Chapter 60
Chapter 60:
She allowed herself one fleeting moment of hope before brushing it firmly aside. With someone like Kyson, it was easy to imagine he could have anyone he wanted. She finished her breakfast quickly and tried to clear her head.
Kyson watched her with quiet amusement. “Go get ready. I’m taking you to meet someone p>
Kailey looked up. “Who p>
“An expert in emerald restoration,” he said, his tone soft. “He spent years restoring artifacts in museums before he retired. He’s a true veteran in the field. He may know how to repair the amulet your mother left you p>
Kailey’s heart leapt. She had felt completely lost about what to do, and here Kyson had quietly found someone who might be able to help.
“Kyson, you’re incredible!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she sprang to her feet. “Thank you—I’m going to change right now!” She hurried off to her room.
Kyson chuckled softly and moved to clear the table.
Kailey chose a smart-casual outfit and applied a touch of makeup out of respect for the expert. When she stepped out, she almost walked straight into Kyson. Their eyes met for a brief second, and she felt the pull of his gaze before quickly looking away.
“I’m ready. Let’s go p>
Kyson nodded and gestured for her to lead the way.
𝘙o𝗆a𝗻cе n𝘰𝘷𝘦𝗹ѕ 𝗈𝗻 g𝘢𝗹ոо𝘃еl𝘀.𝘤𝗼𝗆
“How far is it?” she asked as they left.
“About forty minutes from here p>
“Okay,” she murmured, falling quiet.
In the elevator, Kailey positioned herself near the doors, pressed the floor button, and clutched her bag with both hands, nerves fluttering in her chest. She couldn’t think of a single natural thing to say.
Then Kyson’s shadow fell across her. His voice came low and unhurried. “Kailey p>
She held her breath. “Yes p>
“Are you nervous p>
She pressed her lips together. Was he really going to ask her that?
His gaze stayed on her for a moment, his smile warming. “You don’t have to be so tense around me p>
Kailey pouted inwardly. How could she not be tense? With someone as effortlessly composed as Kyson standing right beside her, anyone’s pulse would be running faster. But she kept her expression steady and said, “I’m actually quite relaxed. When I’m quiet, it means I’m thinking. You wouldn’t understand p>
Kyson watched her cheeks grow redder as she said it, and it took considerable restraint not to reach over and pinch them. He rubbed his fingers together and resisted the urge.
When the elevator doors opened to the basement, the moment between them dissolved. Kailey let out a quiet breath, unaware of the faint disappointment that moved across his expression. Being alone with someone like Kyson was a genuine test of willpower. Perhaps she should be more careful about that going forward.
The day outside was beautiful, the sky a deep, unbroken blue.
Kailey lowered the car window slightly, drinking in the passing scenery. Just knowing that her mother’s emerald amulet might be repaired put her in an unusually good mood.
Kyson kept his eyes on the road, though he found himself stealing glances at her now and then.
At a red light, he turned on the radio. An old, familiar song drifted through the speakers—nostalgic and unhurried.