Chapter 196
Chapter 196:
The following morning, Brinley stirred from sleep as gentle footsteps echoed through the room. Blinking drowsily, she saw Austin enter with a tray balanced in his hands.
It held simple bowls of oatmeal and a few refreshing side dishes. “You’re awake.” Austin set the tray on the bedside table and bent to adjust her blanket. “We’ll do a quick check-up soon. If everything’s clear, we’re heading home p>
Brinley gave a small nod, the unease from the previous night already a distant memory. It had only been a bout of nausea from drinking too much, yet Austin had reacted as if it were a crisis, rushing her to the hospital without hesitation.
Propping herself up, she teased lightly, “All that fuss over a little too much wine, and now we’ve spent the night here. People would laugh if they knew p>
“Who would dare?” Austin handed her a glass of water, his voice firm with devotion. “My wife gets nothing less than the finest care p>
Smiling at his protectiveness, Brinley sipped the water. “Of course, you’re always right,” she said playfully.
The check-up went smoothly. The doctor assured them it was nothing more than stomach upset from alcohol and advised a light diet for the next few days.
As they left the hospital, Austin held the car door open for Brinley, but she hesitated, her brow creasing. “I’m just going to grab some papers from home. You don’t need to drive me personally. I can take a taxi. Don’t you have work to attend to p>
Without replying, Austin gently guided her into the car and fastened her seatbelt.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and merged into traffic while dialing a number. “Miguel, move the morning meeting to three. Send the files to my email, flag anything urgent, and we’ll deal with the rest later p>
𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘯
Miguel’s response was brisk, clearly accustomed to Austin rearranging his schedule for his wife.
After hanging up, Austin glanced at Brinley, one brow lifting slightly. “There. I’ve cleared my schedule. I’m taking you home—no distractions p>
Caught between exasperation and amusement, Brinley said, “You don’t need to hover over me like this. It’s just a quick trip home p>
“Your matters are my priority,” Austin replied, taking her hand with quiet sincerity. “We’re married. Isn’t it only right for a husband to drive his wife home p>
His words brought a faint blush to Brinley’s cheeks, and she mumbled, “You don’t have to put work aside for this p>
“Work is endless, but you’re irreplaceable,” Austin said with a grin, noticing her flushed ears, which only brightened his mood. “Besides, I want to spend more time with you p>
His candid affection made Brinley’s heart flutter. She turned toward the window, pretending to focus on the passing scenery, though a smile tugged at her lips.
They soon pulled up to Hillcrest Villa.
As Brinley reached to unbuckle her seatbelt, Austin caught her wrist.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, turning to him.
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Go get your things. I’ll wait here p>
Her face flamed, and like a startled deer, she hurried out of the car. “Got it p>
Watching her dash into the villa, Austin chuckled quietly.
Inside her room, Brinley leaned back against the door, her fingers brushing over her warm lips, her heart still racing. She tapped her cheeks and muttered, “Pull it together, Brinley. It’s just a kiss p>
Yet the lingering smile on her face betrayed her words.
When she returned with the documents, Austin was leaning against the car, phone to his ear, sunlight highlighting his tall frame and sharp features. He spoke coolly, maintaining a detached tone, but the moment he saw Brinley, his expression softened. He ended the call abruptly.
“That’s enough for now p>
“Ready?” he asked, taking her bag with ease.
“Yes,” Brinley replied teasingly. “You’re dodging meetings for no reason. Aren’t you worried about being called out for slacking p>
With a confident smirk, Austin opened the car door. “No one would dare p>
As he started the engine, he added, “Besides, compared to you, everything else has to take a back seat p>
His words warmed her heart, and she shot back playfully, “Smooth talker p>
Despite her teasing, a cozy warmth spread through her chest. Austin had a way of making her feel cherished through the simplest gestures. She glanced at him, noting his strong hands on the wheel, his composed profile, the effortless confidence in the way he drove.
Brinley quickly looked away.
“Stay calm, Brinley. Don’t get swept away,” she scolded herself inwardly.
Yet the stubborn smile on her lips betrayed her. Perhaps letting her heart lead now and then wasn’t such a bad thing after all.