Chapter 654
Chapter 654:
Though not one for comforting words, he spoke softly. “I’m sorry, Alisha. I regret how I treated you yesterday—it was wrong, and I won’t make that mistake again. Besides, if it weren’t for your insistence on saving me, we might not have caught Zane or advanced the plan as we did. It’s all thanks to you. You truly are amazing. Now that you’ve transferred to the criminal investigation team, I know you’ll achieve everything you set out to do.”
Alisha nodded, her expression brightening. Then, as if moved by some quiet impulse, she stood on tiptoe and planted a swift kiss on his cheek.
“Your performance today has satisfied me, so I’ll reluctantly forgive you,” she teased, her face turning a soft shade of red. “Consider it your reward. Now, get cooking!”
With a playful shove, she nudged Ashton out of her room, leaving him to gather his thoughts as she blushed in the doorway.
After everything that happened, Ashton finally started to understand Alisha a bit better.
She came across as cheerful and full of life, her sunny smile lighting up every room. But underneath that bright exterior, he realized, she was also delicate and sensitive. This newfound insight left Ashton feeling a bit uneasy, especially when it came to dealing with Alisha’s enthusiasm toward him. He wasn’t sure how to handle the warmth she so openly showed.
Yet, Alisha’s resilience surprised him. After taking a moment to collect herself in her room, she emerged with a radiant smile and headed straight for the kitchen. The sight of Ashton in an apron made her heart flutter unexpectedly.
She often daydreamed about coming home after a long day to find a man who belonged to her, someone waiting with a home-cooked meal. And there Ashton was, bringing that dream to life.
Without a second thought, she stepped up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her cheek against his shoulder.
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Originally, she’d planned to playfully tease him about his cooking, expecting a few laughs to ease the mood. But when she peeked at his handiwork, she was taken aback. The dishes were plated so beautifully that they almost looked like works of art.
“Let me see what you’ve made for me,” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and delight. “Wow! This clam chowder looks amazing. Can I have a taste? How did you know I love clam chowder? It smells incredible! Maybe I should take this out first as an appetizer?”
Ashton froze for a moment, caught off guard by her sudden embrace. But with his hands busy stirring a pot, he could only offer a resigned smile. “Alisha, maybe dial it back a little, yeah? Your dad should be home any minute now. It’s going to be pretty awkward if he catches us like this.”
As if on cue, Rayden walked in, having just returned from work.
He heard his daughter’s gleeful chatter even before he had a chance to kick off his shoes. Curious, he headed straight for the kitchen.
What he walked in on was enough to make him raise an eyebrow. Alisha was practically glued to Ashton’s back, her arms still wrapped around him.
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.
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