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 exposing his

looked down to check my own clothes. Seeing everything was intact, I

We were just talking, but at some point, I must have fallen asleep. Suddenly, a large hand slid around my waist. Nicholas' voice, low and husky with a teasing lilt, came from behind

Regret that nothing happened

grip tightened, and I lost my balance, falling back onto the bed. In one swift motion, he flipped over and pinned me beneath him. His long

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

I couldn't tell which came first. I heard

moved toward the

on his hand, my mind

were so many unresolved issues between us-Claudia, Nelson, Tabitha, Cory-each of them should take precedence over

spiral into

and leaned his nose against mine, grinning

arms, and I turned away, feeling