Claire's POVI rushed into the office, my heart still racing from the phone call with Lucas. A dinner date. Tonight. The thought made my stomach flip with nerves and excitement."Well don't you look happy," Anna said as I walked in, a big smile on her face. "Good news?"I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. "Lucas asked me out tonight. To someplace really nice."Anna jumped up and hugged me tight. "Claire, that's great! You so deserve this after everything with that awful Chloe."My smile slipped a bit at her name. I still couldn't forget how she ruined our last date, all the terrible things she said.Anna squeezed my hand. "Hey, tonight will be different. I know it. She wouldn't try anything like that again.""I really hope so." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "Actually...I was hoping you could watch Brian tonight? I don't want to bring him, just in case...""Of course!" Anna said right away. "You know I love spending time with the little guy. We'll hav
Lucas's POVI practically bounced down the stairs, my excitement building with every step. This was it. The night I'd been waiting for. A chance to show Claire how much she meant to me, to take our relationship to the next level."I'm heading out, Margaret," I called my housekeeper as I grabbed my keys. "Don't wait up. And make sure to set the alarm when you leave.""Of course, Mr.Anderson ," she replied with a knowing smile. "Have a wonderful evening."I flashed her a grin and a wink before dashing out the door to my car. The engine roared to life as I slid behind the wheel, the stereo automatically blasting my favorite feel-good playlist.With the music thumping and my heart soaring, I pulled out of the drive and pointed the car towards Claire's apartment. Towards my future, if I had anything to say about it.The drive seemed to fly by, my mind filled with visions of how the night would go. The romantic dinner, the heartfelt conversation, the kiss I planned to lay on her that would
Lucas's POVAs we pulled up to the KISS AND SMILE hotel, I couldn't help but grin at the look of awe on Claire's face. Little did she know, I was the owner of this particular establishment. Just one of the many surprises I had in store for her tonight."Lucas, this place is incredible," she breathed as I helped her from the car, Brian already bouncing with excitement beside us. "Are you sure this isn't too much?"I laced our fingers together, bringing her hand to my lips for a quick kiss. "Nothing's too much for you, sunshine. Besides, wait until you see what I have planned."With a wink, I led them into the opulent lobby, nodding at the staff who greeted me by name. Claire's eyes widened but she didn't comment, just squeezed my hand tighter.Jason met us at the entrance to the private dining room, a knowing smirk on his face. "Everything's arranged just as you requested, sir. Your table is ready.""Excellent. Thanks, Jay." I clapped him on the shoulder as we breezed past, into the in
Claire’s povI stride into my office at Nova Designs on Monday morning, feeling that delightful buzz of anticipation. The news over the weekend naming us one of the top two interior design firms in New York is still sinking in. This is what I've worked so hard for - true recognition of my talents and the incredible team I've built."Good morning, Ms. Claire ," Anna, my ever-reliable assistant, greets me with a warm smile as I enter. She takes my handbag and briefcase. "Brian got off to school without any fuss this morning.""Wonderful, thank you Anna." I pause to hang up my coat. "And how are things looking for us this week?"Anna launches into her customary rundown, but her tone carries an extra note of pride. "The Matthews estate project is nearly complete - that's the $6 million contract. And I have inquiries from three billionaires hoping to have you redesign their Manhattan residences."I can't help but smile at the awe in her voice. "You're too kind, Anna. It's our whole team th
Claire’s povLucas's eyes were soft but insistent as he said, "Go. I'll be here when you need me." I gave a small, curt nod, then turned and rushed through the hospital's sliding doors before he could see the sheen of tears blurring my vision. My heart felt like it was clenched in a vice as I made my way to the pediatric ward where the nurse said Brian had been admitted. "Where is he? Where's my son?" I demanded as soon as I reached the nurses' station, my voice terse with barely contained panic.The nurse must have seen a thousand worried mothers, but she gentled her tone as she said, "He's right through here, Ms. Claire. The doctor is with him now."I followed her down the corridor with hurried steps, pushing open the door to Brian's room. He looked so small and pale lying there, though his eyes were open and he seemed fully conscious, thank God. "Mummy!" His face broke into a relieved smile when he saw me.In an instant I was at his bedside, stroking his hair. "Brian, sweetheart
Lucas povI got back to my mansion feeling exhausted after the long day. As I parked my car, my mind kept drifting back to Claire and her son, Brian. The resemblance was uncanny - those eyes, that smile, it was like looking at a younger version of myself. A nagging doubt crept in. Could Brian be my son? Claire and I had that one night of passion years ago. But she said Brian was only five, which would mean she was with someone else when we...No, I shouldn't jump to conclusions.I was still mulling it over when my phone rang. It was Mom. "Lucas! Why on earth did you cancel your dinner date with Chloe?" she demanded. "The poor girl was left waiting at the restaurant like a fool."I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I had a business meeting that ran late, Mother. I was too tired for dinner.""That's no excuse! You didn't even have the decency to call Chloe and let her know?""I was going to message her," I lied, not wanting another lecture."Well, it's too late for that now. You need to
Lucas povI woke with a start, eyes flying open as the early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains. Glancing at the clock, I was surprised to see how early it was earlier than I'd wakened in a long time without being roused by an important meeting or business obligation.But today wasn't about work. Today was about Claire...and Brian. A small smile tugged at my lips as I thought about the little boy who could quite possibly be my son. The resemblance was uncanny, and the more I pondered it, the more I felt that unshakable gut instinct that he had to be mine.With a renewed sense of purpose, I threw off the covers and headed for the shower, thoughts of Claire and that amazing night we shared flooding my mind. As the hot water sluiced over my body, I found myself growing hard just reminiscing about the softness of her skin, the breathtaking noises of pleasure she made as we moved together in perfect rhythm. Shaking my head to dispel the sensual memories before I got too carrie
Claire’s povBreakfast was a lively affair, with Brian chattering nonstop about his design ideas while Lucas listened with rapt attention. The bond between them was palpable, like two kindred spirits connecting on a level I couldn't fully grasp.As we cleaned up and got ready to head to the office, I couldn't help stealing sidelong glances at the pair, my heart doing funny little flip-flops. Lucas looked so at ease around Brian, so genuinely engaged and interested. And my son, in turn, was positively glowing with the focused notice from his new "friend."When we pulled up to the office, I wasn't surprised by the curious looks and whispered murmurs from my employees milling about outside. I'm sure the sight of me arriving with the city's most eligible bachelor in tow was quite the gossip-worthy spectacle.Ignoring the raised eyebrows and not-so-subtle gawking, I ushered Lucas and Brian inside, my son's little hand gripped securely in mine. We hadn't taken two steps through the lobby be