Chapter 4
I stood in the entryway, my heart pounding like a drum. All the confidence I'd just built up vanished into thin air, replaced by an inexplicable wave of nervousness.
"Stay calm, Cassidy!" I whispered to myself at the door, "This is just a work assignment, material gathering!"
But the moment I thought about that "Frederick Observation and Material Collection Plan" hidden in my suitcase, my face betrayed me with a furious blush.
Oh God, what had I even written? "24-hour close observation," "Operation Study My Husband"... If Frederick ever saw those words, could I even face him again?
Ring ring ring—
The doorbell rang again, more urgently than before.
"Coming, coming!" I frantically smoothed down my loungewear, took a deep breath, and opened the door.
Frederick stood outside, having changed out of his uniform into a simple black T-shirt and jeans, carrying a modest suitcase.
The dim hallway light cast shadows that perfectly outlined his broad shoulders.
My brain automatically switched into "observation mode": The T-shirt fit him perfectly, showcasing his incredible proportions... Wait! What was I thinking?
"I came to take you home," Frederick's voice was as gentle as a night breeze.
Faced with this version of Frederick, I suddenly realized how childish and ridiculous my "observation plan" was.
What work assignment? I clearly just wanted to... wanted to...
"Need help packing?" Frederick noticed the suitcase behind me and stepped inside.
"No, no! I've already packed everything!" I hurriedly blocked his path, terrified he might see something he shouldn't. Especially that "observation plan" buried deep in my suitcase.
Frederick effortlessly lifted my suitcase with one hand, his bag in the other: "Let's go, let's go home."
Home.
The word made my heart race even faster.
Frederick's apartment was in the city center, much larger than I'd imagined. Clean, minimalist décor with dark furniture throughout—everything exuded a mature masculine energy.
"Your room is upstairs," Frederick set down the suitcase. "If there's anything you'd like to change, just let me know."
I followed him upstairs, observing the layout of his home. The living room was spacious, the kitchen fully equipped, even the bathroom was twice the size of mine.
"This used to be the guest room. I've redecorated it," Frederick pushed open a door.
Inside was a comfortable queen bed with several potted plants on the windowsill. It had obviously been carefully prepared.
"When... when did you prepare all this?" I was touched.
"After work yesterday," Frederick said casually. "Since we're going to live together, I wanted to make sure you'd be comfortable."
Warmth flooded my chest. This man was truly thoughtful.
After settling our luggage, we returned to the living room. Frederick went to the kitchen for water while I sat on the sofa, secretly observing his retreating figure.
Broad shoulders, straight back—even his simple act of getting water radiated an elegant strength.
God, how could he be so attractive even doing household tasks?
"Penny for your thoughts?" Frederick approached with glasses of water, catching me staring.
My face instantly flamed: "Nothing... nothing at all!"
Frederick sat beside me, close enough that I could smell his subtle masculine scent.
In this charged atmosphere, Sarah's words echoed in my mind, along with that "observation plan" hidden in my suitcase...
"Actually... could you help me with something?"
The words were out before I could stop them. But since I'd already spoken, I had to push forward.
"What kind of help?" Frederick set down his glass and turned to focus entirely on me.
Those deep eyes nearly made me forget how to breathe. "I'm designing a police character and need some... reference photos." My face burned like fire. "Would you be my model? Just wearing the uniform for some poses..."
Frederick raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile that made my knees weak. "If it helps your work, I'm willing to do anything."
Anything?!
I nearly choked on my own saliva. "I need some professional poses, might be a bit..."
"A bit what?" Frederick leaned closer on the sofa, nearly whispering in my ear. "I'm a professional. No need to be shy."
His warm breath against my ear made my legs turn to jelly. How could I not be shy? I was practically melting!
"Then... go change into your uniform," I swallowed hard. "I need to observe up close... study the authentic presence and movements of a real police officer..."
Even as I said it, I knew the excuse was pathetic. What did "observe up close" even mean? It sounded so suspicious!
But Frederick didn't seem suspicious, just nodded: "Give me ten minutes."
Watching Frederick head upstairs, I sat on the sofa with my heart threatening to burst from my chest.
Wait, would just observing be enough? What if I forgot important details?
I remembered Sarah's words: experience true masculine charm...
Right! I should take photos! That way I could study them repeatedly and design the perfect character!
I frantically pulled out my camera, adjusting angles and lighting. This was purely for work, for design purposes! Completely legitimate!
Ten minutes passed quickly, and I heard footsteps from upstairs.
Thirty minutes later, Frederick emerged from the bedroom, back in that police uniform that haunted my dreams.
Oh my God...
The crisp navy uniform hugged his perfect physique, the badge gleaming under the lights. The utility belt emphasized his narrow waist and long legs.
"Dear lord..." My hands trembled holding the camera. This was Detective F in the flesh!
"Something wrong? Not satisfied?" Frederick approached, asking seriously. "Need any adjustments?"
Not satisfied? I was about to get a nosebleed!
"No, no, no! Perfect!" I frantically raised the camera. "Stand over there and strike a... serious pose."
Click.
He was criminally handsome through the lens. Determined gaze, powerful presence—exactly like the male lead of my dreams.
"Now an expression for interrogating a suspect."
Click.
Frederick was surprisingly cooperative, nailing every pose professionally. As I snapped photos, I screamed internally: This is real masculine charm! Sarah was so right!
"This angle needs adjusting..." I bit my lip and mustered courage to approach.
Just for work! For creativity!
"Let me help..."
My hand brushed over Frederick's chest, pretending to adjust wrinkles in his uniform. God, those pecs were solid! I could feel his strong heartbeat—racing as fast as mine.
"Cassidy." Frederick's voice suddenly turned low and dangerous. "Are you sure this is just for work?"
Busted! But I couldn't admit it!
"Of... of course it's work..." My voice trembled, but my hands didn't stop, continuing to trace his muscle definition. These hands seemed to have a mind of their own...
"Now let's shoot an interrogation scene," I tried to sound composed. "Pin me against the wall in an interrogation pose."
Frederick studied me intently, that look nearly making my heart leap from my chest.
He advanced step by step, pressing me against the wall, arms braced on either side, completely enveloping me in his shadow.
"Professional enough?" His voice rumbled right by my ear.
I looked up at him, close enough to count each other's eyelashes. I could smell his subtle cologne mixed with his natural masculine scent.
This wasn't an interrogation—this was killing me!
"Very... very good..." My voice was barely a whisper.
"Where's the camera?" Frederick asked.
I suddenly realized the camera had long been abandoned on the sofa. When had I dropped it? I couldn't remember!
"I..."
Frederick couldn't help but smile, leaning down to capture my lips.
My brain instantly went blank. His kiss was gentle yet commanding, his tongue parting my lips to taste my sweetness. This was a million times more overwhelming than any kiss scene I'd ever designed!
"Frederick..." I murmured against his lips, completely forgetting about work and photography.
"Seems like you quite enjoy this kind of 'research,'" he kissed along my neck, his voice husky beyond belief. "Want to continue observing?"
My legs had no strength left, only able to cling to his neck. "No... no more observing needed..."
Frederick lifted me up, carrying me toward the sofa. Just when I thought something was about to happen—