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,

of admiration, his little hand giving a thumbs-up, "Smart

face darkened, "This is not the time

carousel outside the store, "Daddy, I wanna ride

a playground," Ludwik replied,

you don't love me anymore,

son climb

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

a happy family, now seeing a glimmer of that in

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

confusion, she quickly led her son out, determined to keep

Whitney gave Ludwik the cold shoulder, focusing instead on preparing a meal for her and

attempt to fit into their lives in his own awkward way, sharing a meal as if they were a normal family, despite the

found the pot disappointingly empty. He silently chided

more," he mumbled with

kitchen, Ludwik noticed that Sammy had switched

up, a smile playing on his lips. "Dad,

Ludwik downplayed, his

drink, recalling how Ludwik had practically licked his

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

chill seemed to sweep through the room, affecting even