I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 151

Natalie Watson froze, exchanging a look with Arianna Mitchell.

Arianna mouthed silently, "Is it Alexander Ramirez?"

Natalie nodded. They both fell silent, like thieves caught in the act.

The soothing music and fragrant scented candles by the private hot spring were meant to create a relaxing atmosphere, but Natalie felt every muscle in her body tense up.

She had left early specifically to avoid Alexander, but he had shown up anyway—and in the pool right next to hers.

Slowly, Natalie turned. A bamboo wall separated the two private springs, but a gap remained at the top, leaving it not fully sealed.

When she didn’t reply, the voice from the other side fell silent as well.

Even though the wall separated them and he couldn't possibly cross over, the situation was still deeply uncomfortable.

Natalie shot Arianna a meaningful look, signaling that they should get out and ask the staff to change pools.

Arianna got the message and followed her out of the water.

They wrapped themselves in towels, and Natalie opened the door.

A tall, imposing figure immediately blocked her path. It was Alexander Ramirez, his deep-set eyes staring at her with a hint of a smile.

He had been waiting for her outside. If she had known, she never would have come out.

"I've already called for the best masseuse. She'll be ready for you shortly," Alexander said, his gaze fixed on Natalie, though his words were directed at Arianna.

His presence was so overwhelming that Arianna felt a little intimidated.

"Okay, I'll head over then…" she said, casting a worried glance at Natalie before she left.

A staff member was already waiting outside and escorted Arianna away.

Now, the corridor was empty except for the two of them, standing at the very end.

"You were following me," Natalie said, deciding to go on the offensive. She couldn't let him see how nervous she was, and besides, she felt she was right. How else could it be such a coincidence?

Alexander seemed to read her thoughts and let out a soft chuckle. "I thought it was a coincidence, too. I was going to have Aaron Lee pick you up after work, but it turns out you were already here."

The deep smile playing on his lips made Natalie feel he was mocking her for trying to run away.

A few strands of her wet hair dripped onto the floor, the sound echoing in the silence.

Alexander's gaze traveled down from her face. The skin visible beyond the towel was fair with a faint pinkish glow, and below the towel, her long, slender legs were perfectly straight and toned.

A sudden heat rose within him, and he felt his Adam's apple bob.

At least he had some decency. Natalie started toward the door, but just as her hand touched the frame, Alexander’s arm shot out, bracing against the door and trapping her.

"I can understand," he said, looking into her dark eyes before his gaze dropped to her lips, which were pressed into a firm line. "But I'm not giving up."

His breath was just inches from hers.

That same heat from earlier spread through his entire body. He lowered his head, slowly closing in on her lips.

"You still have feelings for me," he murmured, his voice a gentle, low timber that seemed to pierce her soul, drawing her in. In that moment, the music and the sound of flowing water faded into silence. All Natalie could hear was the frantic beating of her own heart.

For a second, she was completely lost.

Taking her silence as an admission, Alexander’s heart soared. He abandoned his cautious approach and boldly captured her lips.

They were soft and sweet. Lost in the moment, he cupped her cheek.

Before Natalie could process what was happening, her mind went blank again, her body trembling instinctively.

Just then, Alexander's phone rang from his pocket.

The sound jolted Natalie back to reality. After a few seconds of stunned silence, she shoved him away with all her might.

"You're wrong! I don't have any feelings for you!"