Chapter 239
Chapter 239:
Austin kept his gaze lowered as warm water cascaded over his deft fingers. “Just because it’s my first time doesn’t mean I can’t master it now p>
“But—” Brinley began, her voice soft with concern.
“No objections,” Austin cut in, turning his head just enough to flash her a playful smile. “I can’t let my wife do all the housework, can I p>
“It’s fine,” Brinley countered, reaching for the plate in Austin’s hand—only for him to deftly sidestep her grasp.
With a swift motion, Austin shut off the faucet and pivoted, encircling her in his arms.
“Honey,” he murmured, his voice dipping into a teasingly dangerous tone, “try to nab that plate again, and I’ll steal a kiss right here p>
Brinley’s pulse quickened, a flush blooming across her cheeks.
His proximity was dizzying—the strong line of his nose, the sharp curve of his lips, his eyes a blend of intensity and warmth, hiding a flicker of tenderness.
There was a playful dominance in his demeanor, a roguish charm she couldn’t resist.
A fleeting thought stirred within her, a whisper of anticipation, quickly smothered as she averted her gaze. “Alright, alright. You win p>
Austin let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling through his chest and flowing into her where their bodies met, sparking an inexplicable shiver across her skin.
𝘋𝗈𝗇’t 𝘮𝗶𝘴𝘀 𝘯е𝘄 𝗿𝘦l𝗲𝖺𝘀e𝘴 𝗈n ga𝘭ոо𝘃е𝗅𝘴.c𝗈𝗺
Without pressing further, he turned back to the sink, resuming his task with newfound ease, his movements almost leisurely. Brinley lingered, leaning against the doorframe, her eyes tracing the man before her.
Gone was the commanding figure who ruled boardrooms. In his place stood a gentler Austin, exuding a quiet domesticity that captivated her far more than his usual intensity.
After a moment, Brinley ventured, “You’ve used too much soap. The bubbles are spilling over p>
Glancing at the frothy pile in the sink, Austin smirked. “More bubbles, cleaner dishes p>
Brinley hesitated, then murmured, “Fair enough p>
A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the soft rush of water and the gentle clink of porcelain. As Austin scrubbed the final dish and reached for the towel, Brinley instinctively moved to hand it to him.
His hand caught hers in a firm yet gentle grip.
“What is this now?” Austin asked, one brow arched, his eyes dancing with mischief.
“I was just… passing you the towel,” Brinley stammered, her voice betraying a hint of nerves.
“No need,” Austin replied, his grip tightening just enough to draw her closer. “Stay right there—don’t budge p>
His hold was gentle yet commanding, pulling her near until she was almost pressed against him.
The crisp scent of him filled her senses, her heart pounding in her chest.