“So tonight,” he continued, “you get a break.No work.No cooking.I’ll bring dinner, and you’ll introduce me to our daughter.”
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate register.
“And once she’s down for the night...you can try to convince me that your plan for the future makes more sense than mine.”
He was standing in front of her now, close enough that she had to tilt her head to meet his eyes.
“However,” he murmured, his gaze locking with hers, “I’d like to leave you with this thought.”
Before she could react, he slipped an arm around her waist and drew her gently into his arms.
Then he kissed her.
Her breath caught in her throat, and for one suspended second, she stood frozen in surprise.
Then her lips softened against his.
She melted into him slowly, instinctively, her arms lifting just slightly before she caught herself—too late.Saif deepened the kiss, his hand sliding up her back, pressing her closer.He felt the heat rise between them, the way she moved in his arms—responsive, fluid,his.
It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a claim.A promise.A reminder of everything they’d been...and everything they still could be.
When he finally pulled away, their breaths mingled in the narrow space between them.Her eyes were wide, stunned, her cheeks flushed with color.He steadied her with both hands, his thumb brushing her elbow lightly until she found her balance again.
Then—without another word—he turned and walked out of the office.
Because the alternative?
The alternative was hauling her onto the desk and showing her exactly how good it could be between them again.And that, as much as he wanted it, wasn’t an option.
Not yet.
Leaving her there, dazed and breathless, was one of the hardest things he’d ever done.
But it had to be her choice next.
Chapter 26
“He’ll be here soon,” Jemma said, wringing her hands as she paced in tight, anxious circles around the small family room.
“I know,” Jasper replied calmly, seated on the floor with Jayla nestled in his lap.He gently tapped her tiny hands together, making exaggerated faces as he did.Jayla squealed with delight, her round cheeks dimpling as she giggled.
Jasper wasn’t sure if it was the clapping or the faces she liked best—and honestly, he didn’t care.His niece was, in his view, the most enchanting human on the planet.He could’ve sat there entertaining her all evening.
“You’re not going to abandon me, are you?”Jemma asked suddenly, her voice low and tight.
Jasper looked up at her and saw it—the real fear behind her bravado.The slight tremble in her voice.The darting glance toward the door.
“Never,” he said, serious now.“I promise.I’ll be right here.”
“Good.Good.”She nodded quickly and resumed pacing.Her arms crossed, then uncrossed.She ran her hands through her hair, then stopped, clearly realizing she was messing it up.Jasper watched silently.She was wound too tight.A hug wouldn’t help.Maybe a glass of wine—but she wouldn’t touch alcohol.Not while she was still nursing.
So instead, he looked down at Jayla and sang softly, “Your momma is awreck,sweet girl…” He wiggled her arms.“Yes, she is!”
Jemma shot him a sharp look over her shoulder, but he grinned.She didn’t say anything, and the sound of Jayla’s delighted giggles lightened the air in the room.
The knock came, low and firm, and Jemma froze mid-step.
Jasper turned Jayla to face the door.“He’s here!”he whispered dramatically in her ear.“Mommy’s scared!Shelikeshim, but she’s scared too!”
