Chapter 216

My sudden hug caught Brandon off guard. His body stiffened at the contact. After a brief pause, I heard him ask in a low voice, "Are you pitying me?" "I feel sorry for you!" I corrected him. Brandon didn't respond, nor did he hug me back. It left me feeling a little awkward. Just as I was about to pull away, I looked up and saw Chris standing nearby. Was he here today too? Somehow, Kara, that big mouth, hadn't mentioned it. My hands tightened again just as they were about to release Brandon. He tried to pull away. I held his hand firmly. "Don't move." He stopped while I continued to hug him. "Are you working overtime today?" Brandon asked, "What?" I tip-toed and whispered close to his ears. "I miss your cooking." I heard the sound of his throat swallowing loudly in my ear, followed by a soft "Okay." A shiver ran through me and I glanced in Chris' direction. I saw him clenching his fists, his expression darkening as he finally turned and walked away. I released my grip on Bra