Just as her fingers neared, Collin lifted the hairdryer out of her reach. Linsey s brow furrowed at his gesture, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Collin cut in, Take a seat, let me dry your hair.

What? Linsey s eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of flattery and astonishment washing over her. She wondered if she had misheard or if Collin had misspoken, unable to fathom that he genuinely intended to dry her hair.

Collin let out a soft laugh at her stunned expression and gently nudged, Come on, sit down already.

Alright, Linsey replied, complying as she settled into a chair at his request. The hairdryer hummed to life, and soon a warm breeze flowed through her wet strands.

Collin wielded the hairdryer in one hand while carefully parting her hair with the other, working quietly with steady focus.

Through the mirror, Linsey observed the moment unfold, a swirl of complex emotions stirring within her. Her mind drifted to a blog post she had once read online, 100 Essential Tips for a Lasting Relationship. One suggestion had stood out a partner drying their loved one s hair as a gesture of care.

She had shared the idea with Felix back then, hoping he might try it, but he had brushed it off, grumbling that her long hair would tire his arms. The thought had been abandoned.

Now, unexpectedly, Collin was bringing that small dream to life.

Linsey lost herself in reflection until the hairdryer s hum stopped, snapping her back to the present.

Glancing at the mirror, Linsey noticed Collin s gaze fixed on her. Their eyes locked, and her heart gave a sudden flutter.

Comb, Collin said plainly, seemingly oblivious to her flustered reaction. Caught off guard, Linsey averted her eyes and quickly grabbed a comb from the dressing table, handing it to him.

Collin accepted it and began brushing her hair with deliberate, tender strokes, as if tending to something fragile and precious.

Once her hair was dry and neatly combed, he asked Roland to fetch a cup of honey water to help ease her hangover. He even checked her forehead to ensure the rain hadn t left her with a cold. Time slipped by unnoticed, and soon the clock on the wall showed it was past one in the morning.

Noticing the hour, Linsey felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. No one had ever tended to her with such thoughtful care, filling her with a warmth she hadn t known before. She wondered if the alcohol was making her overly sentimental about Collin s kindness.

Linsey shook her head slightly, as if to clear the jumbled thoughts clouding her mind.

Collin noticed her shaking her head and asked, Something wrong?

Startled by his voice, Linsey faked a yawn and mumbled, Just feeling sleepy.

Then get some rest, Collin replied, going along with her excuse. He even helped tuck her into bed after she lay down. ? ?s? ?s ?ovelFind.net

Exhausted from the day s events, Linsey drifted off the moment her head touched the pillow. Collin, however, remained wide awake.

He watched her peaceful sleeping face for a moment, and once certain she was fast asleep, he stood from his wheelchair, walked out to the balcony alone, and made a call.

The line connected instantly, and a respectful voice answered.

.

.

.