Chapter 153
Her voice was soft and sweet, like a ripe summer berry–impossibly tender, with a hint
of honey.
Justin, suddenly aware of his own reaction, quickly put a little space between them. If he stayed this close, he doubted he’d get anything done for the rest of the day.
He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “Mrs. Hawksley, do you have any plans for today?”
At that, Edith’s eyes lit up, sparkling with excitement. “I want to see my cousin!”
Justin hesitated for a split second. He’d reminded himself countless times that Lauren was just Edith’s cousin; of course Edith wanted to spend time with her. It was perfectly normal–he had no right to feel jealous.
But seeing the way Edith’s eyes shone, as if they held tiny stars, made a wave of envy bubble up inside him all the same.
Edith caught the shift in his expression and hesitated. She was reminded of her time with the Vance family–Beckett had never liked her keeping close ties with her relatives from the Sumner side. He’d always say, “Once a girl is married, her life belongs to her new family. There’s no need to stay so close to the old one.”
She’d assumed Justin thought the same.
Her smile faded instantly, and her clear eyes took on a touch of sadness. Her voice was quieter now. “Justin, if you don’t want me to go, I can stay.”
That’s when Justin realized she’d noticed his change in mood and misunderstood
him.
He quickly shook off his jealousy. “No, I don’t mind at all. In fact, why don’t I drive you? But before you go, how about having a bite to eat? You’ll need your strength after… well, after such a busy morning.”
Edith blinked, suddenly remembering just how she’d used up her energy–with Justin, of course. A rosy flush crept up her cheeks.
Justin, meanwhile, looked as unruffled as ever.
How could he talk about these things so casually, as if they were nothing?
She glanced at her phone and shook her head. “I don’t think I have time for breakfast–I need to head out now!”
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Chapter 153
As she bustled around, gathering her things, she explained, “When my cousin’s abroad, she always misses the pastries from Forest’s Bakery. She says it’s her favorite thing about coming home. But the lines there are always insane, and if I don’t go early, I might not get anything.”
She was halfway out the door before Justin calmly reached out and took her hand. “Forest’s Bakery? I’ll have someone pick up the pastries. Why don’t you sit down and have brunch? I’ll drive you to your cousin’s place afterward.”
Edith hesitated. When it came to her cousin, she preferred to handle things herself–what if someone else forgot or couldn’t get what she needed?
Sensing her worry, Justin lightly thumped his chest. “I promise, okay? On my honor. Whatever your cousin wants, we’ll have it delivered.”
Edith’s eyes sparkled with hope as she grabbed Justin’s hand. “Really? You can get anything? I’ve tried before–those savory cheese rolls are limited edition. Unless you camp out overnight, there’s no way to get them. Can you really manage that?”
Justin couldn’t help but laugh at her earnestness. “Absolutely. Just send me a list of everything you and your cousin love, and the name of her hotel. I give you my word–by the time we arrive, the Forest’s Bakery delivery will be waiting.”
Overcome with excitement, Edith rose on tiptoe and pressed a quick kiss to Justin’s
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.