Chapter 521

The little mishap happened so suddenly, I didn’t even have time to react. Maybe I crashed into him a bit too forcefully, because Edward instinctively reached out and grabbed my waist to steady me. Even though his touch lasted only a second, it was enough to leave me completely rattled.

The old lady in front turned around and apologized to me. “Sorry about that, my heels are killing me and I got a bit dizzy from standing too long.”

“No worries!” I said, trying to steady myself.

I gasped in surprise, my back slamming into something solid and hitting a wall of muscle. Right at that moment, I spotted Ryan returning from his phone call, so I hurried back to my seat.

Ryan stood by the entrance, chatting with Edward. Whatever they were talking about, Ryan flashed a handsome smile, looking every bit the charmer. Edward’s expression remained unchanged, as if he’d truly mastered the art of keeping his emotions in check.

The show went on, but I just couldn’t concentrate. ‘What if Edward thinks I did that on purpose? What if he thinks I’m playing hard to get?’ I wondered. Guys are always so full of themselves, and Edward’s basically at the top–good looks, killer body, and as Ryan once said, women are always lining up for him. I wasn’t about to kid myself that I was anything special in Edward’s eyes. What really worried me was that he might think I was saying no, but my body was saying yes. If that’s what he thinks, then even if I had a hundred mouths, I couldn’t explain my way out of it.

Ryan was always tuned in to my mood. Noticing I seemed distracted, he lowered his voice and asked, “What’s wrong? Is something up?”

Hearing that, I realized it was the perfect chance to use work as an excuse to leave. “Yeah, I’ve got some important files at work that need my attention,” I replied.

“Let’s head out, then,” Ryan agreed right away.

I whispered, “I’ll head out first. You should stay. Ms. Lynn definitely wants you here.” I just wanted to get out of there, not drag Ryan along. He and Isabelle grew up together–they’re really close friends.

Ryan just smirked. “Trust me, I’m not the one she wants to stick around.” With that, he shot Edward a knowing look.

I got the hint and nodded. Ryan turned to say something to Edward, and for a split second, Edward’s eyes froze–he instinctively shot me a glance. I caught his look from the corner of my eye, but I didn’t dare meet it, just kept up my act like nothing had happened.

Ryan got up, and we slipped out of our seats, heading straight for the exit of the theater.

The air outside was even chillier. Ryan rubbed his hands together, then shrugged off his wool coat and draped it over my shoulders. “Don’t freeze out here, workaholic.”

I’d just come from the office and wasn’t dressed for the cold. Ryan had a sweater on underneath and never seemed to feel the chill. He’d been carrying that coat all along without wearing it himself, and now, without a second thought, he just wrapped it around me. ‘Did he bring this coat just for me from the very beginning?’ I wondered.

“Ryan, are you hungry?” I asked, thinking maybe we could grab some late-night food together.

“A bit. What are you craving? I’ll take you wherever you want,” Ryan replied, like he could read my mind.

Truth is, I was actually starting to feel a little hungry too.

“Let me treat you. You pick the spot,” I said.

“Why are you being so formal with me?” Ryan shot back, pretending to be offended.

“Come on, it’s only fair to take turns,” I said with a grin.

“No way,” Ryan said, sounding all bossy. “With the way things are between us, it’s my job to spoil you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright, I won’t argue. You pick the place.”

Ryan knew Braylin like the back of his hand. After weaving through a maze of streets, we finally pulled up to a secluded courtyard spot. As soon as we got out of the car, a staff member was already waiting by the entrance. “Welcome, Mr. Jennings. Your meal is already being prepared.”

“Appreciate it,” Ryan replied with a nod, then gently took my hand and guided me inside.

I asked curiously, “Where are we?”

Ryan replied, “This is basically my uncle Edward’s private kitchen.”

Chapter 522