Chapter 11
Dylan’s face flushed crimson before her.
Jennifer’s heart raced wildly out of control.
Leaning against his solid shoulder did bring a sliver of security.
Tina kept marching ahead before turning to urge them.
“Big sis, Úncle, why are you lagging behind? Hurry up and follow Tina!”
On the way back, Dylan carried Tina the whole journey, neither noticing when she’d fallen asleep.
They entered the car one after another, Dylan settling in the front seat with a slight forward lean.
Only after the engine started did he speak. “Thanks for playing with Tina. today. It’s been ages since she’s been this happy.”
Jennifer offered a faint smile. “I enjoyed myself today too.”
These past days had gifted her a sense of security absent in her previous
life.
Since meeting Dylan, she’d finally begun sleeping soundly.
After that day,
sometimes on visited more frequently–sometimes with Ti
Each time, he brought Jennifer something: small flowers to decorate the shop, a box of handmade cookies, or freshly blended calming tea.
Chapter 11
Jennifer gradually grew accustomed to this companionship. Sometimes,
just seeing Dylan and Tina enter
life she yearned for-
bookstore made her feel this was the
Simple, steady, and brimming with warmth.
One rainy night, as Jennifer cleared tables to close up, the doorbell
chimed unexpectedly.
“Sorry, we’re closed.”
Before her thoughts could settle, she saw Dylan drenched at the door, holding feverish Tina in his arms.
“Apologies for disturbing you so late.”
His voice trembled. “Tina’s burning up. She kept insisting you tell her a
story.”
Jennifer hurried them inside, brewing ginger tea for Dylan.
She took the scorching child, heart aching at Tina’s flushed, smiling face.
“Don’t be scared, Tina. Big sis is here. Shall I tell you a story?”
Though burning with fever, Tina mumbled, “Okay.”
That night, Jennifer stayed by Tina’s side, spinning tales.
Dylan sat nearby, watching them with soft eyes.
When Tina finally slept, the rain still hadn’t ceased outside.
Moonlight filtered through the curtain gap, casting a silver band across the floor.
“Truly, thank you today.” Dylan whispered.
Jennifer shook her head. As she rose, dizziness struck, making her stumble.
Dylan steadied her swiftly. Looking up, she realized how close they stood.
Both flushed silently, locked eyes without a word, then glanced away.
Bathed in moonlight, their proximity felt intensely intimate.
“You’re soaked. Go shower,” Jennifer said, glancing at Tina sleeping peacefully upstairs.
“Th–that’s not really proper.
“Nonsense. If you catch fever too, who’ll care for Tina?”
She fetched him a towel without another word.
Dylan nodded, draping the towel over his shoulder before heading to the bathroom.
Steam soon curled out, fogging the room with warm mist.
The bathroom door swung open, and Dylan emerged from the steam–filled haze.
Chapter 12
