Carlowâs grin widened as he continued to pile food into Karinaâs bowl.
âCome on, eat up.
â
Karina glared at him, recognizing the playful threat in his eyes.
If she didnât eat, heâd keep pushing her buttons.
Suppressing her frustration, she bit into the seasoned beef, imagining it was Carlow she was tearing into.
He was infuriating!
Carlow kept smiling as he added more food to her bowl, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Karinaâs patience wore thin as the pile of food grew.
âEnough! I can serve myself, you know.
â
Carlowâs voice was still playful.
âWorried you canât finish it? Donât worry, Iâll help with the leftovers.
â
Karina glared at him.
âWhat are you, a human garbage disposal?â
âNot quite.
I only deal with your leftovers,â he replied with a wink.
Karina was at a loss for words, too exasperated to argue further.
Haleigh, sitting across from them, watched in amusement.
The smile in her eyes turned nostalgic, moistening with unspoken memories.
It had been ages since her home felt this cheerful, reminiscent of her nephewâs presence.
Karina turned her annoyance into appetite, attacking the food in her bowl with vigor.
But as she neared the end, she felt a familiar discomfort in her lower abdomen.
She paused, frowning as she touched her stomach.
Realizing her period might be starting, she quickly set down her bowl.
âHaleigh, you continue.
I need to use the toilet.
â
âsure,â Haleigh replied, watching Karina leave in a hurry.
Carlowâs playful expression turned thoughtful.
Haleigh broke the silence with a knowing smile.
âCarlow, you Like Karina, donât you?â
Hearing Haleighâs question, Carlow chuckled, not denying his feelings.