No Strings Attached

Clara chuckled, "Come on, Roger's got a wife and kids. He's hardly the perennial bachelor."

"Yeah, but the guy doesn't have a son, does he? The Hicks lineage is hanging by a thread. What's the use of marrying early if you don't secure an heir? Look at me-hit the jackpot on the first try with a little successor. Honey, you've got to admit that I'm pretty impressive, right?"

She couldn't help but smile at lan's swagger, feeling that in moments like these, she saw the real him.

lan was a man of flesh and blood, full of highs and lows, and

not the man who used to bury every emotion deep down inside.

She patted his head affectionately and played along, "Oh, very impressive. I think you deserves a kiss."

Then, she leaned in close, planting a quick peck on his cheek.

Just as she was about to pull away, lan's arms snaked around her waist, holding her tight.

His voice, low and husky, tickled her ear.

"Thanks for reminding me. I haven't properly thanked the mother of my child. Thank you, my love."

that unfolded in the

ever so discreet, lowered the privacy

Hayes' son was in the picture, maybe it was time to

stop, he shot a

when should we make

Elsewhere.

the set when she was met

to pick you up

the direction they were pointing, locking eyes

this 'dog of a man' who just couldn't kick his acting habit. Had he forgotten that he was just playing the role of her

a smile. "You guys

when you've got a catch that hot and caring, you better lock him down before someone else does, or you'll be crying over spilled

would take him off her hands, she

she made her way

a gentleman's charm, teasing, "I think they're onto something. If you don't consider promoting me from pretend

a fake smile. "Don't worry, that

reached into the car, pulled out

single sweet word? After all, I