Chapter 97
Chapter 97:
Ladle in hand, he stirred the simmering pot, his profile softened by the golden glow of the kitchen lamp—stripped of boardroom sharpness and wrapped instead in the warmth of domestic calm.
“Perfect timing,” he murmured, eyes still on the soup, his voice carrying the ease of someone who had done this a hundred times before. “Dinner will be on the table in ten minutes p>
Brinley lingered in the doorway, leaning her shoulder against the frame. Watching his careful, almost awkward movements, she felt a flicker of disbelief, as though the entire moment were a tender dream.
“What made you decide to cook soup today?” she asked.
“I noticed you’ve seemed run-down lately,” Austin said, lifting a spoonful toward her with a faint smile. “See if the flavor works. I can add more salt if it’s too plain p>
Rising steam curled against her nose, fragrant with earthy mushrooms, as the spoon reached her lips.
Brinley opened her mouth without thinking, but the instant the broth touched her tongue, she sucked in a sharp breath—the scalding heat leaving it tingling and numb.
“Did it burn you?” Austin quickly set the spoon aside and leaned closer. One hand settled lightly on her shoulder while the other brushed the corner of her lips with his thumb. His tone softened. “Take it slower p>
𝘛he 𝗺𝘰ѕ𝘵 𝗉𝗈р𝗎𝘭а𝘳 𝗻𝗈𝘃𝗲𝗹ѕ 𝗼𝗻 ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗺
His fingertips, faintly cool, skimmed across her skin like a feather, sending a shiver darting through her.
Brinley’s whole body went rigid, her breath hitching. The touch was too sudden—far too intimate—and her pulse lurched wildly. She stepped back at once, covering her mouth with her hand as if shielding herself.
“It’s fine,” she muttered, voice muffled and flustered. “Don’t worry p>
Austin’s hand lingered in the air, suspended between them. His gaze flicked to the flush coloring her ears, amusement glimmering in his eyes. He said nothing, though his lips curved faintly, choosing silence over teasing.
He withdrew his hand and, with casual ease, gave the soup a slow stir. “It still needs a little longer. Go wash up first p>
At his words, Brinley darted into the bathroom, twisting the cold tap open with trembling fingers.
She drew in a long breath, forcing herself to steady her hammering pulse, though her mind remained a snarl of confusion.
All this time—if Austin had been hiding some darker intent, she should have caught even the faintest hint.
Yet nothing had ever slipped. He had been nothing but attentive and meticulous, treating her like a cherished partner—his quiet devotion so intense it almost unsettled her.
Maybe it was time she carved out a moment to sit down with Austin and have an honest conversation.
She didn’t have the strength for it now, but once the bidding ordeal was behind her, she promised herself she would face him head-on.
When Brinley stepped back into the dining room, the table was already set. The dishes weren’t lavish, yet each plate bore the mark of patient, deliberate effort.
“Here, taste this.” Austin carefully placed a piece of bass on her plate. He had picked away every last bone before sliding it toward her. “You’ve been missing meals again, so I made you something. You deserve a real meal p>
Brinley lowered her gaze, spoon moving slowly as she ate in silence. She didn’t dare meet his eyes, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally murmured, “Thanks p>
The fish melted on her tongue, tender and flavorful.
“Your cooking’s come a long way,” she said at last, blurting it out in an effort to cut through the delicate tension between them.