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

of admiration, his little hand giving

face darkened, "This is

son's gaze drifted towards the carousel outside the store,

not a playground," Ludwik replied, his patience

you don't love me anymore, I'll

letting his son climb onto

to find Ludwik, a man of pride, playing horse for his son. Surprised, her gaze softened when she noticed

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

condoms on display embarrassed Whitney further,

her son out, determined to keep her composure

instead on preparing a meal for her and her son, leaving

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

the kitchen, hoping to scoop up a third helping, he found the

more," he mumbled with

kitchen, Ludwik noticed that Sammy had switched seats, and even his

smile playing on

Ludwik downplayed, his

choked on her drink, recalling how Ludwik had practically licked his plate clean not

is an exception; he always says mom's dishes are heavenly. If you ever consider remarrying, mom, Bryce would

to sweep through the room, affecting