Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

"Ariana, don't put so much pressure on yourself. You're an amazing mother.

"By the way, the hospital called. We can take Tabitha to pick up her report tomorrow, and she can start her treatment immediately.

"I think that the hospital environment might feel stifling for her, so I arranged for the therapy team to come to our home instead."

I looked up at him, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you. You've thought of everything."

Nicholas sighed and sat beside me. "She's my daughter too. What are you thanking me for?" He put an arm around my shoulder, his warm palm gently rubbing in silent comfort.

...

The next morning, when I opened my eyes, I was startled to find myself staring at Nicholas' face.

I blinked and opened my eyes again, only to see the same scene the stubble on his face was so clear I could almost count the individual hairs.

and

clothes. Seeing everything was intact, I let out a

were just talking, but at some point, I must have fallen asleep. Suddenly, a large hand slid around my waist. Nicholas'

that nothing happened between

I lost my balance, falling back onto the bed. In one swift motion, he flipped over and pinned me beneath him. His long eyelashes, like soft, feathery fans, caught

budge. Instead, he leaned down, making me shut my eyes in a

the warmth of his breath followed, though I couldn't tell which came first. I heard him murmur, "If you regret it, we could do something

toward the first button on my

down on his hand, my mind

Cory-each of them should take precedence

spiral

his nose against mine, grinning

ran up my arms, and I turned away, feeling awkward.