Chapter 183
Chapter 183:
Her words hung in the stillness of the car. The only sound between them was the rhythm of their breathing, and in that silence, an unspoken connection pulsed—undeniable.
Austin eased the car to the roadside and stopped. With deliberate care, he unfastened his seatbelt and leaned toward her.
“Now that everything’s out in the open… will you let me into your heart, Brinley p>
Her pulse stuttered. Instinct told her to pull back, but his warm palm slid to cradle the back of her neck, anchoring her.
“Brinley,” he murmured, voice low and resolute. “Stop avoiding me p>
Brinley’s breath caught, her fingers curling into the leather seat beneath her. Austin’s nearness wrapped around her like heat, leaving her pulse unsteady.
She turned her face aside, dodging his piercing gaze, and managed, her voice trembling, “Austin, give me three days p>
His hand stilled, easing away from the back of her neck with reluctant gentleness. Though expectation dimmed in his eyes, the lingering warmth didn’t fade.
“Alright p>
𝗧𝗁e 𝗯е𝘴𝘁 r𝗲𝘷ie𝘸𝘀 𝘰𝘯
Lifting her chin, Brinley met his gaze with quiet resolve. “I need those three days to think it through. Our past lives and present feelings are too tangled. I can’t let impulse decide for me p>
Her lips pressed together before she added softly, “When the three days are up, I’ll give you my answer p>
Austin’s gaze lingered on her, catching the unwavering determination in her eyes. At last, he gave a small nod and reached over, his fingers combing gently through her windswept hair.
“Then I’ll wait for you,” he said softly.
The brush of his fingertips against her ear made Brinley jerk away as if the touch had burned.
Amusement flickered in Austin’s eyes. He let out a low chuckle as he drew his hand back and clicked his seatbelt into place.
The engine purred to life, and his voice returned to calm, measured steadiness. “Shall I take you back to your office p>
“Okay,” Brinley answered softly, her gaze sliding toward the window.
The car slipped seamlessly into the flow of traffic. The fragile spark that had hovered between them faded into silence—yet its aftertaste clung stubbornly, pressing itself into both their hearts.
Brinley watched the streets drift by, her thoughts twisting into restless knots.
She had finally admitted the truth to herself—she wasn’t merely used to Austin’s presence. She had already fallen for him.
This was nothing like the gentle affection she’d once felt for Colin. With Austin, it burned fiercer, more intoxicating—like fire under her skin.
And that very intensity made her hesitate on the edge of the next step.
What if she chose wrong again?