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?"

It was

just about to stand up when Timothy strode over, scooping her effortlessly

split second as her feet left

"Save your strength. I'll

electric toothbrush, squeezed out a perfect stripe of toothpaste,

heart isn't stronger, she thought,

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

rinsed her mouth and put down the toothbrush, then signed to him,

want to give her supervisor hope only to

she'd brought this up as a

a way for Sheila to become the supervisor's

it would only make things more complicated

her for a moment. "Alright," he said finally. "You know Ines better. Once you've talked it over, let me know. I'll make sure you're placed

clearly wanting to keep things

work was out of the question;

cared

she finished getting ready, Timothy called her to

Henry and Sheila were nowhere to

the meal, Timothy fetched a sun hat that matched her outfit and placed it

You weren't feeling well last night, so I told him not