Chapter 157 It’s Almost Like Kissing
Renee had endured far more severe injuries over the years, whether from training or missions, so these minor cuts and bruises hardly registered.
But Sylvia’s situation was different. Renee found herself wondering how William would deal with her this time.,
Sensing that Renee might be unsettled, Ryder skillfully redirected the
conversation to work.
“Next month, Shaun’s throwing a cruise party. You should try to secure an invite; it might prove useful for you.”
“Alright.”
“I’ll be around for a few days this time. Let’s find a daycare for Felix, so you can have one less thing to worry about.”
“Okay.”
“And if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to contact Barr.”
“Sure.”
“Renee…” Ryder’s voice held a weary note.
Renee looked up at him, the tension hanging thick in the air. In the stillness of the night, the awkwardness between them was palpable, especially with Felix sleeping between them.
Her ears flushed with heat. She cleared her throat and quickly muttered, “I’ll go get some water.”
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She threw off the blanket and bolted out of bed, eager to escape the uncomfortable silence. The moment she stepped into the hallway, she felt the tension lift slightly. She went downstairs, opened the fridge, and drained more than half of a cold bottle of mineral water, letting it cool her down and calm her racing thoughts.
But then, the sound of footsteps echoing down the stairs shattered her momentary peace, and her heart began to pound once more.
As the steps grew nearer, heading toward the kitchen, she gripped the water bottle tighter, the plastic creaking under the pressure, as if it were mocking her nervousness.
She kept her back to Ryder, pretending to drink. Though, she could feel his presence looming at the door.
“Renee.”
“Yeah?” she replied, her voice a little too bright, forcing a smile. “Mr.
Chadwick, would you like some water too?”
“It’s not good for your health to drink cold water at night.”
Normally, when Ryder gave advice like that, Renee would listen without hesitation. And this time was no exception.
She placed the half–finished bottle back into the fridge. But just as she was about to shut the door, a hand reached over her head, pulling the bottle
out again.
She froze, the air around her thick with tension. Ryder was standing so
close that she could hear his heartbeat and smell the familiar scent of soap
-the one in her bathroom. She had chosen it for him, knowing he
preferred it over body wash.
She remained still, unwilling to make a sound or movement.
But when she saw Ryder unscrew the cap and tilt the bottle to drink, she couldn’t just let it happen..
With a quick motion, she reached up and snatched the bottle from his
grasp.
He looked down at her, his deep eyes locking onto hers, silently questioning, “What’s wrong with me drinking from it?”
“I… I just drank from it,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yeah, so? You drank from it… so, I can’t?”
Her mind went blank.
How could he ask such a blunt question, so calmly, without a hint of
embarrassment?
He chuckled softly, the sound knowing and almost teasing. “Renee, let go. Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind.”
Her breath caught.
That wasn’t the issue at all! Her grip tightened on the bottle, but under his unwavering gaze, she lowered her head, her face burning with shame. She muttered through gritted teeth, “Mr. Chadwick… it’s almost like kissing…”
Could she just disappear right now?
“I see,” Ryder responded, his voice unexpectedly soft.
Renee was stunned. What kind of reply was that?
But then, just as quickly, he added, “I’m just worried you wouldn’t be okay with being kissed directly, Renee.”
