Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 37

But even as the question lingered on his tongue, Landon realized it was pointless—Zinnia’s answer would no doubt be the same as last night.

With a weary sigh, he handed her work ID back and said, “Forget it. Since you’re busy, maybe we could... have dinner together?”

There was a hint of hopefulness in his voice, a trace of caution as if he was afraid she’d refuse.

Zinnia really didn’t feel like dealing with Landon right now. “I’m on the night shift tonight,” she replied flatly. “You should have dinner on your own. Or—”

“Zinnia.” Landon’s voice dropped, suddenly quiet and intense.

She glanced over, meeting his eyes. He drew in a deep breath, forcing down whatever irritation was simmering beneath the surface. “You still have to eat, even if you’re working late.”

Zinnia didn’t understand why Landon was so insistent on this dinner tonight. In the end, she could only relent. “Alright.”

At her agreement, his expression softened just a little. “Okay. I’ll come pick you up after your shift.”

She nodded without enthusiasm. “I should get back to my department.”

Landon nodded as well. Zinnia picked up her empty tray, dropped it off at the dish return, and walked away without looking back.

Landon stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure. His gaze narrowed, troubled and searching. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Zinnia had changed—and it wasn’t just his imagination.

“What brings you to the hospital in the middle of the day?” Chandler’s voice cut in, casual and teasing. He’d appeared at Landon’s side without warning, following his gaze to where Zinnia had disappeared. There was a knowing smirk in his tone. “Let me guess—you thought it over last night and decided to come apologize?”

Landon turned toward him, brow furrowing. “If you can come here, why can’t I?”

Chandler’s face darkened at the retort. He gritted his teeth and hurried after him. “I didn’t cheat.”

Landon didn’t even break stride. “Why are you telling me? I’m not your wife.”

“Oh, very funny. You never cheated, right? Because what you’ve done is so much worse—who else treats another woman better than his own wife?”

“At least I haven’t ended up in someone else’s bed. You’re real good to your wife, huh?”

“Landon!”

Chandler’s shout echoed down the hallway as he trailed after him, fuming.