When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 203

Nelly kept insisting they should wait, but her eyes had been fixed on the food for ages.

“No, really… He’s your old classmate, so I definitely can’t let you lose face.” She pressed her lips together, trying to look composed, but honestly, she was starving. Teddy was already an hour late.

Still, she was the Watson family’s precious daughter and the boss of a small company. When she hosted guests, she had to show she meant business. She couldn’t just look casual.

But before she could finish her thought, Jonah slipped a piece of beef rib right into her mouth. She blinked, caught off guard, as the tender, juicy meat—coated in rich, savory sauce—melted on her tongue. She didn’t even have time to protest. It was already down her throat.

“Jonah…” Her cheeks went pink as she quickly covered her mouth.

“Is it good?” Jonah was watching her, his eyes crinkling, half amused and half gentle. Seeing her like that, he felt the stress from his day just disappear.

Nelly chewed and swallowed, then nodded. “Yeah, it’s amazing.” She licked her lips, not sure if it was just because she was so hungry, but it really was the best beef rib she’d ever tasted.

“Then I’ll have a bite too.” Jonah noticed her licking her lips and for a second, a thought crossed his mind. He quickly distracted himself by serving up a plate for himself—and then one for her, adding a little of everything before handing it over.

“Here, eat something. If Teddy’s going to be even later, we might as well wait comfortably.”

Nelly hesitated, playing at being reluctant. “Are you sure this is okay?”

Jonah glanced down, already reaching for another fork. “Or do you want me to feed you again?”

That got her moving. She snatched the plate from his hands, flustered. “No, I’m good. I can eat on my own.”

“Show up any later and we’d have starved,” Jonah teased, only half joking as he made sure Nelly was okay.

Teddy shot back, “Come on, Jonah, I told you I was busy. You’re the one who insisted I come. If you were hungry, you should’ve started without me.”

“We did, actually. Sorry, Teddy,” Nelly piped up, her cheeks still red. Her voice was quiet, a little embarrassed.

Teddy’s attitude softened right away when he saw her. “It’s okay. Jonah and I go way back. You’re his sister, so that makes us all friends.”

Teddy and Jonah were friends, but the differences between them were obvious. Jonah was all cool reserve on the outside, but warm once you got to know him. Teddy, on the other hand, was sunny from the start. He just seemed more approachable, his thoughts always right there on the surface.