Then, scrambling for control, he added, “Uhh… that’s not necessary. Actually—what if I peel some for you instead?”
She shook her head gently, offering him a real smile, one that reached her eyes. “It’s okay. I love doing it. I always do it for Jamie. He eats them faster than I can peel.”
Damien’s gaze lingered on her, something unreadable but soft moving behind his eyes. “Alright,” he said, voice low.
She began peeling with practiced ease, her fingers moving with quiet familiarity. “Besides, I enjoy taking care of the people I…” — she hesitated, just for a breath — then added softly, “…care about.”
A silence bloomed between them—not awkward, just felt.
Damien didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Just watched her with that unreadable expression that had lost some of its sharpness—softened now in
