The Bound Between Us

Chapter 969

Anastasia's eyes snapped open. She grabbed a pillow and tossed it at Herman, half laughing, half exasperated. "Are you kidding me, Herman? It's June-not Qingming, not April Fool's, not any holiday!"

Herman caught the pillow effortlessly, grinning. "Who cares? Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween-any day can be a holiday if you want to go out and have fun. Pick a day, call it a celebration. Every day's a holiday with you."

Fresh from her shower, Anastasia was glowing. Herman couldn't help himself-he pressed a kiss to her cheek and inhaled. "You smell amazing."

"Gross, you got slobber on me," Anastasia teased, wiping her cheek with exaggerated disgust. She sat up and glared at Herman, only to have her gaze fall on his abs. Smooth, solid, and perfectly defined. She swallowed and quickly

looked away.

"If you want a taste, just say so," Herman said, loosening his bathrobe as he slid under the covers.

That's when Anastasia realized he wasn't wearing anything underneath.

She snorted. "Couldn't you at least wear some shorts?"

Herman just wiggled his eyebrows. "I'm thinking of your convenience." He tugged her under the blanket. "Come on, babe, let's get started. The sooner we start, the sooner you can relax."

Anastasia was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Was this really the same cold, intimidating CEO who'd thrown Ashley out yesterday?

Men, she thought, were a mysterious species-warm in winter, cool in summer. Right now, Herman was still cool from his shower, his skin silky smooth. Anastasia snuggled against him and sighed. "Babe, you're better than air conditioning."

grinned. "AC can only keep you cool or warm. I can make you feel good- really good." He pulled her on

sparkled. "So I'm on top

you on top, I'll still make

out laughing, and soon their blanket was shifting and tumbling

***

late morning when Anastasia

was already at the office. Emmie and Nancy were off at their early learning class, Liana had taken Pattie out to paint, and Salma was with

washing up and pulling on some comfy clothes, Anastasia grabbed her purse and headed

do much to repay him, but she couldn't just

Herman understood-heather.

supported her choices.

with Rowan, helping him get some gentle exercise to aid

corner, not wanting to intrude. Rowan was as stubborn as

to a stone bench. "Rest here for a bit. I'll get

glanced up

Anastasia. Anastasia nodded in

and Hanna gave her

him for a sec, okay?—before

the cue, Anastasia walked

up at the sound of