Chapter 112

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the pair. Emily Johnson kept her gaze locked on Michael Stone's eyes, her fingertips still lingering on his chin.

"More familiar?" Michael's Adam's apple bobbed as his voice tightened.

"What, scared?" Emily's lips curled slightly, her eyes glinting with challenge.

Without warning, Michael seized her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Emily stumbled, landing abruptly on his lap, her nose bumping against his firm chest.

"You—"

"Didn't you say we should get more familiar?" Michael chuckled, his warm breath brushing her ear. "I'm just cooperating."

Her ears burned, and she squirmed to escape, but his grip held firm.

"Let go!"

"No." His arms tightened. "Why would I waste this chance?"

The clatter of dishes echoed from the kitchen—David was cleaning up. Emily tensed. "The kids are coming out!"

Michael didn’t budge. "They know better than to interrupt."

She glared. "You—"

"Emily," he said suddenly, serious. "Do you really want me to take the college entrance exam?"

The abrupt shift caught her off guard.

"If I go to school, what happens to the family?" He squeezed her hand. "I can’t leave you alone with two kids."

Emily pressed her lips together. She knew the practical concerns, but—

"I can handle—"

"I know you’re capable," Michael cut in, "but I don’t want you to struggle."

Sunlight dappled his face, and for the first time, she noticed the faint lines at the corners of his eyes. This man, barely in his twenties, had already shouldered too much.

"We’ll talk later." She turned away. "There’s still time."

Michael smiled. "Alright. Whatever you say."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Then what? Emily?" He leaned closer. "Or... wife?"

She shoved him away. "Whatever!"

Scrambling to her feet, she heard his low laughter behind her. That infuriating man was clearly teasing her!

"Mommy!" Tommy rubbed his eyes as he shuffled out from the bedroom. "I can’t sleep..."

Emily seized the escape. "I’ll stay with you."

Michael watched her retreat, his gaze soft. He wanted nothing more than to attend college with her—but reality left no room for selfishness.

"Daddy too!" Tommy called over his shoulder.

Michael arched a brow at Emily’s frozen figure. "Sure. Daddy’s coming too."

Emily: "..."

This afternoon was going to be anything but peaceful.