Chapter 80

Chapter 80:

On the way back, Brinley and Austin sat in silence in the car, neither of them making any attempt to start a conversation.

When they reached Hillcrest Villa, dinner was already set out in the kitchen—a spread of light, homely dishes.

Because Austin had ongoing stomach issues, his doctor had recommended a bland diet. Brinley had grown used to following that routine with him, and tonight she quietly focused on finishing her meal.

After dinner, the silence became unbearable. Looking for an escape, Brinley grabbed her yoga mat and slipped away to the home gym.

She rolled it out and eased into a flawless downward-facing dog just as Austin walked in, wearing a gray tracksuit. The loose outfit gave him easy freedom of movement, and the half-open collar faintly revealed the sharp line of his collarbone.

𝖱𝗼𝗆а𝗻𝘤e аnd ра𝗌s𝘪оn о𝘯

“Your posture isn’t right,” he said, stopping near her and looking down. “Lift your hips a little more, and don’t lock your knees p>

“I’ve been practicing this for six months. It’s already perfect,” Brinley shot back defiantly as she deliberately straightened her legs even more.

Without a word, Austin bent down and placed his hand gently on her waist.

The warmth of his fingertips seeped through the thin fabric of her outfit, making Brinley stiffen as her breath caught.

“Like this. Raise up,” he said.

His touch made Brinley’s arms go weak, and she nearly toppled onto the mat.

“What are you doing?” she shouted, straightening quickly, her voice sharp with irritation.

“Correcting your posture,” Austin replied, pulling his hand away. His tone was serious, but there was a playful glint in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable with me helping you p>

“I’m not,” Brinley said stubbornly, rolling up her mat before heading for the stairs.

A soft laugh sounded behind her, brushing against her heart like a feather and leaving an inexplicable rush in its wake.

With any desire to keep exercising gone, Brinley headed straight to her bedroom. Soon after, the gym lights went out, replaced by the warm glow spilling from the study.

It was obvious Austin had gone to work.

Later, even that light faded into darkness.

Unable to sleep, Brinley tossed and turned until she finally got up for a glass of ice water.

She left the main lights off, moving carefully by the pale moonlight spilling through the window. She had just opened the fridge when she heard footsteps approaching.

Startled, she turned—and saw Austin in his pajamas.

His figure was blurred in the dimness, yet the tall, unmistakable outline of him was impossible to confuse.

“Still awake?” he asked. His deep voice was rough from long hours of work, yet it carried an oddly compelling texture.

Brinley’s heart jolted. She didn’t answer, only reached for the bottle of water.

Noticing her unease, Austin let out a quiet laugh. “Did I upset you earlier, in the elevator p>

“No,” Brinley muttered, her voice faint—almost inaudible.

“So…” Austin teased lightly. “You were shy p>