Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 97

Randal was insanely busy. After moving in, Willa hadn't seen him once.

They shared a tacit understanding, neither reaching out nor acknowledging the awkward tension of their cohabitation.

It wasn't until her eighth day at the apartment that she finally saw him again.

She had met up with Sophie Sommers for dinner and didn't get back until nearly ten.

Flipping on the entryway light, Willa practically jumped out of her skin when she spotted a figure sprawled on the couch.

The main lights were off; only a dim floor lamp glowed softly in the corner.

Randal was slumped against the cushions, his eyes shut and his brow furrowed. His breathing was shallow, his chest barely rising. He had clearly fallen asleep sitting up and didn't stir when the front door opened.

She walked over, picked up his suit jacket from the armrest, and draped it gently over his chest.

"You're back?" He opened his eyes, his voice raspy from sleep.

Her heart skipped a beat. Unsure of how to act, she tossed out a casual question. "Why are you here today?"

"This is my home," he replied, his tone entirely neutral.

Without thinking, Willa offered, "Have you eaten? I can make you something."

Randal looked up, an eyebrow arching as if he had just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.

Feeling slightly self-conscious under his gaze, she added, "We have noodles."

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

What was this?

The genuine concern of a live-in girlfriend, or the dutiful service of a mistress?

But there was no taking it back, so she just bit the bullet and headed into the kitchen.

She broke out a package of pasta and cracked an egg. While waiting for the water to boil, footsteps approached from behind.

"When did you learn how to cook?"

She glanced over her shoulder to find Randal leaning against the doorframe, wearing a half-smile.

"Hold still. Just let me hold you for a minute."

Bridging five years of separation, they were finally standing in the same kitchen again.

Neither brought up the painful past, standing in quiet domesticity like any ordinary couple.

Ultimately, the noodles did burn.

She carried the plate to the dining table, looking thoroughly embarrassed. "Should we just order takeout?"

Randal let out a soft laugh, picked up his silverware, and dug in enthusiastically.

"Have you... been really busy lately?" she asked out of nowhere.

"Yeah. Taking care of some things," he replied vaguely.

He suddenly looked up, a teasing, intimate edge to his voice that made her heart flutter. "Why? It's only been a few days. Did you miss me?"

Willa flushed, completely flustered. Her fingers gripped the edge of the table as she avoided his gaze. "No... I was just asking."