Well, good afternoon to our sleeping beauty," he teased with a chuckle.
Heat crept onto my cheeks.
"I... I didn't mean to sleep that long."
"I figured as much." He laughed softly before gesturing toward the dining table. "You must be starving."
Only then did I realize just how empty my stomach felt.
I gave an awkward smile, scratching the back of my neck.
"A little..."
"A little?" Mr. Cross repeated with an amused smile. "Judging by that expression, I'd say you're ready to eat the entire kitchen."
I couldn't help laughing.
"You might not be wrong."
"There she is." He smiled warmly. "I was wondering where that smile disappeared to yesterday."
His words made my laughter fade.
Yesterday...
Everything that had happened came rushing back into my mind.
The file.
Switzerland.
Bella.
My mother.
Xavier.
It all felt so heavy.
Mr. Cross seemed to notice the sudden change in my expression because the smile on his face softened.
