Chapter 201

Peter Harrison couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his lips, like a child who'd stolen a spoonful of honey.

Evelyn Carter cradled the warm sweet potato in her hands, its heat seeping into her fingertips. When she turned her head, she caught Peter hastily averting his gaze. The tips of his ears flushed crimson as he fumbled to rub his cheeks.

"Does your face hurt?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"It's the wind," Peter stammered, tracing circles on his cheek with a finger.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, watching his transparent attempt at covering up.

"Really!" Peter insisted, stomping his foot in frustration. "Look how red it's gotten."

"Mm. The wind must be strong tonight." Evelyn nodded, her eyes brimming with amusement.

Peter's ears burned even brighter.

He quickened his pace to match Evelyn's stride.

"I actually drove here," he admitted, scratching his head. "Didn't want you to get tired from walking."

"Don't feel like spending more time with me?" Evelyn glanced sideways at him.

"I do!" Peter's voice shot up before he hastily lowered it. "Just worried you'd be exhausted after work..."

"A walk helps me unwind." Evelyn took a bite of sweet potato, its sweetness blooming on her tongue.

Peter's eyes lit up. "Then I'll pick you up after work every day! We can walk home together?"

"The design institute is quite far from the hospital." Evelyn chuckled.

"I'll park at the hospital, walk you home, then come back for my car." Peter said it as though it were the simplest thing.

Evelyn's heart skipped.

The commute between the design institute and the hospital spanned half the city. He already worked late into the night—now he'd be making this extra trip daily.

"Don't trouble yourself." She shook her head. "I can manage now that I live nearby."

Peter suddenly stopped walking. "Is it because... Alexander used to..."

"Don't mention him." Evelyn cut him off.

Streetlights stretched their shadows long across the pavement.

Soon they reached her apartment building.

"That was too fast..." Peter's voice carried his disappointment.

Evelyn turned to wave. "Get home safe."

"See you tomorrow?" Hope colored his tone.

"Mm."

Only then did Peter smile, his canine teeth peeking out. "Goodnight."

As the elevator doors began closing, Peter suddenly rushed forward to stop them.

"This weekend..." He panted slightly. "My friends invited me to play basketball at Hudson University. Want to come?"

Seeing her hesitation, he hurried to add, "They said to bring a plus one! Or... or we could go somewhere else, just us?"

The elevator emitted a warning beep.

"You just got back from leave—you must be tired..." Peter released the door with visible regret.

"I'm not tired." Evelyn's voice was soft.

Peter's eyes instantly sparkled like starlight. "Then I'll pick you up at noon! Sleep in."

The doors sealed shut.

From her tenth-floor window, Evelyn watched the figure lingering below, unwilling to leave. The night breeze tugged at his clothes like an eager puppy waiting for its owner.