Chapter 279

Letting him go wasn't an option— he'd probably topple like a sack of bricks.

"Fine. I'll help. But take it slow."

"Alright." His gaze drifted, landing on the delicate sweep of her lashes. Long and curled, they cast soft shadows over her cheeks with every slow blink.

Each flutter sent a strange sensation through him, like they weren't just brushing against her skin-but against something deep inside him, stirring it awake.

"Eric?"

A familiar voice rang out as they stepped out of the private room. Hadley turned to find Linda standing a few steps away.

"Linda," Eric greeted, still draped over Hadley like he had every right to be there. His arm hung loosely around her shoulders, and from an outsider's perspective, it probably looked more like an embrace than her struggling to keep him upright.