Beneath the Surface - Chapter 13

Raisel – POV

Lenny and Lora were both off today because we were heading to Soren’s grandfather’s for lunch and dinner. I sat at the table, unable to take my eyes off the view before me—Soren, shirtless, his broad back flexing as he moved in nothing but sweatpants. He was making pancakes and brewing coffee, insisting I sit and wait. I’d protested, saying I’d cook, but he never listened. Now, I was glad I hadn’t pushed harder. His muscles rippled under his skin as he worked, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away.

I wished, for a fleeting moment, that he was still the nerd with braces and glasses—the one with a lean body that had somehow transformed into this athletic figure standing in front of me. Shaking off the thought, I forced my attention back to my phone, feeling like a voyeur. I was sure he felt my stare. And when I felt his gaze return, it was like a jolt to my system. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I pretended to focus on an article about Davina and Alaric’s disastrous wedding. Pictur