"Lavi!" Tyler's bright voice rang out like a bell. I turned just in time to see him come barreling towards me, all tousled blonde curls and dimpled cheeks. He'd clearly just woken up from his afternoon nap, rubbing his little fists against those big blue eyes in an effort to banish the last traces of sleepiness. "Well, hello there, munchkin," I laughed as his solid weight slammed into me with his short arms winding around my neck in a fierce hug. "Did you have a good sleep?" "Uh huh," he mumbled against my shoulder and nodded vigorously. When he pulled back, his face had split of all bright eyes, cherubic charm, and mischievous delight. It was such an Andre expression that it made my heart squeeze fondly. "Tyler! Get that cute little butt over here so I can snuggle my favorite nephew," Karl called out with a deep chuckle, his arms opening wide in invitation. But Tyler simply giggled and burrowed back against me shamelessly as he ignored his uncle's request
The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of games, movies, wrestling matches, and more junk food than any of us probably should have consumed. I was breathless with laughter by the time the grandfather clock in the hall began chiming eleven o'clock."Okay, little man, I think that's enough excitement for one night," Karl said at last, reaching out to ruffle Tyler's curls with an indulgent smile. "We'd better get you into bed before your mom really does kill us all.""Aww, but Uncle Karl!" Tyler immediately began to protest, his little face crumpling into an exaggerated pout that could melt even the coldest of hearts. "I'm not even sleepy! Can't I please stay up a little longer?""Sorry, kiddo, but your uncle's right," Andre chimed in, scooping the little boy up and tossing him over one broad shoulder despite his squirms and whines of protest. "The fun has to end sometime. But don't worry - I promise we'll pick right up again first thing tomorrow morning, okay?"Tyler didn't
The warm rays of the morning sun slowly crept through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow. I blinked my eyes open groggily, squinting against the bright light. A warm smile blossomed on my face when the endearing sight in front of me came into focus.Karl's chiseled face was serene and comfortable as he slept soundly. One of his heavy arms was draped securely around my waist, holding me close against the solid warmth of his bare chest. But what made the moment so unbearably sweet was the tiny figure of Tyler curled up on Karl's other side with his tousled blonde head pillowed on his uncle's broad shoulder.They both looked so content, so achingly innocent in their matching expressions of childlike repose. A wave of tenderness washed over me, temporarily stealing my breath. This right here - this was what true happiness felt like. The kind of simple, profound joy that money couldn't buy and fancy possessions could never replicate. Just me and my little f
"Don't worry, I'll be a perfect gentleman - we'll even leave the bathroom door cracked just in case.""A perfect gentleman?" I echoed with a breathless laugh, arching helplessly into his wandering touch. My nails raked lightly down the broad expanse of his back, feeling the rippling muscles there flex beneath my questing fingertips. "When have you ever been-"Karl‘s hungry kiss swallowed the rest of my teasing retort. His tongue swept boldly into my mouth to taste and to claim. A soft whimper escaped the back of my throat. My fingers threaded through his thick, tousled hair, holding him close. He tasted like sin and summer nights. Like a heady combination of whiskey and woodsmoke that had my head spinning.Just as things were really starting to heat up, a little whine reached my ears, shattering the heated moment like a bucket of ice water. Karl and I broke apart with a start. Our eyes were wide as we turned towards the source of the noise.Tyler was awake now. His big b
The rest of the day passed peacefully and beautifully at a local park with a small lake and plenty of grassy areas to run around. Despite Karl's occasional flares of jealousy whenever Tyler monopolized too much of my attention, the young boy's bright energy and excitement over every little thing—chasing after ducks, climbing on the play structures, and going for a ride on the paddle boats—lightened the mood considerably. His youthful zest for life and finding magic in the mundane was utterly infectious.As the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink and purple, we reluctantly headed back to the Sullivan family home where we were staying for the weekend visit. Karl carried a sleeping Tyler up the driveway and into the house. The poor little guy was utterly tuckered out from our active day. Kelly looked up from where she was setting the table when we entered through the kitchen."Is he finally out?" she asked with a warm smile, referring to her s
I woke up feeling wrapped up in the comforting cocoon of Karl's strong arms. My head was pillowed on his bare chest, rising and falling gently with each deep breath he took. Despite the intense passion we had shared last night, there was a sense of utter peace and tranquility in the air now. I traced idle patterns across the smooth skin of his torso, just enjoying the quiet intimacy of lying tangled up together."Are we heading back home tomorrow?" I murmured. Karl nodded against the back of my head. "Yeah, we'll hit the road first thing tomorrow morning," he replied, his voice still husky with sleep. "Did you have a good time here?"I nodded. As much as I loved our life back home, there was something about this place that I would always miss. "It's going to be hard to leave again," I admitted softly, making a move to get up. Karl's palm tightened in a loose grip around my wrist before I could untangle myself, keeping me there. "How about we shower together before we go?
I was awakened by Karl peppering kisses all over my face the next morning. "Mmph...good morning to you too," I grumbled, trying to burrow further under the covers."Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" he crooned against my cheek. "Time to start the day."I groaned in protest. "It's barely even light out yet. Give me like, five more minutes?"Karl chuckled against my ear. "Alright, alright, you get a short snooze extension. But only five minutes!" True to his word, Karl was back trying to rouse me what felt like thirty seconds later, nuzzling along my jawline."Okay, up and at 'em now, baby. Don't make me resort to more...extreme wake-up tactics," he warned playfully.I cracked one eye open and glared at him halfheartedly. "Ugh, you're the worst. I'm getting up, I'm getting up!"He grinned unrepentantly before hopping out of bed. "I'll jump in the shower first if you want to sleep a little longer. Just don't go back into a coma on me.""Yeah, yeah, I'll be up before you're done," I
We were greeted with curious looks and murmurs as we made our way hand-in-hand through the sleek office lobby. I felt my nerves returning full force, my palm growing slick against Karl's grip."Just stay calm, baby," he murmured under his breath. "They're just wondering what the CEO's wife is doing here, that's all."Before I could respond, a young woman who looked to be around my age approached us with a polite smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Sullivan," she said warmly. It's wonderful to have you join us here. I'm Jenna, Mr. Sullivan's executive assistant. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything at all."Her friendly, down-to-earth demeanor immediately put me at ease. "It's very nice to meet you, Jenna," I replied, shaking her proffered hand. "And please, call me Lavinia.""Lavinia it is," she agreed with a grin before turning her attention to Karl. "Sir, your 9 o'clock video conference is all set up whenever you're ready.""Thank you, Jenna. You're a gem, as al
When they finally broke apart, he maintained a feigned frown. “Is that all we’re going to do?” he asked gruffly.Lavinia giggled at his attitude. "You're being ridiculous."Before he could retort, she carefully lifted Jan from his arms and settled onto the couch, preparing to nurse the hungry infant. She pulled out her breast from under her light shirt and guided the baby's mouth to her nipple so he could contentedly suckle.Karl watched them for a moment with a complicated mix of tenderness and jealousy. "I think we need to start weaning him off breastfeeding soon so he can drink regular milk," he commented.Lavinia just rolled her eyes at him. She was long used to hearing this complaint from her husband. "Are you seriously jealous of your own child? He's still so young, I can't just stop breastfeeding him like that," she sighed.Karl turned his gaze away, feeling unreasonably envious of the peaceful intimacy between mother and child. He tried to push the feeling aside.“Finally, he's
No sooner were the words out of her mouth than a piercing scream tore from her throat. “Aaaaaggghhhh! It hurts so bad! Karl, help me, please!” She clutched at him wildly.Karl was at a complete loss, watching his wife suffer so terribly.All he could do was hold her and try in vain to comfort her. "I'm here, I'm here...you're doing amazing, just keep breathing..."The medical team burst into the room in a flurry of chaos at the sound of Lavinia's screams. They swiftly but gently transferred her to the bed with the doctor taking charge."Okay Lavinia, you're fully dilated. It's time to start pushing on the next contraction," she instructed."No no no, I can't...I can't do it!" Lavinia shook her head even when the next contraction seized her body.Karl stroked her damp hair back. "Yes you can, baby. You're the strongest person I know. Just focus on me and push, I'm right here..."With a guttural, almost primal scream, Lavinia bore down hard. Her face turned beet red from the exertion."I
~Time flew by in a blur~"I am very nervous," Lavinia confessed while fidgeting with the hem of her maternity dress.The swell of her belly was now undeniable. It was a constant reminder of the life growing within her.Karl reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, everything will be fine. No need to stress," he reassured her before turning his attention towards the doctor in anticipation.The doctor was getting ready to deliver the news that everyone had been waiting for."Here we go. Are you both ready to find out the gender of your little one?" the doctor asked.Lavinia and Karl nodded eagerly. They had discussed this moment countless times while imagining the different scenarios that could unfold.The doctor smiled. “Congratulations, you will have a son."Karl's face lit up with joy, "Did you hear that, my love? We're going to have a little boy, a little Sulivan who will look just like you," he exclaimed.Lavinia's smile mirrored his happiness.
Now that he was fully awake and alert, Karl pushed himself up on one elbow to study her expression. “Are you in pain?” he asked urgently, his mind instantly leaping to worst-case scenarios about her and their unborn child’s wellbeing.But Lavinia was quick to ease his fears, offering him a small, almost embarrassed smile. "No, no, it's not that at all," she reassured him before pausing momentarily. "I...well, I have a craving. For oranges."The tension seeped out of Karl's shoulders after registering her words. He let out a quiet chuckle of relief.He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "Oranges? At this hour?" he teased. "You do realize it's well past midnight, and we're not exactly in peak orange season right now."Lavinia's expression fell into a mild pout. The desire for those oranges seemed so strong, so urgent in that moment, even if she understood the unlikelihood of finding any at this late hour.Sensing her letdown, Karl quickly backtracked. "But don't worry, my love. I
It was truly a night to remember.Andre and Rosie found themselves in the quiet of their hotel room, where they were able to spend some quality time together.While Andre's hands were softly put next to Rosie's head against the door as he gazed into her eyes intensely."What are you doing?" Rosie's voice trembled."Why are you so tense? Are you afraid?" Andre asked before caressing her cheeks tenderly.Rosie offered him a smile and shook her head. "I'm not... I just...""Don’t be nervous, just let yourself go. I'll never hurt you, my love. Everything will be fine, trust me," Andre reassured her.Rosie battled to restrain her reactions as he moved in and pressed soft kisses along her neck. She bit her lip in an attempt to suppress her moans."I love you, Rosie, you know that," Andre murmured.Rosie nodded. "I know, my love, and I love you too," she managed to say before their lips met in a tender kiss.Andre carefully lifted Rosie in his arms before carrying her to the bed. He gently s
Karl’s grin broadened at her words and he drew the quilt over them both before they welcomed dreamland together.The next day, Lavinia was standing in the middle of the dressing room, clad in just her underwear, angling her body towards the full-length mirror. With a small smile, she ran her hands over the gentle swell of her baby bump, admiring the changes pregnancy was bringing to her figure.She grabbed her phone and started snapping a series of photos from various angles in an attempt to document this special journey.The bathroom door opened and Karl stepped in, fresh from the shower with a towel slung low around his hips.He raised an eyebrow at his wife's actions. "Uh, what're you doing there, babe?"Lavinia glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "I'm taking belly pics! Wanna get in on this?" She motioned for him to join her. "I want to have photos documenting my whole pregnancy so we can look back on it."Without hesitation, Karl crossed the room and wrapped his arms snugly ar
“Is my husband still angry with me?” she murmured.She could feel the scorching heat of his body through the thin silk of her negligee and smell the warm, musky scent of his skin. It made her head spin with a dizzying rush of want.Before Karl could respond, Lavinia closed the scant distance between them and captured his lips in a deep, hungry kiss.For a long, heated moment he seemed to melt against her. His mouth moved in tandem with hers as one of his hands slid up to fist in her hair.A low rumbling groan of pure masculine appreciation vibrated against her lips and it made her shiver with delight.Then, all at once, Karl seemed to come to his senses. He tore his mouth away from hers with a harsh curse. His hands quickly dropped away from her as if she had scorched him."Dammit, Lavinia," he growled.There was an unmistakable bulge tenting the front of his pajama pants. "Don't do this, not tonight. I'm serious."Lavinia felt her heart plummet at the rejection. "But Karl--""No buts.
Lavinia felt her stomach twist itself into an anxious knot when the realization struck her. Karl must have retreated upstairs to their bedroom, no doubt seeking the solitude and space his anger and hurt seemed to demand.She wavered in the doorway for a long moment, chewing nervously on her lower lip while weighing her options.Part of her wanted nothing more than to leave him be, to give him the time and distance he so clearly needed to process whatever emotions were raging inside him over the disastrous misunderstanding.Another, deeper part of her, however, knew that putting off a reconciliation would only breed more resentment and pain between them.No, better to bite the bullet and face the awkwardness head-on no matter how painful it might be.Drawing a fortifying breath, Lavinia finally turned on her heel and slowly headed for the stairs.By the time she reached the bedroom door, her heart was pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribcage. She could hear the muffled sounds of
Martin gestured grandly at the table laden with boxes of crispy fried chicken, mounds of buttery mashed potatoes, biscuits, and other picnic fare. “We were talking about food, you nutters! This glorious chicken, to be exact.”The revelation hit the women like a ton of bricks.Rosie’s face flushed a brilliant crimson, slowly lowering the rolling pin, suddenly feeling very foolish.“We…we thought…” She stammered, unable to meet anyone’s eyes when the weight of their overreaction crashed down on her shoulders. “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”Talia scoffed loudly. “Wow? After our whole dramatic scene?” She shook her head in disbelief, but carefully set the skillet down.Andre stepped forward. “It’s okay, really. I can totally see how it sounded out of context.” He shrugged. “But we were just a bunch of guys enjoying some food and…well, guy talk. That’s all.”Lavinia forced an awkward laugh while pressing a hand to her reddened face as the absurdity of the situation fully registered.“Chicken…we re