Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 300

A heavy awkwardness descended upon us-except Brandon, who casually set me down on the couch as he said, "Just a moment. Mr. Gildon."

He did not walk away after that. Instead, he grabbed a dampened towel and wiped my hands clean. "Start without me. The oatmeal is still hot, so don't wolf it down

Conrad stood at the door, probably feeling as out of place as he looked. I said self-consciously, "Okay, I got it."

I couldn't get Brandon to leave me be and head to the door fast enough.

Still, Brandon did not join Conrad by the door until he had opened all the takeout containers and set the utensils down before me. For all the indulgence he showed me, he might as well have driven a knife into Indeed, Conrad was stone-faced as he watched Brandon fuss over me like a doting boyfriend. I wondered what he made of it, considering his feelings for me.

Finally, Brandon walked up to him and asked, "Is something the matter, Mr. Gildon?"

Conrad stepped away from the door after that, and I couldn't hear their exchange outside. When Brandon returned to the room three minutes later, his expression, as bland as ever, revealed nothing.

Seeing as I couldn't make out if the exchange had been good or bad, I asked between spoonfuls of oatmeal, "What did Conrad want to see you for?"

"Something trivial," Brandon answered, but I knew he was humoring me. He sensed my skepticism and added, "He made me an offer."

For what, a

had decided to let Bra If that were the case, why would Conrad tell

he sat down. "He just wanted to

absentmindedly.

Brandon replied, his answer simple and

help laughing, which earned me an incredulous look

"Why are you laughing?"

your straightforward answers," I

rushed to the tips of his ears as he handed me a piece of flatbread. "You can't go

teased, grinning fiendishly. "Can't

fine if you say it to

handed me another piece of flatbread, I took it and brushed my fingers against his. "You're possessive, aren't you?" He understood what

Shameless, sweet-talking flirt.

awakening my tastebuds. As delicious as it was, it tasted nothing like the ones my mother used

is it?" Brandon

response, mostly so he wouldn't be brought down

finished the oatmeal and the flatbread. During dinner, Brandon supplied