Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 6

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**

The sunroom glowed with a soft, golden light at six in the morning, its beauty almost magnetic. I could have easily succumbed to the temptation of lingering there, simply soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Yet, I was in dire need of my morning caffeine fix, especially after a night of tossing and turning. Today marked the beginning of my internship, and I needed all the energy I could muster.

As I made my way downstairs, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, guiding me to the kitchen. To my surprise, Caden was already at the espresso machine, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms. His hair was still damp, glistening slightly as if he had just stepped out of the shower, giving him an effortlessly casual look that seemed to enhance his appeal.

He turned to me with a casual glance, as if my arrival was perfectly timed, but I noticed the way his eyes darted to the purple bruise forming on my wrist. The reminder of last night’s events sent a shiver down my spine.

“Good morning, stranger,” he greeted, his voice warm and inviting. “Coffee?”

“Sure,” I replied, stifling a yawn as I stretched my arms above my head, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

His gaze lingered on me, and I felt a rush of heat flood my cheeks. I had completely forgotten that my choice of nightwear consisted solely of shorts and a tank top, items that were far too revealing for my comfort. In my haste to pack, I hadn’t considered how exposed I might feel.

Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I shifted slightly behind the counter, trying to conceal the bare skin that peeked out beneath my tiny blouse. I needed to find something more appropriate to wear before the other two men arrived.

Caden nudged me playfully with his shoulder, a gesture that radiated warmth and camaraderie. It was just the kind of interaction I needed to help me breathe a little easier amidst the anxiety of the day ahead.

“Sorry about that,” I mumbled, leaning over the counter to take a sip from my steaming cup. “I didn’t have much to choose from. Unless I start wearing my work clothes to bed,” I joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

“You should,” came a voice from the doorway, causing me to jump in surprise. Tylon stood there, his expression as stoic as ever, with his eyes half-lidded and jaw set tight.

Dressed in a simple black T-shirt and clean jeans, he appeared well put-together, but I could sense that his mind was elsewhere, perhaps already contemplating the tasks of the day.

In that moment, I realized that while Caden had only caught a glimpse of my attire, Tylon had seen everything when I leaned over the counter. His jaw tightened, and I could see the muscles in his cheeks twitching as if he were holding back a storm of emotions. His gaze was fixed anywhere but on me, and I felt a flush of embarrassment wash over me. I wasn’t completely naked, but the shorts I wore left little to the imagination.

My cheeks burned crimson.

Perhaps it was time to invest that $42 into some decent pajamas.

Without so much as a glance in my direction, Tylon’s attention shifted entirely to Caden. I could almost feel the tension crackling in the air, as if a storm was brewing between the two of them.

“You haven’t bought the groceries yet,” Tylon stated, his tone flat but carrying an undercurrent of authority. “It’s your turn.”

Caden’s lips twitched, but it wasn’t a smile. He had already noticed the bruise on my wrist, and I could tell he understood its origin. The change in his demeanor was palpable; his eyes became cautious, and the muscle in his cheek began to twitch, revealing his unease.

“Fine,” he replied, his voice steady despite the tension. “But I’m buying strawberry milk.”

“I drink regular,” Tylon shot back, his tone indifferent yet somehow challenging.

A pause fell between them, thick with unspoken words. Tylon’s jaw ticked again, and finally, he relented. “I’ll do the shopping. Just pay the bills on time.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving an almost palpable silence in his wake.

“You totally did that on purpose,” I remarked, half-laughing, half-questioning.

Caden didn’t brush it off this time. Instead, he looked at my wrist again, then back at the doorway where Tylon had just exited.

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