Chapter 10
Chapter 10:
Her interest was entirely genuine. For someone like Kyson—always so untouchable—to finally fall for someone was a story worth hearing.
After some time together, Kailey had grown comfortable with Nora’s openness and found herself genuinely drawn to the woman’s bold, unfiltered charm. She gave a light shrug and answered honestly, “There’s really nothing dramatic about us. We’re just… partnering up p>
Nora’s eyes went wide, clearly unconvinced.
Before she could press further, a surprised voice rang out nearby. “Kailey, I can’t believe that’s actually you p>
Both women turned toward the sound.
Standing just ahead was a couple, hands linked, looking effortlessly in step with each other.
Ryan’s sharp eyes swept over the scene, and his brow furrowed. “Why are you here, Kailey p>
Kailey opened her mouth, but Nora cut in with a teasing laugh. “Isn’t that a funny question? Obviously, she’s here to recover from an injury p>
Nora had never been one to tiptoe around anyone, regardless of their background. She had built her reputation on candor, not empty courtesy.
The remark left Ryan and Olivia momentarily speechless, surprise flickering across both their faces.
𝘓𝖺𝘁е𝘴𝘵 с𝘩а𝗉𝗍еr𝗌 𝗈𝗻
Kailey nearly laughed, but held it in. Ryan hadn’t even remembered her injury, yet here he was, bringing Olivia to this very place for her own recovery. The difference in how they each mattered to him had never been clearer. Still, perhaps that was for the best—less drama all around.
She leaned closer to Nora and murmured, “That’s my uncle, though we’re not related by blood. The woman with him is his girlfriend p>
Nora’s eyes flickered with interest, picking up on the odd tension immediately.
With a measured smile, she said, “My apologies. I didn’t realize you’re Kailey’s uncle. I’m known for speaking my mind, so I hope you’ll forgive me if I came across as blunt p>
The words were polite enough, but Kailey heard the quiet irony laced beneath them.
Ryan’s expression darkened. After a moment, his gaze moved between the two women. “So, Ms. Barrett—are you and Kailey good friends p>
Nora started to answer, “Not especially, but when it comes to her—” She caught Kailey’s warning glance and smoothly changed course. “Let’s just say most of my clients start as strangers and end up regulars p>
Relief moved through Kailey, and she added, “Nora has a real talent for what she does. I enjoyed our time together p>
It was only then that Ryan seemed to recall why Kailey might have come in the first place. She had brushed off her injury the day before, and it had slipped his mind entirely.
He looked at her with a more careful eye. “How’s your waist? Is it feeling any better p>
Olivia lingered quietly on the sidelines, the concern in Ryan’s expression not lost on her. A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face, but she said nothing.
Kailey, for her part, appeared entirely unbothered by his sudden attention. She replied evenly, “Much better now p>