Michael"Damn it!" I swore as I put on my shirt, wondering how I had found myself in this situation again.Jade and I were like two magnets drawn to each other, and I needed that to stop. Seeing her so vulnerable had stirred something within me, and I had lost control. But I knew she wasn't to be trusted, and I needed to maintain my distance. I returned to the room and found her sitting on the other couch, looking like I had wounded her.The couch we had just made love on now felt like some crime scene, and I avoided sitting down altogether. I put my hands in my pocket, unsure I could trust myself not to reach out again.My passionate kisses made her lips look swollen, and I knew there had to be marks on her neck, too. A primal urge inside me wanted to kiss every inch of her skin and leave my mark there so that she would think of me when she bathed. I wanted to cloud her thoughts as she did mine, and if that made her half as uncomfortable as it made me, then I would count it a win.We
JadeMy stomach was in knots as I left Michael's hotel, and I could barely breathe without feeling pain in my chest. Michael had this way of bulldozing through my emotions and reducing me to atoms, and it was a painful process to try and put myself together again. Even if I managed to do it, I would never be the same again. My peaceful life was about to change drastically, and I hadn't seen it coming.I breathed a little easier once I finally got home, the familiar space acting as an anchor. I was finally able to start sorting out my thoughts and considering my options.I couldn't think of anything or anyone to help me out of this except Sage. I dialed her number, and she answered on the first ring."Hey, sis," she said cheerfully."Hey, can we talk?""Sure. I don't think I can read one more line from this humongous textbook," Sage laughed but sobered up when I didn’t laugh with her. “Jade, what’s wrong?”"Robin's father is threatening to take him from me," I said, going straight to t
MichaelI groaned when I heard the sound of drilling. Our new offices were still getting some final touches, and I regretted not working out of my hotel for the rest of the day. It seemed like there was always just one thing left, and the technicians setting up our network needed to speed it the hell up. I rubbed my temples and looked at Daisy, who seemed unbothered by everything. She was focused on something on her laptop and didn't break rhythm as she drank her coffee.How was I supposed to get any work done with all this damn noise?! I had been managing fine with all the work before, but today it felt worse—a little more distracting than usual. I was going through the factory's final blueprints, and it seemed like I had been staring at the same page for an hour now. The lines were starting to merge, and it looked more like a maze than designs for one of the most high-tech buildings we had ever worked on."Are we still constructing something? It feels like they are taking the buildi
She wore a jumpsuit that fit her well, showing off her curves. Her hair was in her usual ponytail but looked curled and beautifully styled. She had very little makeup, a little touch to the eyes, and a light hint of lip gloss. It was difficult not to look at her when she looked so damn appetizing, but a part of me knew that I would have wanted her even if she showed up in a trash bag. I reminded myself why she was here, and it was not to end up naked on my couch like last time. I was still mad at her, but we had to start acting like two parents."You are welcome, by the way." She started, taking a sip from her glass.I frowned in confusion. "Welcome?""That's just a response to 'thank you for coming, Jade.'""And why should I thank you for coming here?""Because after the way you treated me, I shouldn't even be here. Speaking of which, you can also throw an apology in there while we are at it.""I'm not sorry for anything, so you can stop waiting for an apology and enjoy the food."Sh
Jade"Hey, stranger."I smiled as I heard Jordan's voice, sunny as usual. We hadn't talked in a few months, but he usually checked in on me occasionally, even though we had broken up for quite some time. We hadn't worked out, but we had remained good friends, and it was nice hearing from him. The call was also a welcome break from the conversation with Michael."I could say the same about you," I replied. "How have you been?""You know me, always busy. But I made time just for you today, so you're welcome."I laughed. "Thank you for thinking of me, oh great and busy one."Jordan managed his family's two restaurants and cafes and was one of the most hardworking people I knew. He'd helped me once by offering me a job when I really needed it, and it was then that our friendship blossomed."Speaking of being busy, I could use your help with the new cafe I'm trying to open. I'm behind schedule and don't know anyone more effective than you. Are you open to taking on some part-time work?"Th
MichaelToday was the day, and I couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. I had tried to be as casual as possible in jeans and a t-shirt, which was silly because it wasn't like a six-year-old would judge me for my dress. There was probably nothing I could do or prepare to meet my son for the first time, but I still tried. I bought a couple of puzzles since Jade said he liked those and a soccer ball.I had given my driver the day off and regretted it when I started driving. It would have been good to have the extra time to calm myself on the way to Jade's. Now I had to focus on the road while a million scenarios went through my head. What if Robin didn't like me? Sure, we'd met before and had a good conversation, but that had been before he knew that I was his father. What if he asked me where I had been all these years? I didn't know how to answer that. Damn it. Maybe I should have discussed all of this with Jade beforehand.She told me that Robin was ready to meet me and everything w
Robin excitedly grabbed my hand and led me back to the living room. I watched him as he pushed his stool in place before sitting down. When Robin began playing, I was blown away. He was phenomenal! Robin wasn't just capable of playing; he was born for it. I couldn't believe that his little fingers were moving that fast or how he even remembered which key to press and when. Robin was simply a genius. When he finished, I gave him a high five and couldn't stop beaming with pride."That was amazing!" I exclaimed, but he looked at me like it was no big deal.We spent the next fifteen minutes talking about his friends and school until Jade joined us. I gave Robin his gift, and he insisted we start working on a puzzle immediately. We had a lot of fun working on that until his eyelids started getting heavy. It didn't take him long to fall asleep where he sat, his arms and head on the table."It was reallyhard getting him to sleep last night; he was so excited about meeting you," Jade whispere
JadeIt felt like I hadn't taken a break for the past few days, and I sighed in relief as I tilted my neck and massaged it. My whole body was on fire, but it was all worth it knowing that the extra income would cover a lot. Not only did I need to help my sister, but I had just received an email from Robin's school with another list of things he needed, which meant I needed more money to get them for him. I contemplated asking Michael for some help, but I couldn't muster the courage to go through with it. We needed to have the financial talk at some point, but it felt too soon for me. Michael and I hadn't found that even ground yet."Am I working you too hard?"Jordan's voice startled me out of my thoughts, and I turned around to look at him. He wore his usual uniform: black jeans, a white shirt, and a black apron. It was a simple look on anyone, but he somehow looked like a million dollars in it."Sorry, just having one of those days. But I'm done here for today, getting ready to head