Chapter 39

As expected, Curtis paused mid-page. He looked up at her, eyes flickering with a barely noticeable tinge of disappointment. He'd gotten used to having her around lately-the kind of comfort where even doing their own things in silence felt like company. Now hearing she was heading out tomorrow, excited to go shopping with her bestie, it hit him out of the blue. That tiny sense of being left out, of loneliness, silently crept up on him. They'd just gotten closer not long ago. He selfishly wished she could spend a bit more time with him. "Okay, go ahead," he lowered his gaze, eyes landing back on the book. His tone was flat, betraying no emotion, but somehow the whole room felt colder. Delia picked up on that second-long flash of disappointment right away. The playful thought she had earlier disappeared in a snap, replaced by guilt and helplessness. She'd only meant to lightly rebel against his plans for once-definitely didn't mean to actually upset him. Quickly, she scooted closer and wr