Chapter 33

After lunch, we all sat outside, talking and catching up on what we'd been doing with our lives. TJ proudly shared that he had started his own marketing firm, which impressed me greatly. JJ had opened a unique restaurant where he served dishes he personally created—recipes that didn't belong to any specific cuisine but were his own inventions. Zoe, meanwhile, was pursuing her major in arts and had already started selling her work at the *New York Art Gallery.*

I couldn't help but feel proud of all three of them. Zoe had always been a step ahead, even in school. She was only a year older than me, but her brilliance allowed her to graduate early and start university in New York.

I admired each one of them. They had come so far in their lives, and that's exactly what I wanted for myself.

"What are you thinking about?" TJ asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I smiled softly. "I'm happy for you guys. I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished. I just wish I could do something like this when I finish school."

TJ looked at me, his tender hazel eyes full of reassurance. "Xhani, you know you're the most talented person here, right? Whenever you set your mind to something, you get it done. I have no doubt you'll do something amazing with your life."

His words sent a flutter through my chest, and for the first time, I let myself think about my future. What *did* I want to do?

---

After chatting for a while longer, Zoe and JJ left to go into town, needing to sort out some legal matters. TJ stayed back for an online Zoom meeting with his team in New York.

I went back into my house, deciding to clean up a bit.

Three hours later, I was exhausted but satisfied. The house was finally clean, and the dust was gone. I headed upstairs to take a quick bath, washing off all the sweat and dirt.

When I stepped out of the shower, I wrapped a towel around my chest and headed toward my bedroom—only to realize I hadn't brought any spare clothes.

Sighing, I picked up my dirty clothes from the floor and headed downstairs to put them in the washing machine. Just as I reached the last step, the front door opened.

There stood TJ, holding a pair of shirts, high socks, and a pair of shorts.

He froze the moment his eyes landed on me, standing there in nothing but a towel. His gaze lingered far too long before I coughed to break the tension. He quickly snapped out of it, lowering his gaze to the floor.

"TJ, what are you doing here?" I asked, gripping the towel tightly around me.

He slowly walked up to the stairs until he stood right in front of me. Even though I was standing on the last step, he was still taller, his frame towering over mine. He looked down into my eyes as he extended the clothes toward me.

"I brought you some spare clothes. I realized last night when I got you out of the car that you didn't have any bags or extra clothing. So, I grabbed a shirt of mine and some shorts from Zoe's bag," he explained, his voice soft but steady.

"Thank you so much, TJ," I said, grateful but a little flustered. "Do you think Zoe will mind me wearing her shorts without asking?"

"She's fine with it," he said casually. "I already called her. She's bringing you some more clothes and supplies from town."

My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. "Thank you," I murmured again, feeling the warmth of his gesture.

"You're welcome," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Here, give me your dirty clothes. I'll throw them in the wash while you change."

Before I could protest, he took the clothes out of my hands and walked away, leaving me standing there, speechless.

---

Once I changed into the clothes he brought, I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't help but blush. His shirt was oversized, falling just above my knees, and it smelled like him—a mix of cedarwood and something warm and comforting.

I made my way outside to find TJ. He was sitting on the edge of his deck, his legs dangling in the water. Leaning back on his elbows, he looked perfectly at ease.

I walked over to him, squatting down to dip my legs into the water next to him.

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted me without opening his eyes.

I blinked in surprise. "How did you know I was here?"

"I can smell you, silly," he said, a playful smile forming on his lips.

"Smell me?" I asked, genuinely confused.

He finally opened his eyes, sitting up to face me. "Yeah. You smell like roses and honey. You've always had that same scent," he said softly, his voice carrying a tenderness that made my heart skip.

I stared at him in disbelief. He remembered my scent?

"Xhani," he said, his voice gentle as ever.

"Yes, TJ?"

"Can I lay my head on your legs?" he asked, his hazel eyes looking up at me with a pleading expression I couldn't resist.

"Haha, sure. Come here," I said, smiling at him.

He shifted and rested his head on my thighs, closing his eyes as the sun warmed his face.

I looked down at him, admiring the calm expression on his face. But then I noticed something—I hadn't worn a bra, and through the thin white fabric of his shirt, my nipples were embarrassingly noticeable.

Panicking, I shifted slightly and covered my face with my hands.

"Relax, Xhani," TJ said, his deep voice calming me. "My eyes are closed. I didn't see anything."

That only made me more embarrassed.

I felt him gently take my hands, pulling them away from my face. "Don't ever hide your beautiful face from me," he whispered, his voice soft and sincere.

I looked down at him, my heart pounding, as his words settled deep within me.