Chapter 161
Chapter 161:
Light spilled across her vision, almost dazzling. Reclining with casual ease against the sleek hood of his car, Kyson was drenched in warm golden light, loose strands of hair shimmering as they drifted across his forehead. Kailey’s lips curved into a bright smile, and her pace instinctively quickened. Then his features sharpened against the glare, her steps faltered, and she came to an abrupt halt. “What brought you here out of nowhere p>
“I simply wanted to.” Soft warmth settled into his eyes as he closed the distance between them, stopping close enough that she could feel his presence. “We’re right in front of each other. Are you really going to keep that up p>
Only then did Kailey realize the phone was still pressed to her ear. Embarrassment crept up her neck in a hot flush, and she nibbled her lower lip before lowering the device. “You were doing the same thing,” she countered.
Unbothered, Kyson lifted a shoulder slightly. “Then I suppose that one’s on me p>
With her thoughts suddenly scattered and her gaze drifting, Kailey drew a quiet breath. “Come on. Let’s go home p>
They walked to the car in quiet tandem and drifted to opposite doors. When the engine rumbled to life, Kyson asked offhandedly, “You had stew for lunch, didn’t you p>
Surprise flickered across Kailey’s face. “How could you tell p>
“You smell like stew p>
“Seriously?” She raised her sleeve, sniffed once, then again, caught nothing but fabric, and eventually gave up with a sheepish shrug. “I wasn’t even planning to go, but my team leader kept pushing. You know how that goes…” The thought of Dagmar drifted into her mind, pulling out a long, weary breath.
Kyson shot her a sideways look, one brow lifting. “I thought stew was supposed to be enjoyable. So why the heavy sigh p>
“I ran into Dagmar — she’s my cousin.” Leaning back against the headrest, Kailey summed up the encounter in a few brisk sentences. “On paper, she’s their only child, so you’d expect them to be close. But after what I saw today, they barely seem able to manage her p>
𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝖽𝖺𝗂𝗅𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗌 𝗈𝗇
If she were being honest, that description was generous. In truth, Dagmar hadn’t behaved like a daughter, and her father hadn’t lived up to the role either.
Hands steady on the wheel, Kyson kept his gaze fixed on the ribbon of headlights ahead, his tone even and unhurried. “When you don’t know the whole picture, it’s wiser not to form conclusions. And since you’ve only just met her, getting too involved in their family matters probably isn’t the best idea p>
“Yeah. That’s exactly how I see it.” Kailey nodded in agreement.
Then inspiration flashed across her face, so sudden it burst out before she could temper it. “You know, Kyson — we really are a perfect match. We think alike on everything p>
The instant Kailey trailed off, an awkward stillness settled between her and Kyson, both of them going rigid as if time had briefly stalled. A warm blush crept up her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I just meant we think alike. My uncle might ring me any minute, so I’d better head upstairs first.” Before he could respond, her light footsteps echoed across the floor as she fled up the stairs.
Kyson watched her silhouette until it vanished from sight, an unmistakable smile curving slowly across his lips.