Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 348

"I'll get it myself," Whitney said, feeling an unexpected closeness as the warmth of the man next to her seemed to radiate through the air.

She tried to step back but suddenly found her arm caught in his firm grasp. "Careful," he warned.

A floor cleaner was passing right behind her.

His deep voice sent an intriguing shiver down her neck, much to her annoyance.

Frustrated, Whitney reached for another bottle on the higher shelf.

"You're too short to reach that. Aren't they all the same anyway?" he questioned, baffled by her insistence.

"Short? I'm not short!" At 5'5", Whitney wasn't tall, but she loathed being called short.

Her glare was both fierce and somewhat comical, causing Ludwik to pause before teasing, "You're not short, sure. You'd barely make it under my arm, though." Whitney's forehead creased in irritation.

He even gestured to emphasize his point, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Turning his head slightly, he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear, "But this height difference... it's quite convenient for, well, kissing and... um." Realizing he was about to say too much, Whitney stepped on his foot, shutting him up before he could continue.

What was he thinking, saying something like that?

Her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, especially with her son nearby.

Ludwik sensed he'd gone too far, especially after noticing her reaction. "Sorry. Need anything from the top shelf?" he said, trying to change the subject.

respond, walked away

to find his son giving him a look of admiration, his little hand giving a

darkened, "This is not the time

towards the carousel outside the

a playground," Ludwik replied,

you don't love me anymore, I'll

down, letting his son climb onto his back for a piggyback ride, much

playing horse for his son. Surprised, her gaze softened when she noticed the boys

family, now seeing a glimmer of that in her sons'

the checkout, Ludwik's attention to a particular box of condoms on display embarrassed Whitney further,

her son out, determined

on preparing a meal for

they sat down to eat, Whitney couldn't help but acknowledge Ludwik's presence, his attempt to fit into their lives in his own awkward way,

up a third helping, he found the pot disappointingly empty. He silently chided

added more," he

switched seats, and even his eating manner seemed more

smile playing on

Ludwik downplayed,

how Ludwik

rare. Bryce is an exception; he always says mom's dishes are heavenly. If you ever consider remarrying, mom, Bryce would be a great choice, don't you think?" Ludwik felt like he'd been punched in the gut

seemed to sweep through the room, affecting even Whitney, who felt