No Strings Attached

Clara gently stroked his back, her voice laced with confusion. "Ian, did Dad say something to you?"

lan quickly shook his head. "No, it's just... I suddenly got scared you might leave me."

"Why would I? Our baby is about to arrive, and I'm counting on you to bring home the bacon for the little one. Come on, stop worrying your head. You've been under a lot of stress lately. Why don't you go out and have a beer with the guys tonight?"

With a tender touch, Clara massaged lan's cheeks, and then, rising on her tiptoes, she planted a kiss on his face. "Feeling better now?" she asked with a smile.

lan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, his deep, dark eyes swirling with undisguised emotion. His warm lips gently brushed against Clara's cheek as he murmured in a hoarse voice, "As long as I have you, I have nothing to fear."

in a deep, passionate kiss. They stood on the lawn, bathed in the radiant

grew more fervent, and he found himself not wanting to let go. Eventually, it was Clara who

her now-flushed lips. "Overwhelmed by just a kiss? Mrs. Hayes, your desires are quite strong. Have

nibbling gently, "How about after the guests leave,

scarlet as she playfully punched his chest. "Stop talking nonsense; our guests are

her heated cheek and said,

in arm, they headed back towards

tea, he said in a low voice, "They look so perfect together. If they ever split up, lan

her eyes couldn't help but gleam with unshed tears, her mind flashing back to her own moments with

been so good between