Crossing The Line

The next morning she decided to make breakfast for everyone; she was making bacon and eggs.

Just then Richard reaches for her waist, giving her a kiss on her neck.

Woah! This smells so good. He said

"Good morning," she said, smiling.

You didn't need to do all this; we could order food. He said, caressing her arm.

Yeah, I just wanted something homely.

The door is pushed open, and Jayden walks in.

The damp weight of his shirt did nothing to hide the heavy pull of his chest as he breathed, the fabric sticking to every hard line and curve of his torso.

She couldn't look away from the way his hair, dark and messy, clung to the nape of his neck, or the way a single drop of sweat tracked a slow, agonizing path down the sharp edge of his jaw. He moved with a lazy, post-workout ache, his shoulders seemingly wider than the doorway. When he reached for a bottle of water, the muscles in his forearms flexed. He looked flushed in the best way possible.

She didn't realize her lips were slightly open. She was staring, and he caught her gaze and slowed his stride, a slow, knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He didn't say a word, but the look in his eyes told her he’d seen exactly how much she was enjoying the view.

He looked away and moved toward the fridge, his muscles rippling under his skin as he reached out to pull the fridge handle and grab a cold bottle of water.

And good morning to you, young man, Richard said with a tight face.

I went to the gym; I didn't want to disturb you guys, so I left without informing you guys, he said before dropping the water bottle.

Lena is making breakfast; take a shower so you can join us, Richard said before turning towards the kitchen counter.

Lena became conscious immediately, feeling a pair of eyes watching her closely.

Sure, he said, and strode out.

They were seated enjoying their meal.

when suddenly Lena coughs, and Richard and Jayden rush towards her at the same time with water.

She stared at Richard and then Jaden.

“Ahem,” she cleared her throat, quickly looking at the ceiling as if the crown molding were suddenly fascinating.

I will just get to my room; I feel okay, she said, trying to shake the anxiety in her voice.

Richard enters the bedroom after taking a shower and is wearing his clothes.

Are you going somewhere? She asked him.

Yeah, I just got a call from my assistant that I have an appointment with the board in Chicago.

Chicago! Can't you do FaceTime or something with them?, she said.

I wish I could, but we have to be there in person. I promise to be back first thing tomorrow morning.

"Fine," she said and slumped back to bed.

"Baby, don't be like that; you know I don't want to be away from you for a second," he said, tickling her.

Stop, babe, fine. "I'm not sad anymore," she said, giggling.

Good, he pecks her and continues dressing.

What about your bag? You're not traveling with your clothes.

No, my assistant will get me some clothes from the boutique before leaving.

Oh... okay.

Lena kisses him goodbye and closes the door before slumping on the couch.

She hears footsteps and sees Jayden fully dressed.

Hey, he said to her.

You're leaving too? she asked

Yes, do you want to come? He asked

Where are you going? She asked, eyeing him up.

Do you have to ask all the time? He said, rolling his eyes.

She tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. Of course, she said.

My friend and I want to hang out and watch a movie, so... are you interested?

Would have declined, but I don't have a choice, she said, smiling.

Sure, he chuckled softly.

They arrived there, and Lena saw a cute lady waving towards them.

She wore a soft, fitted midi dress that hugged her just enough, the fabric light and breathable against her skin. The color was a warm caramel tone, complementing her complexion perfectly. Thin straps rested gently on her shoulders, leaving her collarbones bare, while the neckline dipped just enough to feel feminine without being bold.

The dress flowed slightly from her waist down, swaying with every step she took, brushing softly against her legs. It wasn’t overly fancy, just the kind of dress that made it look like she hadn’t spent hours deciding.

A pair of clean white sneakers kept the look casual, perfect for a movie night, while a small crossbody bag hung at her side. Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders, a little tousled, like she’d run her fingers through it one too many times.

She looked like she didn't have to do too much to draw attention.

Suddenly a pang of jealousy hits her.

Jay-jay! The lady screams in excitement and gives Jadyden a hug.

"You took forever to come," she said with a poker face.

I'm sorry, but I'm here now, right?

The lady looks towards her and raises her eyebrow to Jayden.

Yeah, this Lena

Lena, this is Scarlet, my best friend.

Nice to meet you, Lena said, extending her hand.

The movie is about to start, Jay-Jay; let's go get our tickets, she said, ignoring the gesture.

Lena felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Jayden turns to her with pleading eyes as Scarlet pulls him towards the ticket stand.

What's the meaning of that? "Jayden said, 'Anger laced in his voice.' "

"What did I do?" Scarlet said.

You could have some decency, you know.

How do you expect me to react when I can see how close you guys are?

Is that the problem?

She shrugs.

"She's my dad's girlfriend," he said in disbelief.

Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I thought..

You're going to apologize to her.

But...

End of discussion.

After buying tickets, they left the line to join Lena.

"Hey," Scarlet said, smiling.

Lena rolls her eyes.

I'm sorry, I never knew you were his stepmom.

Scarlet! Jayden calls out.

It's fine; let's go watch the movie.

Inside, Scarlet makes sure she lets her know that Jayden is all hers.

Putting her hands all over him, although he doesn't look quiet pleased.

After the movie, Jayden escorts Scarlet to get a taxi, and then they head home.

As they step in, Jayden holds her hand.

Wait, Lena, I'm sorry about what happened.

Like I said, it's fine, she said, starting to get pissed.

I know you wanted to have a good time; I swear she's not always like this. I don't know what came over.

She scoffs and untangles herself from him.

I hate it when you do this, and you know it. He said.

And what makes you think I care about your likes and dislikes? she said, rolling her eyes.

"Don't do that," he said, sounding serious.

What? She asked.

"Don't roll your eyes at me," she said, folding her arms.

She rolls her eyes, or else...

Her words vanished the moment his hand found her waist, pulling her flush against him. His lips crashed onto hers, desperate like he’d been holding back for too long. The kiss wasn’t gentle; it was hungry, consuming, his breath uneven as if he’d rushed all the way just to reach her.

She stumbled slightly, fingers clutching his shirt for balance, her heart racing to catch up with the sudden intensity. He didn’t give her time to think, only deepened the kiss, one hand sliding up to cradle her jaw, tilting her face just the way he wanted.

When he finally pulled back, it wasn’t far. His forehead rested against hers, their breaths tangled together, his eyes dark and locked on her like she was the only thing in the world.

“You don’t even know…” he murmured, voice rough, thumb brushing softly against her cheek. “You don’t know how hot you look right now.”

Her cheeks flushed instantly, but he didn’t look away. If anything, his gaze dropped to her eyes with even more intensity, like he was trying to memorize every detail.

And before she could respond, his lips were on hers again, slower this time.

His fingers traced along her arms, up to her shoulders, lingering there for a second as if asking a silent question.

She didn’t pull away.

Instead, her grip on his shirt tightened, her pulse racing.

“Jay…” she whispered.

His hands slid gently, giving her time to stop him. But she didn’t.

So he continued, slowly easing the fabric from her shoulders, his touch deliberate, almost reverent. His eyes flickered back to hers, searching.

When the dress slipped just slightly, he paused again, his hand stilling against her skin.

“Tell me to stop,” he murmured softly, his voice no longer rushed but steady, controlled.

She didn’t.

And that was all the answer he needed.