Chapter 319
Chapter 319:
Kristine hesitated, uncertain for a moment. Danica, watching the exchange, bit back a smile.
After a brief pause, Kristine took the menu, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush as she listed her selections. Once she had finished, Danica rested her chin in her hands and quietly watched Asher make his picks. Everything about him seemed effortlessly graceful — from his appearance to the way he carried himself. Even the way his fingers moved across the digital menu had a kind of practiced ease, like watching a pianist glide across the keys.
Without looking up, Asher asked, “Is there a reason you’re staring at me, Miss Jackson p>
A playful grin spread across Danica’s face. “Oh, don’t mind me. I just think you look great. Honestly, you and Kristine would make such a striking couple p>
A spark flickered in Asher’s gaze as he glanced up, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Is that so p>
Encouraged by his interest in the banter, Danica grew even more animated. “Absolutely. You two look perfect together p>
Worried Asher might take offense, Kristine discreetly tugged at Danica’s sleeve, trying to signal her to drop the subject. But instead of bristling, Asher turned to Kristine and met her eyes with surprising seriousness.
The intensity of his stare sent her pulse racing. She looked away quickly, flustered.
𝗗𝗈ո’𝘵 𝘮𝘪ѕѕ 𝗇e𝘸 𝗿e𝗅𝘦а𝘴𝘦ѕ 𝗈𝗇
After a moment, Asher broke the silence. “You know, I have to agree with Miss Jackson. What do you think, Kristine p>
The question caught her completely off guard. Her heart pounded harder, and she ducked her head, hurriedly shoveling a bite of dessert into her mouth.
She ate so fast she ended up choking.
Embarrassment washed over her, her cheeks burning as she wished she could simply disappear.
Asher quietly passed her a glass of water. Kristine took a long sip, steadying her breathing, though the flush in her face refused to fade.
The sight proved too much for both Danica and Asher, and they burst out laughing — Danica freely, her voice bright and unrestrained; Asher more softly, his eyes crinkling in a way Kristine had never seen before. That only made her cheeks flush deeper.
Easy laughter filled the space, and warmth settled over the table.
By the time two hours had passed, the three of them were ready to head their separate ways. Asher offered Kristine a ride home, but she politely declined. Even though he had seemed entirely unfazed by Danica’s teasing, something about the evening unsettled Kristine. She couldn’t quite put her finger on why.
Arriving at her apartment, she was caught off guard by the sight of Colton slumped on the hallway floor, making no effort to look composed. The sharp smell of alcohol hung in the air, empty beer bottles scattered around him. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong, tanned forearms.
The moment he heard her footsteps, Colton twisted around. His gaze was icy and sharp, his eyes clouded like a winter sky. “You finally decided to show up p>