Chapter 114
Chapter 114:
Brinley inhaled deeply, steeling herself, then lifted her eyes to meet Austin’s. His gaze held quiet expectancy, a faint tension flickering in it—like someone awaiting a verdict.
“Austin,” she said, her voice quivering but steady. “I’m not ready to give you an answer yet p>
A shadow passed over Austin’s eyes, but he nodded gently. “That’s fine. I can wait p>
“That’s not what I mean.” Brinley bit her lip as she gathered her courage. “I realize I’ve come to rely on you more than I expected.” She saw something ignite in Austin’s eyes.
рo𝗉𝗎𝗅a𝗿 𝘴𝘁o𝗋𝗂es 𝗼ո ѕ.𝖼o𝗺
“So,” she continued, her cheeks flushing though her words stayed resolute, “I need a little time to see if my feelings for you might grow into something more p>
The moment the words left her lips, a weight lifted from her chest. She lowered her head, too nervous to gauge his reaction.
“You want me to give you some time, right?” Austin’s tone carried a trace of playful warmth.
“Yeah,” Brinley muttered, barely audible. “But I can’t promise I’ll fall for you.” She hesitated, then added, “And if… if it doesn’t work out, you have to let me go if I fall in love with someone else p>
Her heart raced as she braced for his response. Would he think she was asking too much? Would he be upset?
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Austin’s soft chuckle—laced with affection—broke it.
“Brinley,” he said, his voice warm with amusement and a hint of frustration, “are you putting me on a trial run p>
Guilt pricked at her, but she straightened, her voice firm. “What else can I do? You can’t force love—it takes time p>
Austin didn’t argue. He simply looked at her, his gaze tender yet resolute, brimming with quiet determination. After a pause, he murmured his assent.
Brinley stole a glance at him, catching his gentle smile.
Her heart skipped, and she quickly focused on her plate, pretending to be absorbed in her meal—though her senses remained attuned to his every movement.
Outside, the faint hum of summer cicadas filled the air.
Brinley’s thoughts churned with nerves, uncertainty, and a flicker of excitement she wasn’t ready to admit. The whole idea of trying to love him… it didn’t seem so bad after all.
In fact, the thought tugged a small, involuntary smile to her lips.
Austin’s smile widened as he noticed, his confidence growing. A trial period? He was certain he could turn it into a lifetime commitment. For the rest of the meal, they steered clear of the topic, but a quiet warmth blossomed between them.
Austin casually served her food, and Brinley accepted it without hesitation. Their eyes met now and then, sparking brief moments of connection—less awkward than before, but still charged.
When they left the private dining room, Austin drove her back to her office.