The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 86

"Yeah."

Wasn't that right below her? She stuck her tongue out playfully. "That is way too much of a coincidence. I live right above you, how have I never run into you in the elevator?"

"You probably wake up too late."

"I do not."

Stepping into the elevator, Lavinia instinctively reached for the 29th-floor button. Her finger hovered just as she remembered.

She wasn't going home right now.

A long arm reached past her. Slender fingers with slightly prominent knuckles gently pressed the button for the 28th floor.

His aura made the elevator car feel incredibly cramped. It wasn't actually small, but his presence was just that overwhelming. He felt like a calm but dangerous predator, quietly radiating an intense protectiveness.

Lavinia held her breath, staring at the floor numbers ticking up one by one.

Neither of them said a word.

The elevator chimed at the 28th floor, and the doors slid open.

"Let's go," his deep voice rumbled right behind her ear.

"Oh." Lavinia's spine tingled, her ears burning as she mechanically stepped out.

Charley pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. Lavinia stood in the entryway, absolutely stunned by the sight of the apartment.

It was minimalist to the extreme. Absolutely bare-bones.

The massive living room held nothing but a single sofa. He hadn't even bought a TV.

The dining area was just as empty—one light-wood dining table and two matching chairs, wiped spotless.

The walls were blindingly white, completely devoid of any art or decoration.

The kitchen, however, was a totally different story. The shelves were packed with an array of spices, jars, and bottles, all perfectly organized. Every small appliance imaginable lined the counter—a slow cooker, an air fryer, a high-speed blender—all arranged in a neat row.

Before Lavinia could even ask, Nemo trotted over, his tail wagging lazily as he rubbed his furry head against her leg. She bent down and scratched behind his ears. The dog squinted in pure bliss, his tail wagging even harder.

"You've been studying all day. Play with him for a bit to give your brain a break," Charley's voice drifted out from the kitchen. "I'm going to prep the ingredients."

Lavinia laughed.

She hadn't known how to cook before getting married. Latham, Mandy, and Saul had always handled the meals. Even though she lost her parents at twelve, she had grown up completely spoiled and loved.

Later, for Garnett Harper's sake, she learned how to cook, how to do chores, and how to take care of someone. Yet, he had never once truly looked at her.

A sudden wave of bitterness hit her: Why did she have to fall for a man who didn't love her at all?

Lavinia quickly lowered her head and shoveled rice into her mouth, forcing down the bitter lump in her throat.

Noticing she was almost done eating, Charley took an empty bowl and ladled soup into it for her. It was chicken and mushroom soup. The broth was clear and golden.

"I made this specifically for you."

"Thanks," she murmured, taking the bowl, her voice a little subdued.

Another thought abruptly popped into her head: What if she fell for someone who actually loved her? What would that look like?

She didn't dare entertain the thought.