What She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 165

"He went into the city. He won't be able to make it back now," she replied.

"Right."

They didn't have much to say to each other. They traded a few updates about Brynlee staying at Jane's place, and once that well ran dry, silence blanketed the room once more.

Outside, the vicious storm battered the flimsy windows, causing the glass to rattle and howl.

"Are there any beds here?" Finnian finally asked.

Kaia pointed up the stairs. "There are two rooms on the second floor. My uncle's room is locked. The other one is a storage room. It has a bed, but no blankets."

Finnian didn't seem bothered by the news. "That's fine. We'll make do for one night," he nodded.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Laura and Dexter, dinner was eventually served: four simple vegetable dishes.

"Mr. Sanders, Dr. Chavez, it's just basic farm food, but at least the veggies are fresh!" Laura said cheerfully.

Kaia handed a clean bowl to Finnian, who took it without a word.

The four of them gathered around the small, square table and began to eat. Laura and Dexter barely knew each other, and frankly, Kaia and Finnian looked like they barely knew each other either. The atmosphere was so thick with awkwardness it was almost unbearable. Laura was already intimidated by Finnian, perceiving him as a high-and-mighty CEO who never cracked a smile.

Dexter desperately wanted to strike up a conversation, but seeing the frosty dynamic between his boss and Dr. Chavez, he decided to just eat his food and make himself invisible.

After dinner, Kaia helped wash the dishes. Drying her hands, she turned to Laura. "Laura, you take the bed upstairs tonight. I'll just sleep here in the lab."

"Dr. Chavez, I couldn't! I'll just sleep in one of the chairs. It's totally fine."

Dexter glanced out the window. "There's an awning out there. I can pull the car under it. Who wants to sleep in the car?"

Finnian looked at Kaia. "It's freezing tonight, at least down to the thirties. You just got over a bad cold not too long ago. Don't sleep in the lab."

"Mr. Sanders, you and Dr. Chavez should take the room upstairs. Dexter and I can make do in the car," Laura immediately suggested.

Dexter nodded. "I don't mind. As long as your boyfriend doesn't get jealous, Laura."

Knowing he was teasing her, Laura flushed. "I'm totally single. There's no boyfriend."

"Oh," Dexter said, "Even better. Don't worry, I'm a perfect gentleman."

Kaia had just been reaching for her phone to use the flashlight when a heavy mass barreled into her. Instinctively throwing her hands up to catch him, Finnian's face landed squarely against her collarbone, his hands planting firmly on the mattress on either side of her hips.

The sheer momentum shoved her backward. Panicked, she grabbed frantically at his arms but lost her grip, her head hurtling toward the hard wooden headboard. But before she could make impact, a large hand slipped behind her head, cushioning the blow. Her skull rested softly in his broad palm.

"Are you okay? Did you hit your head?" Finnian's hoarse voice drifted through the dark.

"Just get off me," Kaia said, pushing at his chest.

Taking his time, Finnian braced his arms and slowly pushed himself up. Kaia scrambled for her phone and flipped on the flashlight.

Dexter's voice drifted up from the first floor. "Mr. Sanders, looks like a blown fuse! We probably won't have power for the rest of the night!"

"We're fine!" Finnian called back down.

Looking at her glowing screen, Kaia realized her battery was in the red. She quickly clicked the flashlight off and lay down on the far edge of the bed, keeping her clothes on.

A moment later, a heavy black overcoat was draped firmly over her. "I don't need—" she started, instinct kicking in. But a scorching-hot hand pinned the coat over her shoulder. "Don't be stubborn," Finnian said forcefully. "If you get sick, there are no doctors or medicine out here."