around hers. He was unusually quiet the whole way.

Emmy tried to fill the silence, rambling about her day and little things that happened, but James just listened, barely saying a word. It wasn’t until they pulled up outside a little restaurant near the hospital that he finally spoke.

He got out, opened her door, and said, “Let’s eat first.”

Inside, they walked to a private room. Emmy kept sneaking glances at his tense jaw and the way his eyes seemed miles away. She couldn’t help herself.

“Are you upset?” she asked quietly as he pulled out her chair.

James just shook his head. “No.”

Emmy frowned. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Maybe something happened at work, but since he wasn’t talking, she decided not to push.

When the waiter came, James took the menu and told him, “No cilantro or chili, please.”

He remembered her preferences. That small gesture warmed Emmy’s heart, but she still spoke up. “It’s okay to put a little chili in.”

James looked at her, surprised.

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