into a significant sec

Austin sent her another message. "You haven't answe

gers. His black suit suited him perfectly, his eyes were dee

e saw it was Danielle, the murderous intent

, lowered her gaze with a playf

n, "I'm lost. Can you h

nielle, he felt somewhat dry in his throat. "You m

was rude to eavesdrop on someone's phone conversation, but

wide berth from him, like ship

priority was s

ked in gloom and whisp

t crossed her mind than

unfor

wasn't one to das

d have to trek back t

a gentle drizzle than a deluge,

awn had already unfurled an umbrella, h

a glance in

, his voice low, masking his fe

as getting

ridicule of being dren

you know Aus

cion was

composure. She tilted her head up, feigning ignorance. "Austin Gilbert? I'm f

pecting eyes, Shawn gave a wry, kno

believe

thoughts together, Shawn's voice fl

e moved nearer, taking refug

d to keep a slight distance, avoiding contact, the faint rustl

ay stretching

ided to break the ice by bringing up

w it was go

N

mood with a playful jest, mimicking the innocence of the

ly cringed at

awn had already cast her a meaningful g

g with the scent of rain, creating a pleasant

ent shivers down her spine,

of me," Shawn s

elle's heart raced, he

ntense, had never gripped her in

the distant call of a servant summ

spond, Shawn intervened, h

e as he inquired, "

e shaking her head, guid

you away fr

's expression as she ponde

mile and said, "Well,

girls from the Harper family. They were de

s laden with an assortme

these, much less tasted any! I can't wait to see her embarrass herself," Tric

utting that many took

for a while, but Danie

d the room and her eyes landed o

project renewal talks with Shawn had fallen through. To her dismay and growin

h

rce jealousy that threatened to consume her, though

le didn't even bother to say goodbye. I had all thes

ed to look

er as truly

he had prepared a pastry spread, yet Danie

t you desire," Jeremy assured her, his eyes reso

my. You're alway

Elliott family, she felt secure that Da

anielle's ph

a response and, growing impa

rice to do m

de you developed,"

You might as well dem

ment, Danielle inquired,

and texted back. "I'm being sin

ead, t

Shawn

Danielle was left