Chapter 616 - 612: She Hit the Jackpot

The engine was still running, and Emeric Grant had the heat on.

A wave of warmth enveloped her the moment she got in, and she immediately felt comfortable.

Her eyes followed Emeric Grant as he rounded the front of the car to the driver’s side, opened the door, and slid in. Though his expression was placid, the corners of his mouth held the faint, barely-there hint of a smile.

His profile was practically flawless. Even Cecilia Sterling, who had seen her fair share of handsome men, found herself staring, momentarily lost in a daze.

The next moment, Emeric Grant suddenly leaned toward her. An elegant, high-end scent of pine and wood wafted into her nostrils. The fragrance complemented his entire aura perfectly, instantly elevating the impression he gave to a whole new level.

’A man who pays attention to the little things will always make you secretly give him extra points.’

However, the intimate contact Cecilia Sterling had been secretly hoping for didn’t happen. Emeric Grant simply pulled the seatbelt across for her and buckled it. Then, he looked at her from up close and asked, "This early? Are you planning on taking me somewhere specific?"

It wasn’t even eight o’clock yet, which was admittedly a bit early for a date. Because of that, Emeric Grant already had his suspicions.

He just didn’t know where Cecilia Sterling was planning to take him.

Cecilia Sterling gazed at him, a smile in her eyes, and her lips parted slightly. "If you find out that the place we’re going isn’t exactly for a date, will you be angry?"

"That premise is flawed." Under Cecilia Sterling’s slightly puzzled gaze, Emeric Grant said softly with a straight face, "Our date began the moment we met. So for the rest of the day, no matter where we go or what we do, it’s all part of the date."

Seeing his face and that earnest expression, Cecilia Sterling couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. "Is that sound logic, or are you practicing sophistry?"

"Does it matter?" His gaze suddenly filled with warmth, and his entire demeanor softened in an instant.

Cecilia Sterling smiled at him. They seemed to be on the exact same wavelength. She understood what Emeric Grant meant and shook her head.

’Whether it was logic or sophistry didn’t matter. What mattered was that they were on a date—their first official date. The fact that she, the one who was asked out, had happily agreed and shown up was more than enough to make Emeric, the one who had invited her, happy.’

’Angry?’

’Not a chance!’

Emeric Grant sat up straight and tapped open the GPS. "Alright, where are we going?"

"Lamp Bridge Prison, Sunstone District."

Emeric Grant’s long fingers froze over the touchscreen. He turned to look at Cecilia Sterling, an unmistakable look of doubt in his eyes.

"Today is visiting day," Cecilia Sterling said calmly.

Once he realized Cecilia Sterling wasn’t joking, Emeric Grant didn’t hesitate and typed the destination into the GPS.

"Beginning route to Lamp Bridge Prison, Sunstone District, City of Lorcain. Total distance is approximately 46.7 kilometers. Roads may be congested due to morning rush hour traffic. Estimated travel time is one hour and twenty-seven minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts. We are departing now."

As the GPS voice spoke, the car started off smoothly.

Cecilia Sterling took the opportunity to explain. "I know you’re usually very busy, and it’s rare for you to get a day off. It just so happens to coincide with this month’s visiting day. I have to go see my brother, but I didn’t want to miss our date because of it..."

"You don’t have to explain any of that to me," Emeric Grant said gently. "I just wanted to see you. The fact that you were willing to come out and meet me is more than enough."

"I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m even a little happy about it."

As he spoke, he glanced over at Cecilia Sterling with a charming smile. "The fact that you’re willing to let me accompany you to visit a family member in prison... that in itself makes me happy."

’It made him feel trusted. It also showed just how open and honest Cecilia Sterling was with him.’

"Did you miss me?"

Emeric Grant looked at Cecilia Sterling, his question sudden and direct.

But Cecilia Sterling didn’t shy away or feel the least bit bashful. She faced her own feelings directly and gave her response: "Always."

That simple, one-word answer was enough to make the corners of Emeric Grant’s mouth twitch, fighting a grin he could barely contain. He kept his eyes on the road ahead and said, "I missed you, too. And I’m actually really nervous today."

"Nervous?"

"Mhm."

Cecilia Sterling smiled and shook her head. "I couldn’t tell."

’From the moment they’d met, Emeric had seemed completely composed. He’d handled every detail perfectly, giving no indication that he was nervous at all.’

’Or maybe his natural aura and composure were just that good at concealing it!’

"I didn’t sense you were nervous last time either, when we were a ’couple for a day’."

Emeric Grant paused for a moment, then a small smile played on his lips. "That time was fine, actually. This time is different."

Cecilia Sterling asked curiously, "How is it different?"

"Because last time, I knew our ’relationship’ would only last for a day. I knew that when the day was over, everything would go back to the way it was."

"But this time..." Emeric Grant glanced over at her, his deep eyes filled with profound anticipation. "This time, I asked you out with the intention of starting a real relationship. I want to pursue you. I want you to be my girlfriend."

’Listening to Emeric Grant say those words, his handsome face filled with such deep affection, it was hard for Cecilia not to feel happy, not to feel her heart flutter.’

’How was this any different from a confession?’

"And this is the first time in my entire life that I’ve ever pursued someone. It’s also my first real date with a girl. So, I’m genuinely nervous."

Cecilia Sterling’s eyes widened slightly, her expression one of shock.

"Your first time?"

"Mhm," Emeric Grant replied softly, a hint of shyness actually flashing across his handsome face.

Cecilia Sterling was stunned all over again.

"You don’t believe me?"

"I believe you!"

She was shocked, to be sure, but she didn’t doubt Emeric Grant’s words for a second.

’But... a man who hadn’t dated or pursued a girl in over twenty years... did such a "male specimen" really still exist on this planet?’

’He was practically an endangered species!’

"Emeric, can I ask you a question?" Cecilia Sterling looked at him seriously, and then blurted out without even waiting for him to respond, "Are you a virgin?"

Had it been any other guy, hearing a woman ask that question would have probably made them at least a little uncomfortable, or perhaps sparked some other ideas.

But Emeric Grant just laughed. He even looked at Cecilia Sterling and asked in return, "What do you think?"

’Cecilia Sterling blinked. She thought he was, but at the same time, the idea seemed too far-fetched.’

Emeric Grant answered with a smile, "By a certain definition, I suppose I am."

"A certain one?" Cecilia was puzzled.

Emeric Grant was direct. "If taking care of things yourself doesn’t count as losing it, then yes, I am!"

Cecilia: !!!

’Her shock was plain to see. This devastatingly handsome, six-foot-one doctor... was actually...’

"But don’t you worry. Even though I haven’t had any sexual experience with a woman, I am a doctor. I understand these things better than most people, and I’m also more..."

He didn’t finish the sentence, but his tone was deeply suggestive, leaving the rest to her imagination.

Cecilia Sterling could feel her heart pounding, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. But it wasn’t from shyness—it was from pure, unadulterated excitement!

’She’d hit the jackpot!’