In this pivotal moment, a profound shift occurred within him. The sight of her, with her nose reddened by sorrow, stirred a newfound tenderness within Jack. A sudden impulse overtook him, causing him to gently bow his head and press his lips to hers, a direct and unexpected kiss.
As their lips made contact, an electric jolt seemed to pass through them both. The unexpectedness of his action left her stunned, and he himself was equally taken aback by his impulsive move.
Within the next heartbeat, they both instinctively drew back, their bodies reacting like a taut spring released all at once. Yet, their eyes remained locked, the air heavy with shared realization. The room was engulfed in an awkward ambiance, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected intimacy that had just transpired.
With her eyes slowly opening, Georgia felt as if she was suspended in time, her breath caught in the aftermath of that fleeting moment. Jack, on his part, was the first to regain his composure. A faint cough escaped his lips as he hastily averted his gaze, his bathrobe pulled a little tighter around him. He uttered in a slightly raspy tone, "I believe dinner should be ready."
With that, he strode out of the bathroom, leaving Georgia to grapple with the lingering sensations that still tingled on her lips.
As his figure vanished from her sight, Georgia finally remembered to exhale. A subtle, uncontrollable smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Those mere seconds of a kiss had been a symphony of emotions, an unexpected melody that had resonated through her being.
Patting her flushed cheek, she slowly descended the stairs, determined to maintain an appearance of calm even as her heart raced with newfound emotions.
At the dinner table, Jack had composed himself, his demeanor back to its usual façade. However, the memory of that shared moment played like a soft melody in the background of his thoughts.
Upon Georgia's arrival at the table, Aunt Rong, who was tending to the soup, couldn't help but comment, "Why is your face so flushed, dear?"
Georgia, caught off guard, replied almost too quickly, "Oh, it's nothing. Just a bit warm. I tend to blush easily, you know!"
As she spoke, an awkward silence seemed to envelop the room. Aunt Rong's gaze bore into her with a sense of suspicion, and Georgia couldn't help but feel the tension grow thick.
Lifting her gaze, she met Aunt Rong's inquisitive eyes. "I mean, how did the mung bean soup turn out so unusually red this time? What were you saying earlier, dear?"
Georgia's heart sank as she realized that Aunt Rong was referring to the soup. She quickly masked her embarrassment with a forced chuckle. "Oh, it's just... I was talking about the soup, you know! I was surprised by the color."
As Aunt Rong's attention shifted, Georgia couldn't help but sneak a glance at Jack, finding him suppressing a smile that danced in his eyes. The whole situation had turned into an elaborate charade.
Suppressing a sigh of relief, Georgia emphasized, "I, uh, I didn't actually say anything else."
However, the more she attempted to cover up, the deeper her blush seemed to grow. Sensing the tension easing, Aunt Rong decided to leave them be, her smile betraying a knowing twinkle.
Jack's gaze remained fixed on the woman across from him, amusement dancing in his eyes, his smile now nearly irrepressible. The sight of her flustered yet determined demeanor was truly endearing.
Unable to resist, he cleared his throat with a feigned formality, his eyes never leaving hers. "Remember, it's not just vegetables that matter. You need your meat too, to properly nourish yourself."
Although Georgia was known to have a hearty appetite, her frame was slender, lacking some much-needed curves. On their previous visit to his family's ancestral home, his grandmother had entrusted him with the task of ensuring Georgia consumed heartier meals, aiming to help her gain a bit more weight.
Uttering a casual response, Georgia couldn't help but jest, "Of course, but what about you? Aren't you the one who needs some mending right now?"
With the playful notion taking root, she swiftly turned her gaze towards Aunt Rong, her voice carrying an innocent curiosity. "Aunt Rong, what kind of foods are good for mending an injured waist?"
Aunt Rong, ever obliging, halted her tasks and reflected, "Soft-shelled turtle, pork loin, and quail eggs are known to be beneficial for waist health."
Georgia's eyes glinted with mischief as she turned to Jack, her expression expectant. "You see, darling, you should probably stock up on those ingredients next time you go grocery shopping. We can whip up a variety of dishes, both stewed and stir-fried."
At her words, a hint of a blush dusted Aunt Rong's cheeks, who seemed to have a good grasp of the playful undertones. She cast a knowing glance between Jack and Georgia before responding, "Certainly, I'll make sure to prepare accordingly."
As Jack's gaze remained locked with Georgia's, a warmth spread within him. Her playful approach to an otherwise embarrassing situation only endeared her to him further.
And thus, the shared understanding between them deepened, their connection transcending the boundaries of words and transcending into a realm where unspoken sentiments were exchanged in the dance of glances and subtle smiles.