Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Jessica."

Timothy's voice brushed against her ear, low and warm, his breath stirring the air between them and making her head spin.

"Try to get some sleep."

His hand moved gently over her lower abdomen, soothing her.

Her heart fluttered and ached at once.

He didn't even realize how seductive his tenderness was.

Before long, she drifted off, lost in a hazy, comforting drowsiness.

The next morning.

Jessica opened her eyes to find the bed beside her empty. From the bathroom came the soft sounds of running water and the clink of toiletries.

She slipped out from under the covers. To her surprise, the cramps she'd suffered the night before had vanished completely.

Timothy stepped out of the bathroom.

He looked impeccable-dressed in a crisp suit, hair neatly combed, clean-shaven and radiant. Handsome to the point of perfection.

"Why aren't you sleeping a bit longer?"

the clock. It was already nearing

was just about to stand up when Timothy strode

left

and unreadable, flickered with concern. "Save your

down in front of the sink, grabbed her pale blue electric toothbrush,

heart isn't stronger, she thought, I'll never

As she started brushing, Timothy lounged against the wall, half-lidding his eyes. His voice was soft and casual. "I cleared my schedule for the next few days. I'll be home on time every night. I'll make arrangements for you to start

and put down the toothbrush, then signed

want to give her supervisor

brought this up as

hadn't tried to find a way for Sheila to become the supervisor's student.

he stepped in, it would only make

finally. "You know Ines better. Once you've talked it over,

was willing to compromise, clearly wanting

the question; nothing could be

more. She would wait and see. He cared

she finished getting ready, Timothy

nowhere to be seen.

hat that matched her outfit and placed it gently

to the amusement park as soon as he woke up. You weren't feeling