Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 81

"Ms. Crown, you might not know this, but I've never been in a relationship. My reputation is spotless, unlike yours. You have an ex-fiancé and that ambiguous head-patting guy. Oh, and there's that brother, Brandon said. He looked at me, speaking slowly and deliberately.

I wanted to retort. But before I could say anything, he lowered his eyes and continued. "So I'm the one who should be afraid. If word gets out that we slept together last night, people will think I'm not chaste." "Are you saying that I've defiled your honor?" I blurted out, angry.

"Not at all. You were quite well-behaved last night. You didn't make any improper moves on me." Brandon's tone made him sound like a victimized maiden wronged by me, the ruffian. What a piece of work!

This man was infuriating, but I couldn't express this anger. I could only vent my frustration on the poppyseed bagel.

"If Mr. Howell wants to stay honorable, it's best to stay away from me." I finally found a comeback after finishing the bagel.

"That's impossible unless we stop working together." Brandon put down the napkin and stood up.

I was speechless.

When I finished breakfast, Kara had finished hers too. She bid farewell to her friend, promising to call ahead the next time she visited Hilcord so they could have a proper get-together.

As soon as her friend got in the car, Kara turned to me. "Maddie, what were you talking about with Mr. Howell? He was talking the whole time."

I was exasperated. This girl was distracted, with her heart elsewhere. She was having a meal with her friend, but her eyes were on us the whole time.

to avoid any further questions

added, "It was about work. We might have

21

hours in the

smile turned into a frown instantly. "How heartless and inconsiderate Mr. Howell is! He doesn't have

and headed to the amusement park with her. But Brandon hadn't arrived

stopped the car, Brandon arrived

does Mr. Howell rent a bicycle every day? I didn't expect there were

too.

used the subway or bus every day. I didn't expect him

car has enough space," Kara said, taking liberties as

when Brandon looked at me. "Alright, that's

I was speechless.

getting under my skin all morning, and I

frustration at Kara. "Kara, shouldn't you

to be efficient and ensure safety. Mr. Howell is new around here, and riding a bicycle is

was lost for words

ask you first next time." Kara