Chapter 240
Chapter 240:
Unfazed, Austin casually retrieved the towel with his free hand, drying each plate with deliberate care.
Yet his fingers, still entwined with hers, traced faint, teasing patterns across her palm. Each touch sent a jolt through her. Brinley was utterly undone by his teasing, yet she couldn’t bring herself to move—rooted to the spot, acutely aware of the heat of his arm and the steady rise and fall of his chest against her.
Only when the last plate was dried and set aside did Austin turn to Brinley, his gaze locking with hers.
Their closeness was electric, each breath mingling in the scant space between them.
“What were you thinking just now?” Austin’s voice was a low, velvety murmur, pulling her in like a magnet.
“Nothing… really, nothing,” Brinley stammered, her eyes flitting away, seeking escape.
But Austin wasn’t about to let her slip away so easily. With a gentle touch, he lifted her chin, guiding her gaze back to his. “Were you wondering if I meant what I said earlier?” His tone teased, a spark of mischief in his eyes.
Brinley’s cheeks blazed, her eyes wide with flustered denial. “I wasn’t p>
“Oh, weren’t you?” Austin’s chuckle was soft, teasing, as he leaned in closer, his nose nearly brushing hers. His warm breath grazed her lips, carrying a magnetic allure. “Care to test it p>
Brinley’s heart thundered, threatening to break free, her hands balling into fists. Yet she couldn’t tear her eyes from his, caught in a silent whirl of anticipation.
Q𝘶а𝘭i𝗍у 𝗍𝗿аnѕ𝗅𝗮𝗍𝗂𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝗈𝗇 ѕ.с𝘰𝘮
Just as their lips hovered on the brink of meeting, Austin froze. With a playful puff of air against her lips, he pulled back, releasing her with a grin.
“Dishes are done,” he said breezily, as if the charged moment had never happened. “Go relax in the living room. I’ll finish up here p>
Brinley stood rooted, dazed, watching his back as he turned to tidy the kitchen. A mix of irritation, frustration, and disappointment swirled within her.
Austin. He was toying with her.
With a huff, she stomped out of the kitchen, but as she sank into the living room sofa, a smile tugged at her lips.
Well, he had done a lot today. She’d let him off the hook.
After all, they had all the time in the world.
Austin slotted the last dish into the sanitizer, his brow creasing slightly as he untied his apron.
The damp fabric of his sleeve clung uncomfortably to his skin, prompting a faint grimace. “I’m heading upstairs for a shower, love,” he called to Brinley. “Then we’ll watch that movie p>
His penchant for cleanliness demanded a thorough rinse after tackling greasy dishes.
Brinley nodded, her smile warm. “Go on. I’ll set things up p>
As Austin’s footsteps faded upstairs, Brinley busied herself with preparations. She worked in a quiet rhythm, deftly stemming cherries and slicing strawberries to arrange on a porcelain plate. From the fridge, she retrieved two pints of chocolate ice cream, humming softly as she turned the coffee table into a feast of snacks. The movie was selected and ready to play.
Yet even after she had finished everything, the house remained quiet—still no sign of Austin coming back downstairs.