Chapter 245
Chapter 245:
The truth was, she didn’t really want him to leave.
Yet his presence overwhelmed her—his scent wrapping around her, the heat radiating from his skin, the focus in his eyes she could see so clearly in the mirror. All of it made her heart skip.
“Then be quick about it,” she whispered, straightening up, no longer struggling against him.
Austin let out a low chuckle, amused, and reached for the hairdryer again. His fingers threaded through her damp locks, carefully separating and smoothing them.
When the dryer finally fell silent, he set it aside, but his hands didn’t leave her. Instead, his fingertips continued to slide through her hair, lingering as if reluctant to let go.
Every so often, he brushed against her ear, and each light touch sent an involuntary shiver racing down her back.
“All done,” he muttered, his breath brushing the crown of her head.
Brinley parted her lips to thank him, but before she could speak, he leaned closer. Their eyes locked in the mirror, his gaze intense.
𝘕𝖾𝘸 с𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦r𝘴 е𝘃𝘦rу 𝗐e𝘦𝘬 o𝗻 𝗴а𝘭𝘯o𝘷е𝗹ѕ.𝗰o𝘮
“Brinley p>
“What is it?” she asked softly, glancing up.
The emotion in his eyes was so raw, so gentle, that her chest tightened.
His hand drifted down, fingers grazing the side of her face. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke, his voice low and rough.
“Earlier in the bathroom, when p>
“Stop!” Brinley cut him off, her cheeks blazing crimson. Her mind betrayed her instantly, flooding with memories of that moment—images so vivid she couldn’t form another thought.
Austin’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile, a soft laugh slipping out. He reached out and pinched her cheek lightly. “You’re embarrassed p>
“I am not!” she snapped, averting her eyes. “Just… go back to your room already. It’s late p>
“You don’t really want me to leave, do you?” Austin’s voice was teasing. His fingers slid under her chin, tilting her face up until she was forced to meet his eyes. “The truth is… I don’t want to leave p>
His eyes were earnest, full of warmth and a controlled longing that made her heart pound wildly.
She opened her mouth to respond, but no words would come.
Her silence only seemed to amuse Austin.
He let go of her chin, straightening to his full height. “Alright then. I’ll stop teasing you p>
Austin turned toward the door, but at the threshold he paused. Glancing back at her, he said softly, “Go to bed early. Goodnight p>
“Goodnight,” Brinley replied quietly, her eyes following him until his figure vanished beyond the door.
Only then did she let out a long breath, sinking into the chair as her hands rose to her burning cheeks.
The door shut with a soft click, leaving the bedroom wrapped in silence once more.
Brinley lay on the bed, but sleep wouldn’t come.
Austin stayed on her mind—his warm smile, those soft, captivating eyes, the gentle way he carried himself.