Natalie gulped, pulling her hand away from Justin's hold and quickly averting her gaze. What's wrong with me? And what's wrong with him today? Puzzled and feeling her heart race, she stood up abruptly. "Thank you… I'm fine now. You can leave."
But Justin didn't move. Instead, he asked, "What excuse did you give to Mr. Ford for my absence tonight?"
"I didn't have to. Grandpa didn't come home tonight either," she replied, trying not to meet his gaze. Both of you men just left me alone like that.
"You're alone?" His voice held a note of surprise as he stood up, his eyes now focused intently on her.
She turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "Do you see anyone else around me?"
"Good. So you took my warning from previous night seriously," Justin replied, his tone calm yet loaded with meaning.
Natalie's irritation flared. "What do you mean? Do you think I brought random men home but because of your warning I didn't bring any?"
