You're seriously carrying her?

Angel fluttered her lashes in disbelief, utterly stunned to hear such unexpected words from Tryson. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she found herself unable to look him in the eyes.

She lowered her gaze, as if the weight of his words made her feel exposed and vulnerable.

Her teeth found their way to her lower lip, and she gently bit the flesh, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that his words had stirred. 

She hadn't anticipated such direct, sweet affection from him—words that seemed so genuine and earnest.

And strangely enough, despite the shock, Angel could hear her heart pounding loudly in her chest, an undeniable rhythm that matched the intensity of his words. 

Why did he have to be so sweet, so straightforward with her? Did he even realize the effect he was having on her?

Before Angel could respond to Tryson, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their moment, dragging them both back to reality.