CEO Ex-Husband, Don't Bother Me

Chapter 197 - 160: Warmth

If I could forget the entire world, at least I still have you, someone worth cherishing.

Naomi Shaw recalled everything about that night and asked him, her voice choked with emotion, "How did this get recorded?"

The topic clearly annoyed Julian Donovan. "Felix Draper, that idiot, recorded it. He said he wanted it to be a memento for me, but after he recorded it, he sent a copy to practically everyone I know, saying they could listen to my little ’serenade’ whenever they wanted!"

Although he complained about Felix Draper with such indignation, there was no real anger in his expression.

Naomi covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. "That’s what you get for making such a big scene!"

Julian kept one hand steady on the steering wheel and reached over with the other to take hers. "I don’t care if they laugh at me, as long as I can win your heart back!"

Naomi’s heart was touched. She pulled her hand back so he could focus on driving, then said with great curiosity, "Tell me about you, Felix Draper, and the others. The bond between you all is so strong it makes us women jealous!"

It was only at the concert that she first heard from Lillian Huxley about him and his friends—Caleb Rhodes, Felix Draper, and Henry Hale. With everything that had happened recently, she had seen their brotherhood firsthand, which made her very curious about their story.

Julian was more than willing to share such personal things with her, as it was a symbol of mutual trust. So, as he drove, he told her in detail how they all met and started their business together.

By the time Julian and Naomi arrived at the hot springs town, it was nearly noon. The drive from Wincastle should have only taken an hour and a half, but because they were enjoying this rare, quiet time alone, Julian drove extremely slowly. With the added snow, they ended up arriving quite late.

They first went to the front desk to book a room. Naomi tugged on his sleeve and whispered, a little embarrassed, "Are we really staying the night here?"

Even after being together for so many years, it seemed they had never spent time alone like this in an unfamiliar place. It felt different from being at home—a faint sense of anticipation mixed with a hint of anxiety. They had never traveled together like this, and she didn’t know what it would be like.

People say the best way for a couple to deepen their bond is to travel together. But they were practically an old married couple, only now taking a trip to work on their relationship. The thought was a little embarrassing.

Julian took out his ID to register with the front desk clerk, then looked at her with a smile. "It’s already noon. Are you saying we should rush back right after our soak this afternoon? That wouldn’t be a relaxing getaway; that would just be asking for trouble!"

’He hadn’t even gotten a chance to deepen their bond yet, and she already wanted to run?’

Naomi flushed at his words, leaning against him with a small smile and saying nothing more.

Once in the room, they put down their luggage, and the atmosphere fell silent. They stood face-to-face, gazing at each other, suddenly unsure of what to say or do. Finally, a smile curved Julian’s lips as he stepped forward, wrapped an arm around her waist, and asked softly, "What do you want for lunch?"

"I don’t have a particular craving. Anything is fine!"

She was a little hungry, but she truly didn’t have anything specific in mind. Julian tightened his hold on her waist, pulling her closer with a mischievous smile. "I have something I’m dying to eat. How about we eat together?"

"What do you want to eat?"

Naomi looked at him, confused. He gently kissed her fair neck, his moist lips teasing her skin inch by inch. "I want to eat... you!"

She quickly pushed him away, her face red as she chided him, "I’m starving! Who has the energy to mess around with you right now!"

Julian chuckled softly. "So you mean after we’ve had a full meal, you’ll have the energy to mess around with me?"

Naomi grabbed her bag and turned away, ignoring him. "Are you going to take me to lunch or not?"

Julian stopped teasing her. He walked over, put his arm around her, and led her out to eat. ’After all,’ he thought, ’there’s still the whole afternoon and evening. I can savor her properly. And if I don’t get enough, we can just stay another day and another night.’

Naomi, of course, had no idea about the wicked thoughts running through his mind. She nestled against him sweetly as they left the room. They had lunch at the hotel restaurant, which Felix Draper had specially recommended after hearing they were going to a hot springs resort. The hotel was famous for its romantic, couple-oriented atmosphere. Looking around now, she saw it was indeed filled with couples, walking hand in hand in twos and threes.

From the way Felix had talked, Julian gathered that he had probably been here with Sarah Sutton before, which was why he remembered it so fondly. But the atmosphere here really was wonderful—quiet, romantic, and full of charm.

After a simple meal, they went back to their room, grabbed their things, and headed to the hot springs located behind the hotel. After changing into her swimsuit, Naomi felt extremely shy and wrapped a bath towel tightly around herself before walking out. She had never worn so little in public before, and it made her very awkward. ’Why did he have to suggest a hot spring of all things?’ she wondered. ’I’ve never been to one before and had no idea I’d have to wear so little, let alone be around so many other people.’

When she came out, Julian was already out of the men’s changing room and waiting for her. She glanced at his muscular physique, clad only in a pair of swim trunks, and immediately averted her gaze in embarrassment. Seeing her wrapped up so tightly, Julian couldn’t help but laugh. He walked over, put his arm around her, and led her toward the springs.

This was a relatively high-end resort, so it was much quieter and less crowded. There were many cheaper, public-style hot springs that were packed with people. As they walked further in, they saw couples soaking in some of the nearby pools. Some, caught up in the moment, were even kissing passionately, creating a very intimate scene. Naomi was too embarrassed to even look at them.

Considering how shy she was, Julian led her to a more secluded spot, shielded by lush greenery where few people could see. Only then did she take off her towel. She sat on the edge of the pool and cautiously dipped her fair feet into the water, only to frown and let out a little yelp from the heat.

Their bodies were cold and the spring was so warm, so it was normal not to adapt right away. Julian just stood there, mesmerized by her fair figure in the pink and white striped swimsuit, completely forgetting about soaking in the spring himself. Her swimsuit was a very modest style, but the hint of cleavage at the neckline, her fair legs below the swim shorts, and her delicate feet dipping into the water were, in his eyes, unbelievably alluring. He was suddenly grateful that she had been wrapped up so tightly just moments before.

She shot him a glare. He just smiled. "Close your eyes and enjoy this gift from nature. Let all your unhappiness evaporate here."

After speaking, he led by example, closing his eyes and leaning back against the edge of the pool with a long sigh. Tiny beads of sweat formed on his face from the steam, which, in her eyes, only made him look more handsome and charming. The sight of him relaxing there with his eyes closed made her whole body start to relax as well.

She followed his lead and closed her eyes, leaning back and letting her mind go blank. She allowed the pervasive warmth to steam away the chilling events of the previous day, bit by bit.

Neither of them spoke, simply soaking in silence. After a while, she heard the sound of splashing water. Opening her eyes, she saw he had gotten out of the pool and gone to the service area. He returned with two bottles of mineral water, opened one, and handed it to her. "Drink some water. It’s not good to soak for too long."

"Mm..."

She took the water and drank a few sips, then stood up and got out of the pool. He was right there to drape her bath towel over her drenched body. Deeply touched, she leaned into his embrace with a bright smile and looked up at him. He gently wiped the water droplets from her face. "Want to go check out the outdoor pools?"

She was surprised. "Outdoor? They have outdoor pools? Won’t it be cold?"

’It’s snowing outside,’ she remembered. He chuckled. "Silly girl, soaking in an open-air hot spring in this weather is an amazing experience!"

"Really? Then let’s go take a look!"

Her curiosity was piqued. He took the damp towel from her, went to the sterilizer cabinet, and got her a fresh, dry one to wrap around herself. Then he said, "Wait here a second. I’m going to order a bottle of red wine."

Soaking in a hot spring and drinking red wine on a snowy day was the most blissful way to relax.

Naomi’s heart swelled with warmth at his thoughtful gesture. She stood there quietly, watching him walk to the bar and speak in a low voice to the staff, a soft, warm feeling spreading through her.

After ordering the wine at the service counter, Julian returned, put his arm around her, and guided her outside. The outdoor area was like a whole new world. Light snowflakes were still drifting down from the sky. Naomi shivered from the cold and snuggled tightly into his embrace, drawing on his warmth.

Naomi had thought the outdoor area would be empty, but it was surprisingly lively—much more crowded than inside. It seemed everyone really enjoyed this feeling of being in a world of both ice and fire.