Chapter Six

Bianca

My head is reeling with so many questions that I'm finding it hard to keep track of them all. I glance at Jason from under my eyelids, while pretending to tend to Oliver. He suddenly seems like an entirely different person from the persona he puts on in the office.

This side of him, the one who has gone out of his way to help us when I know he's swamped with work, is so unexpected. It feels surreal to be with him right now, in his fancy, expensive car, making sure we're taken care of. It almost seems like we're a family…

The thought shocks me. Even a few hours ago, I would have never imagined seeing him as more than my boss. But, after our near embrace this morning and the way he jumped into action to help me get Oliver, I know that Jason is someone I want to get to know better, someone I want in my life more.

Oliver is dozing off in the backseat, and I take the opportunity to steal a closer look at Jason. His profile is striking, his expression focused as he drives. Not for the first time, I noticed the sharp angles of his jaws and the perfect curve of his lips. His face is like an artwork, sculpted to perfection and I wonder what it'd feel like to run my hands over those sharp edges and the ripped muscles of his shoulders and…

God, what's wrong with me?

I suddenly feel hot, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the direction of my thoughts. How can I be thinking about my boss like this, especially when he's just being nice? I shouldn't feel this way but there's something about this new side of Jason that's throwing me off balance, making me reconsider everything I thought I knew about him. It was easy ignoring my feelings for him when he was demanding in the office, but now he makes me want to acknowledge the crazy butterflies in my stomach whenever he's nearby. I can't find the will to resist him, even though I know how dangerous this attraction between us can be. It must be that near-kiss in the school parking lot that's messing with my head.

I risk another glance his way and his gaze suddenly meets mine, his lips curling up in a knowing smirk.

"A penny for your thoughts, Bianca?" He asks, his eyes boring intensely into mine. It's almost like he can read the lusty thoughts in my head.

I blush hard, suddenly at a loss for what to say. "I– uh, nothing," I stammer, giving myself a mental smack on the head when his only response is a smug smirk.

"Are you sure about that?" His eyes still piercing mine.

Thankfully, we've just pulled into my driveway so I can dodge his question.

"We're here," I say quickly, pointing at the humble bungalow where Oliver and I live. It used to be my parents' house before they passed away, leaving it to Rose and me. This house, humble as it is, holds a lifetime of memories for me and I intend to hold onto it for as long as possible. So, it doesn't matter that it's falling apart or that the white paint is peeling, or that it's situated in the average part of town, I refuse to be ashamed of my heritage.

"Thank you so much for everything today, Jason. I really couldn't have pulled off getting him home and getting the medicine without you," I say, hoping more sincerity rather than the confusion I'm feeling fills my face. My mood has suddenly taken a downward spiral as I become overwhelmed with the idea of Jason seeing so much of my personal life.

With him, my emotions are a roller coaster. One minute I'm hot, the next I'm cold. He makes me feel angry, excited, frustrated, and giddy all at once. I can't seem to control myself around him and it's driving me crazy.

"Bianca, if you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know," he says as I get out of the car, hauling Oliver over my shoulder with one hand and grabbing the car seat with the other.

There's something about his tone, a genuineness that eases the tightness in my chest and before I can stop myself, the words slip out of my mouth. "Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?" I can literally feel my cheeks turning red—what if he turns me down?

He seems surprised at first but then his face lights up with a warm smile. "I'd like that," he says, taking the car seat from me. "After you."

I lead the way to my front door, a sense of anticipation building up inside me. Once inside, I lay Oliver on the couch and put a blanket over him, then turn on his favorite TV show. Just as I'm about to ask Jason what he'd like to drink, my phone starts to ring. I fetch it out of my handbag, grimacing when I see Clark Thompson's name on the screen.

"Excuse me, please," I say to Jason, gesturing at my ringing phone with an apologetic smile. "I have to take this. It's rather urgent."

"Hi, Clark," I say as soon as I pick up the call, trying to keep the anxiety out of my voice.

"Bianca," Clark greets in his usual cheerful tone, then clears his throat. "I have an update on your legal situation…"

My heart starts to race as I prepare myself for the worst. "Okay, what is it?"

"The fees for this next round of legal trouble are going to be substantial," Clark says quietly, his voice sympathetic. "It's going to impact you significantly."

I take a deep breath, trying to process his words. "How much are we talking about?" I ask after a beat.

Clark gives me the figure, and my stomach churns violently. It's a lot more than I expected. "I can't afford that right now," I say, digging my nails into my palm to prevent myself from bursting into tears.

"I understand this is a difficult situation," Clark says, his voice gentle. "You can pay it off in installments if that would help, but I need a decision soon. We want to move forward with the case as fast as possible so you and Oliver can resume your normal lives."

"Okay," I mutter, letting out a shuddering breath. "I'll figure something out."

I have no idea how I plan to do that but I'm sure I'll find a way. I always do.

"I know this is hard, Bianca," Clark says, his tone sincere. "Just let me know your decision as soon as you can."

I nod even though he can't see me. "I will. Thanks, Clark."

A heaviness settles on my chest as we end the call. I let my hand drop limply to my side, leaning heavily against the wall for support. I can feel my head reeling rapidly as my mind races with possible solutions to this new problem.

Paying the amount that Clark quoted will set me back substantially. I could borrow the money from Oliver's college fund but that's not even really an option. I'll have to change Oliver's preschool to a cheaper one and work twice as hard, probably get a second job, but that'll eat deeply into my time with Oliver.

I close my eyes and let out a shaky sigh. Everything will be alright… I'll make things work out somehow. I always do.

Just as I'm about to leave the room, Jason walks in. His tall, broad frame fills the entrance and suddenly, the room seems too small. There's something about his expression, an unusual tenderness that makes me wonder if he overheard my conversation with Clark.

"Oliver fell asleep on the couch with his movie," he says casually, gesturing towards the living room. "His temperature was already looking better a few minutes ago."

I nod, surprised that he genuinely seems to care. "Thanks for letting me know," I say quietly, mustering a small smile.

He watches me for a moment, his eyes searching my face. "You okay? Is something wrong?"

I shake my head, trying for a convincing smile. "Nothing."

"It doesn't seem like nothing," Jason says, his eyes never leaving mine. "I heard you on the phone. What was that all about?"

I fold my arms over my chest, taking a defensive stance as I glare into his face. "I don't appreciate you eavesdropping on me in my house."

"The walls are pretty thin, Bianca." His tone was surprisingly gentle like he knew I was putting up an act. "Are you in some sort of legal trouble?"

"It's none of your business."

"You're my employee, Bianca," he says in a firm tone. "That makes whatever this is my business."

I let out a soft sigh, suddenly too tired to be brave and strong. I'm so tired that I feel like bursting into tears and having him hold me in his strong arms. But even that is a dream that I can't afford.

"It's about Oliver's adoption," I finally say, letting out another soft sigh.

"Oliver was adopted?" He asks, his voice heavily laced with disbelief.

"Yes, he's my sister's son," I explain. "She died due to complications after childbirth, so I decided to adopt him. It's been four years and everything has been going smoothly until now."

"What's the problem?"

"Daniel, Oliver's biological father, relinquished all his parental rights four years ago but now he wants Oliver back and I have to pay a ridiculous amount to fight him in court."

"I'll take care of the legal fees," he says without batting a lash.

I blink at him in disbelief, wondering if I heard him wrong. "What?"

"I'll take care of the legal fees so you don't have to worry about anything," he replies with a careless shrug.

"You really don't have to do that," I say, shocked by his gesture. I've just begun developing real feelings for him and I don't want my legal issues to mess up something real between us. I want the chance to explore this without any extra weight.

"I just want to help you, Bianca," he says, hesitantly reaching out to caress my cheek. His touch sends chills down my body, reminding me of our interaction this morning. I wonder what it would be like to let go, to lean fully into his touch and see where it leads.

"Why?" I choke out, so overwhelmed with the emotions of the day I feel near-tears.

"I care about you, alright?" Jason says, his tone gruff. "From the very moment you walked into my office, you've made me feel things that I've never felt before; you drive me crazy, Bianca."

My breath catches in my throat as he leans in closer, the heat of his body radiating against me. The walls seem to close in around us, and I can't seem to think straight with him so close. I swallow nervously as I watch his head descend to mine, then his mouth touches mine and I instantly lose my train of thought. His lips are warm and firm against mine, sending a rush of overwhelming sensations through my body. His kiss is gentle at first, almost hesitant as if he's giving me a chance to pull away if I want to. But instead, I find myself responding, parting my lips to allow him deeper access. It's my first kiss and never in my imagination did I ever think it'd be so explosive. My mind is racing at a thousand miles per second, and my body burning with a fire that threatens to consume me.

He pulls back, staring into my eyes as if looking for me to signal that I don't want this as much as he does. But, without waiting for any further acknowledgement, he leans back down, threading his hands in my hair to pull me as close as possible. He lets out a gruff groan, the sound reverberating deeply in my throat.

It feels like an eternity before he finally pulls away again. This time, his eyes are filled with a raw hunger that's both exhilarating and terrifying. He reaches out to cup my cheeks, his gaze burning a hole through my soul.

"I want you so badly, Bianca… Tell me you want this too."

I nod, forcing the words I haven't admitted out of my throat, "I want you too, Jason, but I need you to know I've never been with anyone before. I've had Oliver since I was nineteen and have never found a man that was worth my time… until now." He looks at me with tenderness on his face as he continues to cup my cheeks.

"Well, I'm glad you waited for me," he says, before his mouth claims mine once again.