Chapter 255
Seated across from Vincent, Hannah didn't glance at him.Resignation slid into her tone. "I wish I knew the answer, Mr.Jones.Why,with a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, would you ignore the hospital's top-tier room, pull out the IV, and drive over..." She lifted her gaze to his face, gaze unwavering. "To my doorstep and faint?"
Vincent felt color rush up the side of his neck, his ears prickling hot. Flashes of the previous night-the confusion, the ache-pulsed behind his eyes. Avoiding her stare, he managed,"Guess I took a wrong turn."
A flicker of something crossed Hannah's face, but she didn't press further.
Vincent soon disappeared into the bathroom to take a quick shower and freshen up, the sound of running water filling the silence.
Roughly twenty minutes later, he emerged, looking noticeably more awake. He rejoined her at the table, the scent of the porridge still lingering.
"Want some?" She nudged a bowl of porridge his way, her voice gentler now.
Vincent picked up the spoon and consumed the porridge in silence. "So, your parents," he started, voice barely above a murmur. "They're not home?"
Hannah met his eyes, her answer light and unconcerned."They're off traveling."
He dipped his head again, falling quiet as he focused on his
He dipped his head again, falling quiet as he focused on his food.
A few minutes later, Hannah set her spoon aside with a gentle clink.
He watched, gaze drawn to her as she stood. She moved around the table, and before he could react,she leaned in-so close that her scent, soft and sweet, curled around him.
Vincent froze, muscles taut as a drawn wire. He could make out the tiny flutter of her lashes, trembling ever so slightly.Why...why was she suddenly this close to him?
His pulse thrashed in his chest, wild and uneven. His grip on the spoon tightened until his knuckles shone bone-white. He swallowed hard, Adam's apple jerking, a flash of surprise and nervousness flickering across his face-so fleeting that he barely registered it himself. "What on earth are you..."
Before he could finish, Hannah reached out, placing her hand on his forehead.
He blinked. So, she was just checking his temperature. That was all.
As quickly as she'd closed the distance, she drew her hand back, catching the way his breath hitched and his posture went stiff.
She stepped back, standing straight, her clear eyes meeting his still somewhat dazed gaze. A gentle, teasing smile tugged at her lips. She tipped her head, voice lightly edged with mischief."What did you think I was going to do?"
Her words, tossed out so breezily, sent a cascade of embarrassment through Vincent-like stones dropped into still water, each word rippling outward. He jerked his face aside,heat flooding his ears, the faint blush crawling up his neck as if he'd been branded by the brief, lingering touch of her fingers.His throat constricted, choking off any words before they could
His throat constricted, choking off any words before they could leave his lips.
Hannah's playful spark faded, giving way to a tangled ache. She caught the moment he stiffened, his bewilderment radiating like static in the air, and it only deepened her own uncertainty.
She gathered herself and took a step back, coldly reestablishing the gap between them. Her voice returned to its previous calm, even carrying a hint of deliberate detachment,as if the earlier teasing was an illusion. "Your fever's gone." She paused for a moment before adding, "I'll have Derek swing by to pick you up."
Before Vincent could muster a reply, she turned away, phone in hand. Her movements were brisk and unhesitating-unlocking,scrolling,finding the right number, and making the call, all in a practiced rhythm.
Once she'd hung up, a hush drifted over the living room.
Hannah didn't return to the table but poured him a glass of water.
The silence pressed down, thick and unyielding, until Hannah finally cut through it, nudging the glass of water toward him."Here, have some water." Her voice remained even, without fluctuation. "Derek should be here soon."
Vincent's eyes flicked up from the rim of his glass, settling on her face as if searching for some trace of warmth. He parted his lips, voice rough as gravel. "You..." But the rest caught in his throat,lost.
She avoided his gaze. Her words came out crisp and distant."You should let a doctor take a look at your hand when you get back. Keep it dry and don't let it get infected."
Her advice landed with the brisk efficiency of a stranger,not someone who'd just watched over him all night.
"Thank you." The syllables felt stiff on his tonguJe,husky but unmistakably sincere.
Suddenly, the sharp chime of the doorbell sliced through the hush, jolting Hannah out of her thoughts. She stiffened,assuming Derek had finaly shown up
She inhaled deeply, steadying her expression before reaching for the knob.
From the other side, Margaret's voice called out, light but puzzled. "That's strange. The door's locked. Anna should be inside... Anna, open up! Claude's with me-we're back!"
Vincent, halfway to the entryway, froze in place. He straightened his clothes by reflex, running a hand through his hair.
Hannah's eyes narrowed, a jolt of panic darting across her face Weren't they supposed to be out of town? Why were they home so early?