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?"

he knew. Then I saw him walking toward the wall with the photos. "You still look a

certificates and our family photos. I was. wearing a red scarf, with my parents on either side of me,

again. My certificates were

student.

now," I responded without

me. "You are." He paused

meet his eyes. This man was too straightforward, both

you for your hard work today. Let me treat you to a meal, and then I'll

proactive because

but added, "I need to wash

said this did I realize his face and clothes were dirty. "Wait a moment, I'll go buy

area, there was a nearby supermarket that

need," Brandon declined. "Give me a towel.

and handed it to him. "Use this, I don't have any new ones. He nodded, then

ran his hands through his hair with water. Though it wasn't cold, the water was. I was about to remind him, but he had already started drying his face and hair

he saw me standing

embarrassed, feeling