Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 86

I was breathing rapidly, frozen in place.

Brandon didn't move or say anything, but his gaze was glued to me.

To be precise, he was looking right into my eyes.

We stood there, staring at each other, neither stepping forward nor backing away:

I could even feel both our heartbeats quickening.

Until my neighbor, an elderly lady's voice sounded from outside, "The new tenant's boyfriend is kind. Look how clean he made the stairs."

That snapped me back to reality. I gave Brandon a push and quickly escaped to the living room.

But for a moment I didn't know what to do, feeling dazed and confused.

Brandon walked out, breaking the awkward silence. "Is this the house where your parents used to live?"

saw him walking toward the wall with the photos.

with my certificates and our family photos. I was. wearing a red scarf, with my parents on either side of me, smiling warmly. But now, looking at their

did well in school." Brandon glanced at my certificates again. My certificates were mostly for being an outstanding student or role

student.

now," I

me. "You are." He paused for a

me to meet his eyes. This man was too straightforward,

Let me treat you

proactive because

need to wash

did I realize his face and clothes were dirty. "Wait a

remote area, there was a nearby supermarket

"Give me a towel.

something else, but I met his unyielding gaze. Reluctantly, I walked to the bathroom, grabbed my towel, and handed it to him. "Use this, I don't have any new ones. He nodded, then turned

his face in a rugged, masculine way. He splashed water on his face and even ran his hands through his hair with water. Though it wasn't cold, the water was. I was

looked up, he saw me standing behind him in the

that instant, I felt embarrassed,