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

giving him a look of admiration, his little hand giving a thumbs-up,

darkened, "This is not the time

son's gaze drifted towards the carousel outside

a playground,"

love me anymore, I'll just go

climb onto his back for a piggyback ride, much

for his son. Surprised, her gaze softened when she noticed the boys had switched places. Sammy,

twinged, recalling her dreams of a happy family, now seeing

box of condoms on display embarrassed Whitney further, realizing the depth of his

son out, determined to

meal for her and her son, leaving

his attempt to fit into their lives in his own awkward way, sharing a

kitchen, hoping to scoop up a third helping, he found the pot disappointingly empty. He

added more," he

Ludwik noticed that Sammy had switched seats, and even his eating manner

up, a smile playing on his lips. "Dad, isn't mom's cooking

Ludwik downplayed, his voice

recalling how Ludwik had practically licked his plate clean not moments

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 at the mention of another man being a suitable partner for

the room, affecting even Whitney, who felt the