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?"

the wall with the photos. "You still look a lot like

wearing a red scarf, with my parents on either side of me, smiling warmly. But now, looking at their

certificates again. My certificates were mostly for being an outstanding student or

student.

now," I responded

"You are." He paused for a moment, then

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

you for your hard work today. Let me treat you

from reluctant to proactive because

but added, "I need to wash my face. Do

his face and clothes were dirty. "Wait a moment, I'll

we were in a remote area, there

Brandon declined. "Give me a towel. I'll

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.

hands through his hair with water. Though it wasn't cold, the water was. I was about to remind him,

up, he saw me standing behind

embarrassed, feeling like I'd been