Heartstrings On Fire

Chapter 651

Agnes was no fool; she generally picked up technical skills quite quickly.

But for some reason, forming the pies just didn’t come naturally to her, no matter how many times Jared tried to teach her.

Of course, it didn’t help matters that Jared was standing uncomfortably close to her as he tried to guide her hands.

He’d lean up to her ear to whisper instructions, his low voice sending shivers down her spine as his lips occasionally brushed against her earlobe.

Agnes‘ ears turned a bright red and she could hear nothing but the pounding of her own heart.

Jared’s warm hands covered her chilly ones as he patiently guided her through the motions of forming the pies.

Agnes‘ hands were icy cold, but Jared’s were warm and comforting.

It was a warmth she had missed.

She suddenly remembered a winter during college when she loved dragging Jared along on trips to the food trucks lining their campus. When her hands got cold, Jared would clasp her hand in his own and tuck it into his pocket.

It was warm.

it now,

she pushed Jared away, her voice faltering,

that, she retreated to the kitchen, leaving Jared

past, isn’t she? Your plan worked

to ruffle Nocturne’s hair and saying, “You’re quite the clever one, aren’t

on his face, Nocturne didn’t seem to mind, replying seriously, “Books say that casual physical contact can promote the

Jared asked, “What kind of books are you reading?”

a broad range of interests.” Jared shook his head, “You should be reading ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales‘ and ‘Aesop’s Fables.

up at him, “Did you like those stories

Jared admitted, “No, I

like something you didn’t?”

followed his mother into the kitchen, leaving a stunned Jared in his wake.

he growing up

long, dinner

into the

but inside it was warm and inviting, the aroma

was a rich chicken broth that warmed them from the inside