I saw anger flashing in Sofia's eyes, while I watched the exchange in amusement. “On the contrary, I think Arielle is selfish. Letting you drive her to work even when you're running late, and also coming to pick her up after work every day. She's stressing you out, and she should stop and learn to d
(ARIELLE'S POV)At the close of work, Jared was already waiting outside the restaurant to drive me home.“Your Mr. Perfect is here,” Rebecca announced, her head peeking through my office door.“Go away, Rebecca,” I replied smiling.“Alright, alright,” Rebecca giggled and left.Stepping outside, I ca
“Jared, d-don’t,” I stammered, biting down a moan. “Promise me, Arielle,” he coaxed, his tongue tracing a lazy circle against my pulse point. A broken sound slipped from my lips before I could stop it. “Fine, I promise,” I breathed, surrendering to the heat curling inside me. Jared pulled back
(ARIELLE'S POV) I stormed into the house, and Sofia was seated in the living room watching a reality show on the TV. She stared at me momentarily and returned her attention to the TV. Well, if she wanted to play the ignore game, then I was up for it too. I continued on my way, ignoring her as w
I gasped. “That's too much, Jared. Not even a floor, an entire wing.” “I want you all to myself. As a matter of fact, I want you in no clothes at all. You're going to be walking around naked the whole time, and to achieve that, we need a great deal of privacy,” Jared said with a naughty wink. Th
(ARIELLE'S POV) Awed! That was how I felt when Jared pulled into the hotel. As I looked around inside the car, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my mouth. The building literally glittered as the soft dashboard light illuminated it. Jared chuckled and turned off the car's engine. Then he al
(ARIELLE’S POV) Jared returned with our bag, and took it to the closet. “I don't want you stressed,” he said, approaching me. “Don't tell me you brought me here to make me lazy,” I said, feigning a frown. “I brought you here to spoil you silly,” he responded. “Umm…that sounds like something
“How was it?” he asked, falling into step beside me.“It was remarkable,” I said without hesitation, then paused. "Honestly, I'm not used to being waited on. It always feels a bit strange. But the massage was amazing. Thank you."His smile softened, and he gently knocked his cheek against mine. I co
The possibility of getting to cook again filled me with strength. “Let’s make a stop at a grocery shop,” I said to Ashley. “Of course. We’d also pick up something for you to eat as well. You haven’t..” “No!” I said more sharply than intended. “Please. I’ll eat when I’m done cooking,” I maintained
(ARIELLE’S POV.) It felt like stepping out of a dream. A long one. The world was a blur around me, full of bright colors swirling into each other in a dizzying dance in the corners of my eyes. Slowly, my vision settled and the colors faded into the fluorescent bulb hanging down from the ceiling. I
(JARED’S POV) The next day, I pulled out of the hotel's driveway, Arielle and Ashley chatting away in the backseat. The atmosphere was lively, with Arielle's infectious laughter and Ashley’s bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
“Okay, how about… the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?” “Arielle!” Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seriously? A random bartender?” I shrugged. “Hey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.” She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I halted, my mind going blank. Pregnant? Ashley? It felt unbelievable. The Ashley I know would never let a man knock her up without marriage, she was that uptight. My eyes darted from her beaming face to the hand she was now placing on her stomach. “Pregnant?” The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Surprise!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles as she stepped fully into the room, pulling a small suitcase behind her. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened. She looked tired from her trip, but her radiant smile masked it well. “Ashley, what are you doing here?” I asked, st
(ARIELLE'S POV) Back in my room at the hotel, I sat in front of my phone that was placed on the bed’s dashboard, waiting for my mom to answer the phone. Excitement coursed through my system like an unending river, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my loved ones, my mom topping the cha
“I won’t be long in the shower,” he promised as he dashed into the bathroom. I picked up my phone and found a couple of missed calls from Michael Langley. A little frown crossed my face until I realized he might’ve worried after checking on me at my suite. I didn’t owe him any explanations of cours
(ARIELLE’S POV) I was awake—eyes closed, but very much aware of my surroundings. I could feel the gentle early morning breeze dance over my skin as it traveled across the room. The warmth of Jared’s skin against mine, his spring arms wrapped around me like a second blanket, brought back very vivid