Chapter 163
Chapter 163:
Someone from the community near the military compound had gone out of their way to pack her a thoughtful lunch. No sooner had Rylie taken her first bite than the routine quiet was interrupted.
The lab door swung wide, and Brad strolled in. He had draped a jacket over one arm, his white shirt open at the collar, revealing the sharp lines of his build beneath the fabric.
Across the room, he spotted her — hunched over in a corner, working through a mysterious lunch. As she met his gaze, there was a brief flicker of confusion in those almond-shaped eyes, with a stray bit of food clinging stubbornly to her lips.
He walked over, his attention snagging on the mystery vegetables in her bowl. A frown creased his brow. “Is that what counts as lunch these days p>
The sudden interest from him caught Rylie off guard. “Why? Did your health take a turn again p>
Setting her meal aside, she stood and reached for a fresh pair of medical gloves. “Go on, sit down. Tell me what’s hurting you p>
Brad kept his real reason for showing up to himself. Easing into a chair nearby, he offered a half-hearted complaint. “Feels like something’s off with my neck. Could be the meds, I don’t really know p>
Surprise flashed across Rylie’s face. “Your neck is the problem p>
She picked up a medical flashlight, holding Brad’s jaw with one hand while the other cast a warm yellow light across his sharp features.
The closeness between them was evident. Brad caught the mix of clinical sterility and a subtle trace of something sweet drifting from her. “Any tingling or numbness lately?” she asked, her tone thoughtful.
He shook his head. “Nothing like that p>
She motioned for him to stick out his tongue. Her hand cradled his jaw as she peered into his mouth, thoroughly focused.
Brad remained motionless, letting her work. His breath slowed, and the steady rise and fall of his throat betrayed a sudden awareness. His eyes wandered to her lips, barely a breath away from his own.
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One stubborn grain of rice clung to her lower lip, trembling slightly with every breath — a detail that reminded him of a kitten caught in the act of sneaking a treat.
Without much thought, Brad reached up, his thumb brushing across her mouth. “You’ve got a bit of lunch right here p>
Rylie went utterly still. The warmth and roughness of his fingertip, toughened by years on the shooting range, sent a ripple through her nerves.
The next second, she jerked upright. The penlight slipped from her grasp, bounced once, and rolled away.
While she collected herself, Brad lingered in his seat, an amused grin curving his mouth. “Did I expect that much of a reaction? Did I embarrass you p>
Rylie crouched down to retrieve the penlight. Her heartbeat steadied as she glanced back at him. “There’s nothing wrong with your neck. Tell me, why are you really here? Is it possible you missed me after a few days apart p>
The sharpness of her reply caught Brad off guard. Closing the gap between them, he shifted into her space. “So many stories are flying around these days. I started to wonder if you’d lost your drive for research. That’s why I showed up, to make sure you’re all right and to see if you want a hand p>