Chapter 534
+25 BONUS
Chapter 534
Lottie grinned and raised her eyebrows.
“Just now, Matthias said you were probably the same as him, had no idea that Kieran liked you. Now that he’s noticed, what about you?”
Celeste’s expression was complicated. “Yeah… I noticed too.”
Truth was, when Kieran handed her the drink earlier, she hadn’t thought much of it. 1
It wasn’t until afterward–when she saw the way Kieran looked at Caleb, that hint of hostility in his eyes–that she finally realized what was going on.
Lottie laughed. 1
Then, as if something crossed her mind, she couldn’t help but ask, “Do they know… about your situation?”
Celeste knew exactly what she meant. “More or less. I already told Caleb that I’ve been married, have a kid, and that I’m getting divorced. As for Kieran… I think I’ve mentioned it during work before, so he should know too.” 1
Kieran knew her circumstances–and he was a few years younger than her–so when she realized he actually had feelings for her, she was honestly a little shocked. (2)
Lottie nodded in approval. “Good. I don’t know them well, but I can tell they both really like you. You should seriously consider giving them a chance.” (1
Celeste bit her lip, looking down without saying anything.
Lottie knew she probably still hadn’t completely walked out of her past with Trevor. Getting involved with someone new now would just be unfair–to them and to herself.
Just as she was about to say something comforting, Caleb came over with a plate of freshly grilled meat. “All done. Try it and see how it tastes?”
Celeste snapped back to the moment. She couldn’t just refuse him, so she set her drink down and accepted the plate. “Thanks.”
Right in front of him, she blew on it lightly and took a small bite.
During the whole time, Caleb just watched her with that quiet, gentle smile–his gaze never leaving her face. (4
Feeling his eyes on her, Celeste got a little self–conscious and turned her head away.
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Chapter 534
+25 BONUS
Still, she didn’t want to disappoint him. She took another bite seriously before saying, “It’s really good. Everything’s perfect. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He smiled. “Is it too salty? Did I overdo the seasoning?”
Celeste shook her head. “No, it’s just right.”
“Good.” Caleb could tell she was uncomfortable, so he didn’t push further. “You two chat–I’ll grill a
bit more.”
Celeste actually knew her way around the kitchen too, so she felt bad letting him do everything alone. “I’ll help you.”
But just as she said that, Kieran came walking over with another plate. “I made this grilled beef. Want to try?”
Truth was, Kieran could barely cook. Worried it wouldn’t turn out well, he’d gotten someone to teach him the night before–he’d practiced several times last night and again this morning. 2
He’d even tasted it himself before bringing it over to her, just to make sure it was edible.
Celeste froze, staring at him. “You…”
Kieran could tell she’d finally caught on to how he felt, and that she probably didn’t know how to
deal with it.
He didn’t push her, just said softly, “Just have a bite?”
Celeste hesitated, but in the end, she took it. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” His tone, like Caleb’s, was calm and careful. “I’ve still got some on the grill. If the flavor’s off, just tell me, okay?”
Celeste had no choice but to nod. “…Alright.”
Kieran turned and walked off.
Caleb had seen the whole thing.
He didn’t try to stop her or take the plate away, just said gently, “You don’t have to eat everything. Eat what you want–don’t force yourself.”
Kieran, who hadn’t gone far, heard that and paused.
Even though they were rivals, he turned back slightly and added, “Yeah. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. Don’t feel pressured.” [1
Celeste answered, “…Alright. I know.”
