Page 94 of The Edge Of Us

We were in line for ice cream when Kyle turned to me, holding onto Jasper's leg.

"Mommy... are you and Uncle Jasper together now? Like... together-together?"

I blinked. Not out of surprise at the question, but at how casually he asked it. Like he'd been wondering all day.

I crouched to his level, brushing a lock of hair behind his ear. "Yes, sweetheart. We are. We care about each other a lot."

Kyle looked between us. "Does that mean Daddy's not my daddy anymore?"

Jasper knelt beside me, resting a hand on Kyle's shoulder.

"Hey, buddy. Your dad will always be your dad. That never changes. I'm just... someone who really loves spending time with you and Astrid. And your mom. And I hope that's okay."

Kyle nodded slowly, then smiled.

"Cool. Can I get two scoops now?"

We burst out laughing.

Later that evening, we stopped by the hotel to grab a few essentials. The kids were already yawning. Jasper offered to let us all crash in his suite, and I didn't hesitate.

It felt like a second home now.

By the time I tucked Astrid and Kyle into the plush bed in the second room of his suite, they were out cold. Kyle clutched his toy car. Astrid was hugging her stuffed bunny.

I stood there for a moment longer, brushing their hair back, heart full.

Then I turned.

And found Jasper leaning against the doorframe, eyes on me like I hung the stars.

"They love you," I whispered.

He crossed the room in three strides. "I love you, Corinne."

My breath caught.

He saw my wide eyes and corrected quickly, softly, brushing my hair behind my ear. "I mean... I care about you. A lot."

I exhaled, smiling faintly. "You're lucky you're hot, or I'd slap you for scaring me."

He grinned, lowering his lips to mine.

And the rest? The rest was fire. Need. Passion. Months of built-up want and days of quiet understanding.

Our hands explored like it was the first time. My mouth found his, soft and demanding. The taste of him clouded everything else. We stumbled toward his bedroom, laughter and desire colliding.

Clothes dropped in haste. Skin met skin. Moans and gasps replaced words. He touched me like he meant it, like I was the only thing that mattered.

And for a moment, I believed I was.

His fingers laced with mine as he whispered against my throat, "I'm not going anywhere."

Neither was I.

Not anymore.

Chapter 52

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