Chapter 28: Build a SnowmanKathleen’s P.O.VI couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, even as I felt a pang of disappointment. Arthur and I might have held hands by accident, but the physical contact had left us both feeling things we weren’t supposed to feel.Or at the very least…I wasn’t supposed to feel for my employer.I knew that if Hayley hadn't interrupted us, things might have gone in a direction that I wasn't ready for. Still, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to see where this could’ve led us.I could still remember the feeling in my chest when our eyes had locked for a fraction of a second. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, and I relived how I felt completely drawn in by his gaze. I tried to play it cool, but inside I was a jumble of emotions.I could feel my cheeks flushing with color as my h
Chapter 29: First Kiss…Tasted like SnowArthur’s P.O.VAs I sat by the window, my laptop on my lap as I continued to work even as I tried to keep my eyes on my daughter and Kathleen…I could feel her eyes on me. I didn't turn to look at her, but I knew she was there, looking at the window from outside. The thought of meeting her gaze made my heart skip a beat, and my mind raced with memories of this morning when she had mistakenly touched my hand. The memory alone made a shiver run down my spine with uncertainty, so I stayed still and kept my eyes fixed on my computer, not knowing how to react in a situation like this. Despite the fact that I always wanted solitude while working, I decided to work in the living room window seat from where I could keep my eyes on both of them. Hayley was playing with her nanny on the snowy grounds outside, and as long as she was with Kathleen, I was sure that she wouldn’t let any harm come to my baby girl.I was itching to look up and rest my gaze at
Chapter 30: Crossing the LinesKathleen’s P.O.VI never intended to kiss him. It was a moment of impulse, a sudden decision that I didn't fully understand. It felt like the only way to calm him down, the only thing that would stop him from talking non-stop about Hayley’s safety like she hadn't just scraped her knee but returned from a war.And as soon as my lips touched his, I had felt a jolt of electricity coursing through my veins. It was accompanied by a rush of emotions, a jumble of happiness, fear, and uncertainty. But most of all, I felt a sense of connection, a spark that I had never felt before.Butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach, flying wildly as if they were being chased around by a bigger predator. And right then, as I pulled away from him, I couldn’t even look into his eyes because I could already feel my cheeks redden from embarrassment.So I did the only rational thing I could think of…I dashed into the room and slammed the door shut on his face as I leaned my
Chapter 31: This is How you KissKathleen’s P.O.VAs I entered Arthur's office, I caught sight of him standing by his desk, his back to the door, and the sight of his broad shoulders and his broad back itself was enough for me to lose my breath.He was leaning against the table, his head bowed, his shoulders tense. But for some reason, my mind was filled with all kinds of dirty images…Him on top of me…me scratching that back as my nails dug into that porcelain white skin…his lips on my throat…I had to visibly shake myself out of the sudden burst of images running through my mind and I didn’t know what had come over me that I had just imagined something so…vivid…The force of that daydream took me by surprise and I was left asking myself if I was even sane to be thinking about something like that when I was probably about to get fired for crossing certain lines?I didn’t even ask for his consent…I had just kissed him. If the roles were reversed…this would’ve been a huge issue, and ju
Chapter 32: Unexpected KissKathleen’s P.O.V“This…is how you really kiss.”Before I could understand what he was saying, Arthur pulled me close and crashed his lips onto mine.To say that I was caught off-guard…would be an understatement.Arthur’s lips were soft and wet and they moved against mine, a touch so tender that it sent shivers up my spine.I felt myself melting into the kiss, letting myself get lost in the moment. It was as if everything else faded away, and there were only the two of us. Everything happened so fast, like a scene from a movie, and I didn't see it coming. Another taste of Arthur's lips was all I needed for Christmas and even though he claimed not to like Christmas, he had granted my wish unknowingly.I felt his hand on my cheek, cradling me almost tenderly, while his other hand went down my body to rest on my waist…as he jerked me forwards, so that I landed flat against his chest, a small gasp escaping my lips when I found my body pressed up against his.Ta
Chapter 33: Moving ForwardArthur’s P.O.VAs I sat in my office, I could not stop thinking about what had happened earlier. I had acted rashly, letting my emotions get the better of me.But in all honesty…it wasn’t a rash decision…I had wanted it. After that teasing kiss that Kathleen had given me in front of my daughter’s room…I had wanted more, I had craved for more. Because that simple touch of lips, that simple brush of senses had ignited a fire within me that I hadn't been able to feel for ages.However, try as I may to convince myself otherwise, I knew that I had crossed a line and that I had to face the consequences for. Because what Kathleen had done before had been an impulsive thought, something to stop me from worrying about my daughter excessively. And it had worked.But what I had done? That hadn't been impulsive in the least. I had wanted to kiss her back every since that door had been slammed on my face. And when I had seen a chance, I took it, because I had been desper
Chapter 34: Personal Christmas TreeKathleen’s P.O.VThe morning sun streamed through my window, illuminating my bedroom with a warm, golden glow. I could feel the rays of light dancing across my face, and waking me from my slumber.I was glad to be finally awake, which meant that I had at least slept at little bit last night. However, the night in general had been a whole different story.I had tossed and turned most of the night, unable to escape the thoughts that swirled around in my head. My mind kept replaying the events of day, the feelings of confusion and guilt still lingering in my heart.No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't push the memory away; it was like a stain that would not fade. I could feel the exhaustion weighing down on me, my body aching for rest. But my mind refused to let me sleep, consumed by the events of the day before, and images of Arthur’s lips on mine…his hands on my waist.As I opened my eyes, I saw the world outside my window come to life; the soft mo
Chapter 35: Want vs. NeedKathleen’s P.O.VI pulled on my jeans and a t-shirt, staring back at the lean image in the mirror. It was barely a week working as Hayley's caregiver and I seemed to have lost significant weight.Or was it just the way the jeans fit me that’s why it looked different? Either way, I did need a belt to secure my jeans now and that was fine by me. I was actually glad that I was getting into shape.After finishing up getting ready and pulling on a large overcoat, I then walked to Hayley's room, wondering what she was doing in there alone. However, much to my surprise, I found her trying to get dressed, by herself."Aw," I beamed at her efforts. I loved that she was taking responsibility for things and trying to grow up. “Are you getting ready, sweetheart?”"Yes, Miss Kathleen." She returned the smile, still tugging on the pair of jeans under a blue top she had worn."Do you want to twin with me?" I smiled again, wondering how she knew that I was wearing a blue shi