Chapter 33

Yannis exhaled slowly, trying to calm the flutter in his chest. "No, no, what happened last time was just a fluke. It’s just that Zinnia looked so bewildered. It wasn’t funny or embarrassing. Accidents happen. I’ve already forgotten about it!"

After repeating it to himself a few times, he managed a half-smile. "Hey, Zinnia. Fancy meeting you again."

Zinnia glanced up and stared at him across from her. She pursed her lips, unsure what to say. He had a certain charm about him, almost teasing. His voice had a playful lilt at the end.

It reminded her of her neighbor’s dog back in Tareston. Every time she visited, the dog would wag its tail and brush against her legs, making her want to scratch its chin.

Yannis’s tone was like that—playful and insistent, as if he were nudging her, making her want to respond.

He was undeniably good-looking. His face was sharply defined and strikingly attractive. His dark eyebrows were light and airy, and his tall, straight nose had a tiny, barely noticeable red mole on it, adding a touch of allure.

His eyes were amber-colored, and under the ceiling light, they seemed to shimmer with an inner glow. They were mesmerizing. Zinnia felt like putting his eyes in a box to keep them safe, like a precious treasure.

Yannis felt a strange sense of unease as Zinnia stared at him calmly and silently. Unlike other girls who might blush or look away, she met his gaze with a clear and pure look, free from shyness, obsession, or greed.

She wasn’t ogling him; her expression was sincere and tranquil, making her gaze completely unobjectionable.

Perry and Jackson exchanged puzzled glances.

“Do you two know each other?” Jackson asked, glancing at Zinnia. She’d never mentioned knowing Yannis.

“I don’t know him,” Zinnia said, shaking her head. “I just saw him at the mall last time I was there.”

“We ran into each other before,” Yannis said, “but I had no idea she was your cousin. Actually, I never knew you even had a real cousin.”

“Zinnia just got back,” Jackson retorted, giving him a sharp look.

Yannis felt a bit awkward. He’d only been asking a question. He’d just gotten back to the country, and he hadn’t been around when Zinnia had been found and brought back into the family. He really hadn’t been in the loop.

Before anyone could say anything, the waiter arrived with the dishes. "Enjoy," he said with a smile.

Jackson glanced at the bowl of chili con carne in front of him and fell silent. He looked around at the pastel-colored, whimsical decor. This place was supposed to be cute and cozy—so why did the dish in front of him look so intense?

He shifted his gaze to Perry across the table. He’d picked this place thinking it would be safe and cozy. He’d been expecting something sweet or at least some desserts.

But all they got was chili con carne, with a thick, spicy sauce. Just looking at it made Jackson’s throat start to hurt.

“Ah, it’s all about the contrast,” Perry said, his eyes darting around nervously. “You know, the pinker the place, the spicier the food.”

Zinnia, however, was staring at the thick sauce with bright, excited eyes. It smelled amazing. If she added some crunchy corn kernels, it would be even better.

Jackson was about to suggest moving to a different table when he saw her eager expression. He immediately held back his words.

The waiter set the chili con carne and other dishes on the table, and then stepped back. The thick, spicy aroma filled the air right away.

“Zinnia, what toppings do you want? I’ll pass them to you,” Jackson said. He took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and revealed his forearm.

“I can handle it, Jackson,” Zinnia replied. She had never really had chili con carne before, but she remembered when her old friend Fiona made it at home. She would add all the toppings and mix it—it was absolutely delicious.

“Alright, Zinnia, go ahead. Let’s put on aprons so we don’t get our clothes dirty,” Jackson said, helping her tie on an apron.

“Thanks, Jackson,” Zinnia murmured, lowering her head.

“Jackson, you’re treating Zinnia like she’s five. If you ever have kids, you’ll be the world’s best dad,” Perry teased, picking up a steak and glancing at Jackson’s attentive actions across the table.

“Exactly. Jackson here is totally going to be an amazing dad one day,” Yannis chimed in, choosing the spaghetti and meatballs.

He watched Jackson dote on Zinnia. She had a sweet, soft voice, incredibly docile, responding to every prompt with a gentle, obedient nod.

Her eyes were fixed on the dishes. Every time Yannis and Perry started choosing their dishes, her eyes would light up, as if she was a little girl enchanted by a magic trick.

“Taking care of Zinnia is more than enough for now,” Jackson said, ignoring his friends‘ teasing. He tied a napkin around Zinnia’s neck and handed her a wet wipe to clean her hands.

He hadn’t given much thought to marriage yet. Right now, all he wanted was to protect and take good care of Zinnia. And with her, one was plenty.

“Hey, Zinnia, what tickles your fancy? Just say the word, and I’ll get it for you,” Yannis said with a teasing grin, his eyes flicking back to Zinnia.

Zinnia didn’t budge, perhaps realizing someone else was already on serving duty. She kept glancing between Yannis and Perry, then back to the dishes, like she was waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Her big eyes, which had looked so wide and innocent before, now twinkled with a hint of mischief and hunger. Yannis caught the gleam and smiled softly.

“That one,” Zinnia finally said, her gaze sweeping over the dishes before settling on a small plate of shrimp in front of Yannis.

“You got it. Just name it,” Yannis replied, picking up the small plate of shrimp and handing it to Zinnia.

“Got a thing for playing hero?” Jackson shot him a sideways look.

“Hey, she’s your cousin, but she’s our friend too. Perry, you’re with me, right? And we’ve got to take care of her, no?” Yannis raised an eyebrow and glanced at Perry. In their circle, they were like real family.

“That’s right, Jackson. We’re family. How can we not take care of her?” Perry said, picking up a plate with a beef taco on it and holding it out towards Zinnia. “Hey, Zinnia, give this beef taco a try.”

“Thanks, Perry,” Zinnia said, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the beef taco. Her smile was so bright it seemed to make the whole room feel a little warmer.