AFTER KISS, KNOW YOUR PLACE!

I stand in front of the dressing mirror in my room and take a good look at myself, admiring the woman staring back at me. It’s funny how I look—or rather, how differently I feel I look—just by wearing a new dress. I never knew that such a small change could make someone feel so different. I feel brand new, just like the silky red dress hugging my curves perfectly, showing off my exact figure.

Part of those heavy shopping bags Andy brought from the mall was actually mine. He shopped for me. Adrian—freaking—Ashton shopped for me, and I still can’t believe it. The most interesting part is how he knew my size and my taste. Every single dress fits me perfectly. God bless my boss!

After admiring myself enough, I slide my fluffy sandals on and grab my phone from the bed before heading downstairs. The sandals are new too, and of course, from Adrian. As I descend the stairs into the living room, I see Angel waiting. I glance at my wristwatch—quarter to eight. I sigh in relief, knowing we’re on time.

“Wow! Wow, Auntie Ania! You look so beautiful,” the little angel says with a bright smile.

I love Angel’s attitude, composure, and behavior. She doesn’t act like the spoiled rich kids I often hear about. Her smile alone can brighten anyone’s mood. Such a jovial, sweet, and cool kid. I wonder what her mother would feel if she saw her, and I wish she knew how well Andy has raised this cute little princess.

“Thank you so much, princess,” I reply, grabbing her bag from the couch as I prepare to take her to school—and also to talk to her teacher about the bullying she’s been facing. I hope I handle it well. I also plan to tell Andy everything in the evening. “Let’s go now, baby,” I add.

“Daddy?” she calls, turning toward the dining area where her father is finishing breakfast.

Silence.

When he doesn’t respond, I turn to see why—and oh! There he is, staring at me. No, correcting that—he’s ogling me. OMG! I’m sure this dress isn’t exposing anything inappropriate, except my legs since it stops just at my knees. So what exactly caught his attention so much that he didn’t even hear his daughter? His teacup is suspended mid-air, as if he was about to take a sip and suddenly got distracted. My, oh my.

“Daddy?” Angel calls again, but still no response.

With the way he’s staring, his jaw is almost on the floor.

I bend and pick Angel up like I always do, carrying her toward the car. In an attempt to snap Andy out of whatever trance he’s in, I clear my throat and call his name. He blinks several times before snapping back to reality. Jeez.

He finally lowers the teacup onto the table.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, my princess!” At least now he can hear her. Good grief. “You’re off to school now?” he asks, walking over to hug and kiss her—part of their daily routine.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Okay. Come here, my baby.” He hugs her, and his face comes dangerously close to mine because, today, unlike other days, he chooses to hug her while she’s still in my arms. Not good for my increasingly not-so-innocent thoughts.

Why do you make me feel this way, Andy?

I feel the heat radiating from his well-shaped face, burning mine. I’m sure I’m as red as a tomato right now. If only I could run my fingers over that smooth skin, those perfect jaws. If only I could touch those soft pink lips. If only I could lean against that broad chest. If I—

Before my naughty thoughts go any further, his eyes open, boring into mine for a moment far too short for my imagination. “Daddy loves you so much,” he says, breaking eye contact.

He cups Angel’s face and kisses her forehead, while my traitorous eyes drift to his lips. How would it feel to have his hands on my cheeks like that? How would his lips feel on mine? I’m sure they’d taste like honey and chocolate. Damn.

Easy, Tania. Control yourself. He’s your boss. When did you even start fantasizing like this? Since I met Andy, my inner voice answers, and I hate that it’s right.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts, but it doesn’t help—especially when I meet his eyes again.

“Be a good daddy’s princess, okay? And if anyone bothers you, tell Daddy immediately.”

“Yes, Daddy. I love you so much.”

“I know,” he says softly, pulling her into another hug. One arm wraps around Angel while the other lands on my shoulder.

Wait—his hand on my shoulder?

Impossible. I must be dreaming.

Slowly, I look toward where I feel the warmth of his touch. It’s real. His hand slides to my neck, sending electric sparks through my body. He draws small circles on my bare skin, making me tremble.

What are you doing, Andy?

I look up to understand his confusing gesture and meet his dark brown eyes. I accept the silent challenge, but I can’t withstand the devilish look in them—they seem darker, deeper than ever. I’ve never seen this side of him.

In seconds, I’m on fire. His simple touch and intense gaze drain all my strength. My body trembles. His thumb brushes my lips, as if asking permission. My eyes close, my lips part, and my heart races wildly.

And then—I taste him.

Andy’s lips are on mine, kissing me, and I respond shamelessly. Our breaths mingle, the moment intensifying as our lips move once, twice, then again. I feel his tongue attempt to deepen the kiss, and like a fool, I’m ready to let him in—but he stops.

He seals my lips with one last kiss that lingers for seconds.

Pulling away, he brushes my lips with his thumb and runs his fingers along my cheek. I stand frozen, watching him wet his lips. Damn that sight.

He smiles, perhaps trying to snap me out of my shock. But I’m too dazed, too shy, and too ashamed of how good that kiss felt—especially knowing nothing is supposed to be happening between us.

“Have a good day at school, baby,” he says to Angel, though his eyes remain on me.

“Thank you, Daddy. Have a good day at work.”

After their goodbyes, I gather my courage and hurry toward the front door with Angel still in my arms. I’m tempted to look back, expecting to see a confused Andy like me—but instead, I meet a very composed Adrian Ashton, hands tucked into his grey khaki pockets, watching me.

As if that isn’t confusing enough, the devil winks and smirks confidently.

The nerve of this jerk.

Hang on—what did that even mean?

---

Hours later

After putting Angel to bed around 10:30 p.m., I head to the kitchen to prepare my usual lemon and honey coffee. I’ve felt hot all day, yet I still crave it.

Andy hasn’t returned from work, which is unusual. Honestly, I’m glad. That morning kiss has completely unsettled me. I don’t know how I’ll face him, and I’ve been scolding myself all day for allowing it. I’m terrified that if it happens again—if it’s Andy—I’ll give in just as easily.

I’m also worried about telling him that I spoke to Angel’s teacher. I hope he understands. I only defended his daughter, and the teacher assured me it wouldn’t happen again.

“Good evening!”

I jump, nearly spilling my coffee as Andy enters the kitchen. I was so lost in thought I didn’t hear him come in.

“Easy,” he says. “You seem lost. What are you thinking about?”

He walks toward me slowly, suggestively, his eyes locked on mine.

I look away shyly as the morning floods my mind again. Not that it ever left. I step backward; he steps forward—until my back hits the wall. He smirks. Poor calculation.

My heart races, but to my surprise, he doesn’t kiss me. Instead, he pulls out two stools and pats one.

“Sit,” he orders gently, taking my hand and guiding me to the stool beside him.

Thank you, Lord— I thought he’d kiss me again.

I sit, finally releasing the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. He hands me my coffee and pours himself a mug.

We drink in silence. When he’s nearly done, I decide it’s time.

“Um… ah…” I start, then stop. Fear grips me.

“Do you have something to say?” he asks, noticing my discomfort. His face is unreadable as he turns to me. “I’m listening.”

“I… I—” I struggle, but then he speaks.

“I know you talked to Angel’s teacher.”

What? My eyes shoot to his. He already knows? I nod slowly, relief forming—until he speaks again.

“Who gave you that right?”

His voice is low but filled with anger. I drop my gaze immediately, the disgust in his eyes cutting deep.

“My daughter confided in you instead of me—mistake number one. You encouraged her to lie—mistake number two. And worst of all, you made a decision about my daughter without consulting me.” His fists clench. “Why, Tania?”

“Talk to me!” he shouts, slamming the sink.

Tears spill as I step away.

“I… I’m s-sorry,” I whisper. “Angel asked me not to—”

“Not to tell me?” he roars. “She’s a child! You should’ve done the right thing. Do you know how it felt being called by the principal to apologize for something I knew nothing about?”

I’ve messed up badly.

“I only did what I thought was best for Angel—”

“Your best was foolish,” he cuts in sharply. “The stupidest thing you could have ever done, Tania!"

I shook. With fear.

I didn't kill anybody, for heaven's sake. I was only trying to help.

"Angel is my responsibility. Her problems are mine, solely mine! You are not her mother to share responsibility. Know your place and stay within your limit, Miss Tania Lawson.”

With that, he storms out, leaving me broken.

I sink to the floor, covering my face.

Men… did I really screw this up that badly?