Standing quietly by my side watching me_1

Adam Jones placed the finished eggs onto the plate, then started on something else.

When he looked back unintentionally, he saw Elly Campbell leaning against the stairway entrance, staring at him in a daze.

His movements paused, and then a smile lifted the corners of his lips as he waved at her.

Elly Campbell hadn't expected to be caught red-handed while sneaking peeks, her face flushed with a hint of guilt and embarrassment.

Seeing that Adam Jones had noticed her, she braced herself and walked over.

Just as she reached the entrance to the kitchen, Adam reached out and pulled her closer with his arm.

Since his hands were a bit dirty, he avoided touching her shoulder and instead hooked Elly Campbell toward himself with his arm, significantly narrowing the distance between them.

Adam Jones looked at her with a smile that was not quite a smile, as the morning sunlight hit the side of his face.