The Quiet Kind Chapter 2

I declined Chloe and Mark’s offer to wait for them and called my own Uber.

The rain was getting worse. By the time I ran from the curb to my front door, I was soaked and miserable.

It was rare to see him in here. The long, ten-foot-long dining table was covered in case files, spread out like a military map.

Alex was at the far end, sitting perfectly straight, staring at his laptop.

His shirtsleeves were neatly rolled, revealing strong, toned forearms. His gold-rimmed glasses softened the intensity of his gaze. The antique chandelier above cast a warm, yellow light, making him look softer than he was.

I paused in the entryway.

That table. I’d had it custom-made before we got married. It was wide enough to hold all my research when I was deep in a script. It was my workspace.

Alex is a man of rigid order.

In his world, dining tables are for dining. Work is for the study.

This was the first time I’d ever seen him use this table for anything other than a meal. He’d just made senior partner. It must have been a massive case.

I didn't want to disturb him.

I wiped the rain from my face and quietly toed off my shoes. As I put them away, I accidentally kicked the cabinet.

The sound made him look up. He saw me and immediately closed his laptop.

He didn't ask why I was home. He didn't ask if I was wet from the rain. He didn't ask where I’d been or what I’d had for dinner.

He just started stacking his files. “Sorry. I’ll move to the study.”

His voice was polite. Apologetic. Like a guest who had accidentally wandered into the master bedroom.

I watched him. That tiny, strange flicker of warmth I’d felt seeing him there... it just vanished.

“It’s fine,” I said, my voice tight. “I’m not working tonight. I had a few drinks. You can stay.”

Alex knows I’m allergic to most alcohol. I never drink.

He looked at my damp hair, his eyes narrowing for a fraction of a second, as if he was analyzing a piece of evidence. But he didn't ask.

He just put down the files he’d gathered and gave a short nod.

“Okay. You should get some rest.”