Chapter 19: A Midnight Mishap
Later that night, the two of them lay sprawled out on the couch, watching an old movie. The rain outside tapped gently against the windows, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
Caden shifted, trying to get comfortable, but his elbow accidentally knocked over Ayla's glass of water. It spilled everywhere—soaking the puzzle pieces they had painstakingly put together.
Ayla gasped. "Caden!"
"Crap, crap, crap!" Caden jumped up, grabbing the nearest towel and frantically dabbing at the mess. "This is not how I envisioned the night going!"
Ayla pressed her hands to her face, laughing uncontrollably. "Oh my god, how do you always manage to ruin things at the worst moment?"
"I told you, I'm accidentally gifted," Caden groaned. "This is just the universe punishing me for being too charming."
"You're about as charming as a wet puzzle piece," Ayla teased, still giggling.
Caden flashed her a mischievous grin. "Admit it—you'd miss me if I wasn't."
Ayla gave him a playful shove. "Miss the chaos? Maybe a little."
They both laughed, the tension between them dissolving into something lighter, easier.
As Caden cleaned up the mess, Ayla sat back, watching him with a soft smile. Maybe he really is trying, she thought. And maybe—just maybe—she could start trusting him again.