At Raines Flower shop, Lucy propped her hand on her chair and sat down, a mix of contrasting emotions warring inside her. She was deeply grateful to Elsa. Knowing her friend was earning more brought a genuine wave of happiness and relief—it felt like a sign that things might finally be turning around. Yet, as she touched her surname, a heavy weight settled in her chest.
She and Elsa had chosen "Cooper" together at the orphanage right before aging out, wanting to forge their own family and stay close. While the name felt like theirs, the reality of having no parents and no safety net meant Lucy had to fight for everything on her own. Even so, deep in her heart, a flicker of hope refused to die: she still believed a relative was out there somewhere, looking for her.
Later that evening, Aaron rested against the sleigh bed's headboard, scrolling through a file on his tablet. The soft rustle of movement drew his gaze as Natalia stepped into the room and climbed into bed. It was a pleasant surprise; usually, she stayed up late working on her laptop.
"I thought you weren't coming to bed," he said, glancing at her.
Her dark brown eyes met his with a warm, passive gaze. "I wrapped things up early. I finished early today."
As she looked at his brown eyes—eyes that never failed to captivate her heart and make it race—Aaron looked back down at his tablet to review the next day's plans.
Noticing his focus, Natalia asked softly, "You must be busy?"
"Yes. And you too seem busy lately," Aaron replied, his tone carrying a trace of concern. Her late nights meant they were missing out on the quiet moments before sleep, and it didn't feel right.
"Well, not all the time," Natalia said.
"It's sometimes all the time. Do you take breaks?" he asked, keeping his attention on the screen.
"I always do."
"Good. It's essential to take breaks," Aaron said, finally looking back up at her.
Natalia knew he was right. Taking breaks refreshed the mind and kept burnout at bay. As he studied her, a low, restless heat stirred within her. Dressed in his pyjamas, his mere presence made her body crave his touch. Yet, instead of moving closer, she hesitated.
"You sleep early now," Natalia noted, missing the intimate hours of late-night conversation and passion they used to share.
"I don't," Aaron said, though he knew the truth: she usually joined him only after he had already drifted off, a habit he disliked.
"You just go to bed early," Natalia added.
"I have to. I've got work," Aaron said. But beneath the practical words, a hungry ache was already building in his groin just from having her near. "We are together, so we should try having some fun," he murmured, his voice dropping low and locking his gaze onto hers.
The low timbre hit her straight in the stomach, sending a thrill of anticipation through her. "What does fun mean?" she asked, though she had a very clear idea. To them, fun meant everything from watching TV and sharing jokes to deep, passionate intimacy.
"A lot of things," Aaron smiled, enjoying the innocent look on her face. "And who knows when I'll be awake while you're still in bed."
She gave him a quizzical look. "I don't think this is the last time we'll see each other before we sleep."
"Doesn't matter," he teased, his eyes flicking back to the tablet.
Natalia's jaw tightened. He was playfully pulling away, testing her restraint. "Well, we do always sleep in this bed together. All the time," she murmured, the thought of them making love sending a shiver of desire through her.
"And we could even do it tonight," Aaron said, setting the tablet aside to study her face. He could read the need in her expression.
"I don't know when I'll catch you in the bed with me," he murmured, weighing the thought.
Unable to hold back any longer, Natalia's primary concern slipped out: "What if I get pregnant with our third child?"
Aaron's expression softened. He reached out, his warm palm cuping her face, melting away her defenses. "That shouldn't be a problem. We still need one more member of the family. We're in this together."
Even as she melted into his touch, a fleeting thought crossed her mind—he was responsible and true, but he wouldn't have to endure the physical toll and pain of childbirth. Seeing a shadow of annoyance cross her features, Aaron leaned in and kissed her forehead tenderly.
The spark caught fire. Desire coiled low in her stomach as his warm body pressed close. Aaron looked deep into her eyes, reading the affection and love reflected there, before capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss.
Natalia sank back onto the mattress as pleasure rolled through her. His lips trailed down to her neck, kissing and sucking gently, drawing a soft moan from her lips. With practiced ease, his hand slid down her thigh, his palm smoothing over the strap of her nightgown and guiding the fabric down her chest to her waist.
His lips moved to her throat while his hands cupped and gently kneaded her breasts. Natalia shivered as his mouth traveled lower, his lips and teeth nipping playfully at the sensitive bud of her breast. Her soft, gentle whimpers of pleasure spurred him on.
Sliding his hand between them, he cupped her other breast while his other hand journeyed downward. Slipping beneath her panties, his fingers found her sensitive slit, parting and fondling her gently. Natalia arched her back, her toes curling as a wave of intense sensation consumed her. He was thorough, attentive, and completely attuned to her body.
Pumping his fingers gently into her wet heat, he prepared her for his touch, matching the rhythm of his kisses with the steady stroke of his hand.
"Look at me," he whispered, and as their eyes locked, he leaned down to capture her mouth once more.
Moving with deliberate intent, Aaron stripped away his pyjama shirt, tossing it aside. Natalia watched him, her breath hitching. As he shifted between her parted legs, his hardened length brushed against her entrance, slick and ready.
With a low moan, Natalia welcomed him inside. The initial stretch sent a jolt of pure, intense pleasure through her. Her fingers laced tightly with his against the sheets as he drove deeper into her.
Their breathing hitched, matching the cadence of their movements. The world outside the bedroom melted away, leaving only the rhythm of the bed, the warmth of their skin, and the consuming heat of their passionate lovemaking deep into the night.