Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1069

At first, Camila Davis watched the match, but her eyes kept drifting to Dennis Williams. Up on that platform, he seemed brighter than ever, almost untouchable. When Mr. Byron came at him, Dennis met every attack with swift, sharp punches. Even though this was only for practice, he held back, careful not to go too hard. Still, Camila could easily imagine how intimidating he’d be if he ever went all out against a real enemy. His movements were so smooth, his posture perfect. She just couldn’t look away.

After a while, though, the excitement faded. Camila and Vivien lost interest in the guys’ sparring and slipped away to the greenhouse, where they poured more tea and settled in for a long chat, sunlight fading outside.

By the time Dennis and Mr. Byron finally came back, the sun was gone and evening had settled over the estate. Both men looked refreshed but still a little flushed from their workout, hair damp from recent showers. Mr. Byron was practically bouncing as he slapped Dennis on the shoulder. “Not bad. Looks like the easy life hasn’t made you soft. You’re still in top shape. Let’s go have a drink!”

Mr. Byron had a massive wine cellar packed with bottles he’d been saving for years. Finally having someone to share them with, there was no way he’d miss the chance to celebrate. Dennis went along without hesitation. They sipped wine and talked while Camila and Vivien finished dinner, then went off to their rooms to relax.

It was almost ten when Camila glanced at the clock, wondering where Dennis had gone. Just then, the door opened and he walked in, reeking of wine. He must have had more than a few drinks with Mr. Byron. His cheeks were flushed, and his steps just a little unsteady.

Camila hurried over to steady him, worry in her voice. “Why did you drink so much? Are you okay? Are you drunk?”

Dennis looked up at her, eyes slightly red at the corners, his whole expression softer and somehow even more handsome than usual. “Yeah…”

What she didn’t notice was how her gentle touches were having an effect on him. When her fingertips brushed his chest and abs, she felt his body tense. She barely had time to react before Dennis pulled her down onto the sofa with him, cutting off her startled gasp with a firm, heated kiss.

At first, Camila thought about resisting, but his kiss was intoxicating, and soon her worries faded. It didn’t matter that he was the one who’d been drinking—she felt just as dizzy and lightheaded as he did.

She only came back to her senses when his rough palm slid along her waist, reality mixing with the warmth of his touch.