Chapter 98
Chapter 98:
“I learned to cook while studying abroad,” Austin remarked, ladling soup into his bowl with the ease of someone recalling a minor detail. “Later, once work consumed everything, I barely touched a stove. I lost the rhythm of it—the way heat bends to your control. But now that I’ve picked it up again, it feels almost instinctive p>
Brinley glanced up, only to meet the depth of his gaze. His eyes were steady, like still water hiding currents too deep to fathom.
A nervous flutter slipped through her chest, and she quickly lowered her eyes, pretending to fuss over her plate—unaware of the streak of sauce clinging to her lips.
When the last bite was gone, she sprang up to gather the dishes. Her movements were brisk, almost clumsy, as though retreating into the kitchen were the only way to escape the honeyed tension thickening between them.
Austin caught her wrist just as she reached for the plate.
“I’ll take care of the dishes.” The cool press of his fingers lingered on her skin, his grip gentle yet insistent. “Go sit in the living room, or head upstairs and rest for a while p>
Brinley gave a small tug, trying to free herself. “It’s fine. I can manage p>
But his hand tightened, firm enough to still her. Their gazes locked, close enough that she could see the flutter of his lashes.
Her breath slipped out in a hush, as if she feared the quiet spell between them might shatter.
“Please, just be a dear and do as I say,” Austin murmured, his voice dropping lower—husky and gentle. “The plan’s already been submitted. You should rest now p>
P𝘰𝗽𝘶𝘭𝖺𝘳 ѕ𝗍𝗼ries 𝗈𝗇 𝗴𝘢𝗹ոo𝘷𝘦𝗹ѕ.𝖼о𝘮
Heat crept up Brinley’s face, a sudden tide of warmth and comfort flooding her chest.
Almost startled by her own reaction, she pulled her hand back and hurried out of the kitchen.
“I’ll wait in the living room, then!” she called over her shoulder.
Left behind, Austin leaned against the kitchen doorway, his gaze drifting to his fingertips.
The soft warmth of her wrist lingered on his skin, leaving him with a smile he couldn’t quite suppress, his eyes glinting with quiet brightness.
Across the living room, Brinley tucked herself into the corner of the sofa, fingers gripping the edge of a throw pillow until the fabric creased. Her palm pressed to her chest, trying to steady the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat.
From the kitchen came the hush of running water, then silence as the tap shut off.
Moments later, Austin emerged with a towel in hand, drying his fingers. His gaze swept over her curled figure, and a low chuckle slipped from his lips. He settled onto the sofa across from her, remote in hand. “What do you feel like watching p>
Brinley only gave a slight shake of her head, lips pressed together.
After a moment, she cleared her throat, forcing a light tone. “Austin, how did you even have time to personally p>
Before she could finish, he cut her off. “Come here p>
He patted the empty spot beside him, the cushion dipping slightly beneath his hand.