Chapter 36

Chapter 36:

Glancing over her shoulder, Eileen observed Bryan in his seat, eyes closed, the picture of authority. Was he asleep?

Eileen’s coworkers had shared updates on looming workloads left from the Lakedale trip. With Vivian unable to lend sufficient support, the brunt of the work was Bryan’s to bear.

Bryan’s request to go to the company at this hour surely hinted at unfinished work.

With a quiet exhale, Eileen released her seatbelt and exited the car. She circled to the backseat, opening the door.

The movement drew a slight knit of Bryan’s brows, his eyelids fluttering.

“Mr. Dawson,” Eileen’s voice held a gentle edge. “We’re at the office.”

Bryan’s eyes snapped open with a trace of irritation. “‘Why the rush? Are you eager to get back to your injured boyfriend?” he inquired, a weary edge to his voice.

Shaking her head, Eileen responded with careful neutrality, “‘Not at all. It’s just better to tackle work promptly. Plus, the sooner it’s done, the sooner you’ll get some time to rest.”

Bryan’s eyebrow arched as he exited the car, just a breath from Eileen. “I’ve got a video call lined up. Stick around and assist with the notes, will you?” His voice was a smooth baritone that rolled over her.

“Sure,” Eileen replied, peering up into his fatigued eyes, her resolve softened.

She secured the car door and shadowed him into the elevator, angling herself to press the button for the top level.

The confined space grew warmer. Eileen found herself hemmed against the wall, Bryan’s presence overwhelming.

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His kiss was violent, eyes half-mast yet blazing with intent. It was his scent that weakened her resolve, compelling in its familiarity. When the doors slid open, he lifted her effortlessly.

Pressed against him, she heard the solid rhythm of his heart, an odd tranquility settling over her amidst the storm of emotions.

Her usual haven, the office lounge, hadn’t changed, but she didn’t feel the same. Bryan’s soft approach was laced with an assertive edge, silently declaring her his, stirring within her a profound sense of connection. It felt like they belonged to each other.

Unaware of when sleep had claimed her, Eileen’s eyes fluttered open to a sky blushed with the early light of dawn.

Beside her, Bryan lay in slumber.

gathered Bryan’s clothes from the floor, arranging

voice,

glancing at him. His eyes remained shut as she approached. She inquired with a

replied, “I prefer to dodge needless complications. If there’s

formed

he was referring to? If she was considered

He reached out and lit a cigarette,

hand?”

stunned for a few seconds before realizing Bryan was asking about Huey. There would be no aftereffects from Huey’s hand injury; it was just a

day. “What? Now you’re taking pity on

wondering

injured because of me. It’s normal for me to feel concerned,” she

back to work tomorrow,” Bryan commanded, his voice icy as he put aside the blanket and went to the bathroom to

his anger, Eileen knew it

Eileen found the house with a note and breakfast waiting. After finishing breakfast, Eileen sought out Huey upstairs. He had just finished his meal and was idly handling

“So, you left with your bag last night?” he

Eileen replied, gathering

bandage change at the hospital, then it’s all about us,” Huey informed her. “Don’t fuss over me; I’ll be fine. Focus

of the dishes and

office. It’s been busy. Just let me know the details of the hospital bills. I’ll take care of the money,” she

perplexed. “You didn’t

the account. He thought Eileen had prepaid the bill in advance, so he had the staff refund

momentarily bewildered, shook her head. “I

“Maybe your boss paid it?” He glanced at Eileen.

shake of her head, recalling only Vivian’s

aside. “Anyway, can you drop

that, you’re free to return to

on Eileen’s cooking. He pushed for a lunch out, his insistence unwavering.

Bailee got wind of Eileen’s early work resumption and stepped up to take care of Huey. “Eileen, leave

a fondness for Bailee’s dishes, agreed, “You know, it’s almost a

critique, was at a loss for

set the house in order and returned to Springvale Lane. But as she entered the house, a stronger wave of sandalwood greeted her—a subtle hint that

Lakedale trip. The jewelry was likely the reward for the previous evening. The craftsmanship shone through the box, which, upon opening, revealed a crystal necklace bathed in purple—a color Eileen favored and one that Bryan often chose for her,

Her collection of such boxes from Bryan had grown, each a testament to his

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