Chapter 61
Farjier, Melissa had promised Bradley she’d take Curtis back today. But the day had passed in a blur of activity, leaving her little time to spend with Cunis
Now, feeling guilty, Melissa decided to plead for a one–night extension.
Bradley raised an eyebrow, setting down his utensils. His gaze was probing, and he asked, “You think one meal can buy me over?”
Melissa’s small scheme had been seen through immediately. She almost begged, “I was so busy today, that I didn’t get to spend any quality time with Curtis. I swear, I take him back tomorrow afternoon!”
Curtis, his cheeks puffed full of food, chimed in, “I wanna sleep with Mommy tonight!”
Bradley didn’t budge, so Melissa gave Curtis a subtle nudge under the table.
Curtis got the him, set his utensils down, and scrambled onto Bradley’s lap. Wrapping his arms around Bradley’s neck, he begged, “Daddy, please! Let me stay, okay?”
Bradley shot a sideways glance at Mélissa. “Still think you didn’t put him up to this?”
Melissa looked down guiltily, forcing a nervous laugh, “1 swear I didn’t…
Meanwhile, Curtis planted a wet kiss on Bradley’s cheek. “Daddy, please!” he continued.
When he leaned in for another, Bradley blocked him with a hand, his expression one of disgust. He said seriously, “Your mouth’s all greasy, and
don’t touch mel
Curtis giggled. “Then let me stay
ay with Mommy tonight, okay?”
Bradley, clearly defeated by the boy’s antics, sighed and gave in. “Fine! Now get down.
“Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best!” Curtis exclaimed, sliding back into his chair.
Bradley grabbed a napkin, wiping
g his face as he gave Melissa a mock glare. “You’ve really y raised a charming little troublemaker.
Bradley’s words sounded annoyed, but the lack of genuine irritation in his tone was telling.
Curtis grinned at him cheekily and added, “Thanks, Daddy, for the compliment
Bradley smirked, picking up his utensils again. “Dummy. You don’t even know the difference between a compliment and an insult,” he said cooly.
Melisu, thrilled by how easily Bradley had agreed, tried to keep her excitement in check. She turned to Curtis and said, “Curtis, eat up. After dinner, we’ll head downstairs to play on the big slide”
Curtis cheered, clapping his hands. “Yay!”
Once the dishes were done, Melissa changed clothes and glanced at Bradley, who was still sitting on the couch. “When are you heading back?” she asked causally.
My son’s here. Where am I supposed to go?”
Hearing this, Bradley frowned at her and replied, “My
Melissa was at a loss for words, but her smile returned slowly. A man willing to spend his weekend with his child–was, at the very least, a good father. 111 take him downstairs for a while,” she said.
Then Curtis waved at him happily. “Bye, Daddy!”
However, Bradley, having prepared himself to join them, was left feeling oddly empty.
Curtis had so much fun that night before he was ready to leave. Melissa waited patiently until Bradley called, his tone sharp. “It’s late. Why aren’t you back yet?”
Not wanting to upset him and risk losing Curtis, Melissa replied with a forced smile, “We’re on our way?
With duc Melissa carried a reluctant Curtis back to the apartment. Bradley, looking less than pleased, didn’t say much.
After nodding at him, Melissa nook Curtis to the bathroom for a bath.
Exhausted from playing Curtis dozed off in her arms shortly after his bath. Soon, Melissa tucked him into bed before retreating to the balcony
with her laptops, resuming her design work.
2/2
8.00 PM ct c
Chapter 61
By midnight, Melissa finally submitted her design, stretching her sore neck as relief washed over her. Her only thought was, “Whatever happens, happens.
Her mind fuzzy from hours of focus, Melissa left the lights off as she went to the living room to grabs water. Her cup was still on the coffee table near the couch.
In the dark, her fool caught on one of Curtis‘ toya. Melissa fost her balance, stumbling forward. “Aht” she cried out, bracing for impact with the couch.
But instead of soft cushions, Melissa fell into something warm and solid chest. As her panic subsided. Melissa realized her lips had landed squarely against Bradley’s throat.
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