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."

word, he leaned down and captured her soft lips in a deep, passionate kiss. They stood on the lawn, bathed in the

go of all his worries, fully indulging in the joy of holding Clara in his arms. The kiss grew more fervent, and he found himself not wanting to let go. Eventually, it was Clara who had to

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

nibbling gently, "How about after the guests leave,

turned scarlet as she playfully punched his chest. "Stop talking

lan rubbed her heated cheek and said,

arm, they headed

voice, "They look so perfect together. If they ever split up, lan would be devastated." Katherine, standing beside him, looked up and said softly, "Clara won't do that. She won't blame

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

so good between them? What exactly was their relationship, and why couldn't Teo