Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2086

Norah pulled up to the roadside barbecue restaurant, the tires of her car crunching on gravel, heralding her arrival. Since graduating and entering the workforce, she'd mastered the art of driving, navigating the complexities of office politics, and so much more. But despite her newfound skills, nothing could overshadow the nostalgia she felt for the days spent working at the bustling barbecue restaurant, where exhaustion intermingled with pure joy.

As she entered, the smoky aroma of grilled meats welcomed her. The place was just starting to fill up, with a couple of tables already occupied by eager patrons seeking comfort in the form of hearty meals.

Damian, spotting her, bounded over with a grin that reached his eyes. "Norah!" he exclaimed, the surprise evident in his voice.

With a playful arch of her brows, Norah responded, "Busy night ahead?"

"Could be worse!" Damian chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron. "Here to see my boss?"

Damian's boss, Xavier, had just returned the previous night, and Norah's timely visit left little doubt that she was here for him.

A blush crept over Norah's cheeks as she quickly sought an excuse. "I heard Mr. Flemmings got hurt. Just wanted to check on him."

"Ms. Macclain did call, told us to take good care of Xavier. Xavier's playing tough, though—won't even let us peek at his wound," Damian said, furrowing his brow in concern.

"That's not okay," Norah protested, her voice laced with urgency. "Where is he?"

"Came back last night, had a small bite and crashed again. We didn't dare disturb him," Damian explained, gesturing toward the stairs.

"I'll go check on him," declared Norah, her concern trumping any worry about propriety as she hurried upstairs.

She pursed her lips, nervous and flustered, as she attempted to explain, "I—I was just checking on your injury."

As Xavier's mind cleared, he released her hand and slowly propped himself up. The open buttons of his shirt now revealed an expanse of his muscled chest, an image so intimate it could make anyone's cheeks burn.

Norah averted her gaze to his shoulder, avoiding the sight. "Estelle said you were badly hurt. She was worried about you."

"It's nothing serious now," Xavier reassured her, reaching for a pack of cigarettes on the nightstand.

Without a second thought, Norah snatched the cigarettes from his grasp and flung them to the floor, her embarrassment turning to indignation. "Smoking while you're injured? If you don't care about your own health, how can you expect others to?"