He inquired nonchalantly, “Not at your job anymore?”
Nicole was startled yet somewhat anticipated his awareness. She admitted openly, “Yes, the constant travel was exhausting. Now I’m helping out at a relative’s small business.”
“Is your relative in the energy sector?”
Jarrod gave her a sidelong look and commented casually, “It’s akin to what your family was involved in previously.”
With her heart pounding wildly, Nicole pinched her hand hard to calm herself down. Then, with a hint of emotion, she murmured, “Yes, that’s my area of expertise.”
Jarrod, sensing her mood, didn’t probe further. With a smile, he suggested, “How about some porridge? I know a place that serves excellent porridge.”
Nicole wasn’t sure if it was her imagination. But Jarrod seemed to deliberately slow down his last words. His intermittent smiles throughout their conversation left Nicole feeling uneasy.
Nicole told herself not to overthink and closed her eyes, avoiding his gaze.
Jarrod adjusted the rearview mirror and glanced at her. His smile had a hint of chilliness.
Before long, they arrived at a posh porridge restaurant.
Jarrod exited the car, grasped Nicole’s hand, and led her inside.
Nicole was frustrated. Despite her intentions to manipulate Jarrod, being touched by him made her feel sick. She wished she could shed that touched skin. She came to realize that she couldn’t even exploit him effectively.
(EagleNovels)
Nicole tried to pull away, but Jarrod’s grip was firm, and she stumbled into his embrace when he pulled her in.
Jarrod’s tone was icy, almost Like a threat. “Stop wriggling, or I’ll carry you inside.”
Nicole ceased struggling. Being carried inside by him would be far worse than her hand being held by him.
Together, they entered the restaurant, appearing to outsiders like a loving couple.
Yet, Nicole’s expression betrayed her true feelings: unwilling and somewhat resentful.
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updates…
Getting inside, Jarrod chose to sit in the main dining area instead of a chamber and ordered, “Bring us Shrimp and Grits, please.”
Nicole was momentarily taken aback. Shrimp and Grits… It was the first dish she had ever cooked for Jarrod back in their college days.
Back then, they skipped the cafeteria meals, and she would bring him Shrimp and Grits daily. Jarrod always finished the Shrimp and Grits she made. For three whole months, he never missed a meal she prepared.
Not long after, when Jarrod left, Nicole found herself making Shrimp and Grits every single day, missing him terribly. A week into this routine, she couldn’t stand it anymore and felt nauseous.
Nicole marveled at how Jarrod had savored the same dish for three months as if it were a gourmet meal.
Reflecting on their past moments brought a mix of emotions, especially considering their current situation. Nicole internally cursed Jarrod and her complex feelings. She was unsure of Jarrod’s intentions of bringing her here tonight.
As the Shrimp Grits arrived, Nicole felt a wave of nausea and looked around for a bin. Her attention was diverted when she noticed a couple entering the restaurant.