By the time Ryan returned from the grocery store, arms filled with bags and an exhausted but dutiful smile on his face, Axel had already tidied the kitchen and set up for dinner prep. He opened the door, thanked Ryan warmly, and took the groceries from him.
"Thank you so much for helping us out," Axel said genuinely, handing Ryan a bottle of water from the fridge. "I know it's outside your job description."
Ryan waved it off with a grin. "If it helps keep the CEO from overworking himself to death, it's worth it. Besides, shopping is far better than being glared at."
Axel chuckled, amused by the honesty.
After seeing Ryan off, Axel turned back to the kitchen and quickly got to work. He wasn't a master chef, but he knew how to make a comforting, healthy meal. While pots simmered and spices filled the air, he kept an eye on Jayvaughn who was already buried in a mountain of documents and clicking away on his laptop.
