It Started with a Book by Camilla Isley

Author:Camilla Isley [Isley, Camilla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-07-05T00:00:00+00:00

21

DOMESTIC DISASTERS

After the elevator debacle, which has me seriously wondering if Killian will ever fit in a world where there are no grand gestures or over-the-top heroics, I have to focus on my research. I send Killian to explore the town, begging him not to get into trouble before I give him a spare key to my apartment.

“Alright, Sugar,” he says with a wink, leaving me alone in the computer science lab.

And I swear I do not ogle his retreating butt as he departs. Once he’s gone, I try to concentrate on my work, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Killian. Where did he come from? Who is he? Is he really here to stay? And if he is, can he adapt to the toned-down, practical, mundane life of real people? There are no answers…

As the afternoon wears on, I force myself to push my distractions aside. I need to prove to Dr. Hammond—and to myself—that I am more than capable of succeeding in this field, no matter the obstacles thrown in my way.

When I finally make it back to my apartment that evening, I’m surprised to find Killian already there. The rich, comforting scent of something delicious fills the small space, and I can’t help but smile as I take in the busy kitchen.

“Hey, Sugar,” Killian greets me, looking up from where he’s stirring a pot on the stove. “Thought I’d surprise you with dinner.”

“Wow,” I say, dropping my bag on the floor and approaching the counter. “What are you making? It smells amazing.”

“Your boxed mac and cheese,” he replies. “But I’ve added some special touches to make it extra delicious.”

He’s looking extra delicious, too. I sit down at the bar, where the warmth of the oven mixes with the enticing aromas of herbs and spices, and a different cozy heat that has nothing to do with cooking wraps around me.

As we eat dinner, we talk about our day—studiously avoiding the almost kiss in the elevator. Killian asks me why I was so upset that morning, and I explain the situation with my advisor more in depth. He listens intently, his expression growing concerned.

“Why can’t you just change advisors?” he asks. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that kind of treatment.”

“Because, as much of a chauvinist as he is, Dr. Hammond is the best in his field,” I reply, sighing. “Plus, it’s never a good look to be a complainer, especially for a woman.”

Killian nods, understanding but clearly not happy about it. We finish our meal and clean up the kitchen together. Then it’s time to get ready for bed. I head toward the bathroom, determined to beat him to it tonight, but when I reach for the knob, my hand closes on empty space.

I frown down at the hole in the door where the handle used to be. “Killian?” I ask. “Did something happen to the door?”

“Ah, yes.” He flashes me a self-conscious grin. “I was trying to fix the lock but the handle sort of fell off instead.

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