Chapter 176

Howard's POV

I sat in my study, engrossed in a stack of reports and partnership agreements when my phone vibrated. It was a message from Susan.I glanced at it, and found my lips curving upward involuntarily.

"Mr. Thompson, Annie's signing session at the printing factory has been completed. According to feedback from the publishers, pre-orders have exceeded expectations, and signed editions have completely sold out."

I set aside the document in my hand. The news was even better than anticipated.

Susan followed up with another message:

"The publisher has already shared the news on social media, and the response has been enthusiastic. Sarah Johnson will definitely see this. As you predicted, she's likely to imitate this marketing approach."

I gave a cold laugh. Sarah's behavior was so predictable.She had been quiet lately, but I knew she wouldn't give up so easily. Still, letting her busy herself with copying Annie's marketing strategy was beneficial-it would distract her for a while, keeping her temporarily away from Annie and Lucy's lives.

As I contemplated the next preventive measures, a gentle knock sounded at my study door.

"Come in." I said, setting down my phone.

It was Annie. She wore a simple navy blue dress that accentuated her slender figure. After a full day's activities, her hair was slightly disheveled. merr

triggering an image in my mind- her beneath me,breathless,hair scattered across the pillow.

"Am I disturbing you?" she asked, her voice carrying thatunique blend of confidence and consideration that I had come to appreciate.

"Not at all," I answered, setting aside the documents I'd been reviewing."I could use a break."

Annie stepped in, casually closing the door behind her. "I wanted to confirm that you'll be able to make it to Lucy's performance tomorrow afternoon? She's really looking forward to it."

I nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I've cleared my schedule from noon onwards. Lucy's performance is my top priority."

Annie's face brightened with visible relief. "That's wonderful. I just tucked Lucy into bed-you should have seen how seriously she took choosing her outfit. She tried on almost every dress in her closet before deciding on that white dress with the pearl decorations."

"The one with the lace trim?" I asked, recalling the dress I had selected for Lucy last month.

"That's the one. She said it makes her feel like 'a real host," Annie chuckled, making air quotes with her fingers.

I smiled,imagining Lucy's serious little face making that declaration. "She'Il be perfect."

Annie moved closer, perching on the edge of my desk. "She asked some interesting questions tonight."

"Oh? What kind?" "She wanted to know why the moon doesn't fall down," Annie replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And if stars have mothers too."

I chuckled lightly. "Our Lucy is quite the little philosopher."

"She's curious about everything." Annie agreed, her gaze falling on the pile of documents on my desk. "You've been working late a lot this week. Is everything alright with the company?"

"Just the usual challenges." I answered, deliberately keeping my tone light.There was no need for Annie toknow I was closely monitoring Sarah's every move.

"Actually," I changed the subject, "I heard your book signing was quite successful today. Congratulations."

Annie's face immediately lit up with pride. "It was incredible. I still can't believe how many people were waiting in line for a signature."

"I'm not surprised at all," I said sincerely. "Your talent deserves recognition. It was just a matter of time."

Annie looked at me curiously. "And by the way, the flowers you sent at lunch were beautiful,thank you."

I smiled. "Of course I need to stay informed about my girlfriend's achievements."

"You're always so thoughtful," Annie's eyes shone with warmth.She glanced at the pile of documents on my desk, then back at me. "Always working so late."

"Today is an exception," I reached out to take her hand, noticing the slight redness around her wrist. "Your hand must be tired from signing so many books."

"A little," she admitted. flexing her fingers. "But it's a good kind of tired."

I gently pulled her toward me. gesturing for her to move from the desk to my lap. After a moment's hesitation, she complied, sighing contentedly as she leaned against me. The warmth of her hody and the faint scent of lilac brought me a sense of peace.

"How about we go out to the balcony?" I suggested. "Get some fresh air?"

Annie nodded, and I led her to the private balcony connected to my study.The night sky stretched above us, clear and star-filled. The soft glow of the balcony lights created a warm bubble around us, insulating us from the darkness outside and the noise of the city.

We settled into comfortable chairs, and I took her hand again, gently massaging her palm and wrist to ease the tension from hours of writing.

"Do you need to sign more books tomorrow?" I asked.

"No, I finished everything today," she answered, visibly relaxing under my massage. "Even if I hadn't, I would still prioritize Lucy's performance tomorrow afternoon."

I lifted her hand to my lips, placing a kiss on her palm-an unusual gesture for someone typically as reserved as myself.

Annie chuckled, pulling her hand back with a playful expression."What are you doing?" she asked, though her eyes revealed her pleasure at the gesture.

"It's been longs since we were apart," I admitted honestly, my voice lower than usual. "A whole day without seeing you. I found I didn't particularly

enjoy the feeling. I missed you. Annie."

The night sky seemed to still around us, my words hanging in the air.t wasn't a man accustomed to expressing emotions, but with Annie, I was gradually learning to shed the ice around my heart,to articulate my feelings.

Annie's expression softened, and she moved closer, leaning against my shoulder. "Is this better?" she asked softly.

"Much," I answered without hesitation, wrapping my arm around her waist as we sat in comfortable silence.

The starlight cast an enchanting glow between us, and I felt Annie's breathing begin to quicken, her body shifting subtly in my embrace.When she turned to look at me, her eyes glimmered with a light I had come to recognize.

"I missed you too, Howard," her voice became low and soft, carrying a hint of temptation I couldn't resist.

My fingers traced lightly along her back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric. She tilted her head, looking at me with unmistakable desire in her eyes.

Annie turned, smoothly straddling my thighs in one fluid motion, her dress riding up in the process. She cradled my face in her hands and leaned down to kiss me. The kiss started gentle and exploratory but quickly became passionate and urgent.

My hands instinctively steadied her waist, feeling her body press against mine. "Here?" I asked softly in the brief pause between kisses.

"Why not?" she smiled against my lips, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Under the stars, just the two of us..."

I couldn't resist her proposition, nor could I resist the weight and warmth of her on top of me. My hands slid to her thighs, savoring the smoothness of her skin. Annie's breathing grew more rapid, her nimble fingers skillfully unbuttoning my shirt.

She arched her back, tilting her head backward to expose her slender neck.My lips traveled from her jaw down to her collarbone, eliciting a soft sigh from her. Her fingers tangled in my hair, tugging gently, communicating her urgency.

Annie took the initiative to unzip her own dress, letting it slide down to her waist. revealing curves wrapped in black lace lingerie. Moonlight bathed her skin, enveloping her in a mysterious silver glow. I gazed at her,entranced, my palm pressed against her back,feeling every tremor in her body.

"You're beautiful," I murmured, my voice husky with desire.

She smiled at me, that confident, teasing smile that always accelerated my heartbeat. "Then prove it to me," she whispered, simultaneously unbuckling my belt.

Our movements became more urgent, clothing discarded piece by piece,scattered across the balcony floor.

Annie straddled me, her hands pressing on my shoulders as she slowly and deliberately joined with me. When I was fully inside her,she threw her head back, releasinga satisfied, uninhibited moan, a trembling tone of pleasure rolling from her throat.

She began to move, her hips swaying rhythmically, initially with slow, gemer

deep motions. I could feel every inch of warmth and tightness inside her.Her bare breasts swayed before me, full and firm, nipples hardened with excitement. I couldn't help but lean forward to take one in my mouth.teasing the sensitive tip with my tongue.

"God, Howard..." she called my name, her voice hoarse and filled with passion. "Justlike that... don't stop..."

My hands gripped her soft buttocks, my fingers pressing into her skin,guiding her to quicken her pace. Her movements became faster,more intense. Sweat trickled from her forehead and chest,glistening enticingly in the moonlight. Her waist twisted, seeking the angle that would bring us both the greatest pleasure.

The balcony chair creaked with our rhythm but was sturdy enough to bear the weight of our passion. Annie's fingers dug deep into my shoulders,her head leaning forward, hair falling around her face as our gazes locked through the haze of desire. Her eyes were half-closed, lips parted, each breath mingled with subtle moans.

Under the starry sky, in this completely private space belonging only to us,we reached our climax. Annie's body tensed, then collapsed into my embrace. I held her tightly, savoring this intimate, relaxed moment.

After a while, Annie laughed softly. "I think we might need a shower."

"I think that's an excellent idea," I replied, kissing her temple. "Together?"

"Sounds perfect."