After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 19

“There.” Lawrence balled up the paper towel and tossed it into the trash, his voice low and playful. “Need any more help?”

“Yes,” Catherine said, determined. She had just misjudged the faucet, that was all.

She bent over the sink, focused on washing the vegetables. Lawrence moved over to the counter, slicing meat with practiced hands.

When Catherine finished, she spun around, not realizing Lawrence had stepped closer to grab some spices.

She ran right into his chest.

“Oof!” Her nose bumped against his firm torso and she let out a little grunt. Instinctively, her fingers clutched the fabric at his waist. Lawrence’s arm came around her, steadying her before she could stumble.

The sudden closeness caught him by surprise. Catherine’s soft, sweet scent floated up as she pressed against him, making his muscles go tense.

Catherine lifted her eyes, embarrassed and a little helpless. “Sorry! I didn’t see you there.”

Lawrence kept his hands steady on her shoulders, leaning down a bit so they were eye to eye. “The kitchen’s kind of cramped. Why don’t you go relax? I can finish up.”

This old house didn’t have a big kitchen, and it was definitely a tight squeeze.

Catherine realized she was probably just getting in the way. She blushed, bit her lip, and gave him a little nod before slipping out of the kitchen.

Once she was alone, she touched her nose and let out a quiet sigh. She couldn’t help but wonder if Lawrence thought she was hopeless in the kitchen.

She peeked back at his tall, confident figure. She really wasn’t good at housework, but she could learn. And she had her own strengths. When her Resonance AI project took off and she started earning more, Lawrence wouldn’t have to work so hard.

Whatever he wanted to do, whether it was staying an engineer or exploring something new, she’d be there with him.

That was the plan. She’d focus on earning money for the both of them, and as for chores... well, she’d figure it out. She’d learn, eventually.

From the kitchen, Lawrence glanced over and watched her settle onto the sofa. The corner of his mouth curved into a smile.

It felt special in a way nothing else did.

Later, when it was time to clean up, Catherine insisted on washing the dishes. Lawrence tried to protest, but she was determined to do it right this time.

She carefully carried a stack of plates to the sink. Suddenly, the top bowl wobbled. Then, with a loud crack, it slipped and shattered on the floor.

The pretty porcelain bowl broke into pieces.

Catherine stared at the mess, frozen, her face burning red.

Lawrence came in just then. Catherine felt like a kid caught doing something wrong. Her voice was small. “I’m sorry. I was too careless.”

She put down the rest of the plates and started to bend down, but before she could, a warm hand gently closed around her wrist.

“I’ll take care of it,” Lawrence said quietly.