CHAPTER 44: TEMPTATION

Chapter 44

Katherine had been catching Aaron watching her at work—his unwavering gaze stalking her more intensely. It wasn’t just a glance here or there anymore—it was consistent—not hiding the fact they knew each other.

Even some of the staff jested about it—about the man that lurked in the lounge, hallway.

His russet eyes lingered longer than they should. Sometimes, when she turned her head too quickly, she’d catch him watching and their gazes would lock for split seconds. The intensity and rawness in his stare made her jumpy, skittish, and her fingers tremble by her side. She would quickly look away as her stomach twisted.

His gaze softened each time she was near, which was quite different from his unreadable, stoic expression.

And Katherine—without realizing it—found herself smiling back at him, laughing a little too warmly when he teased, her steps unconsciously slowing when he was around or aimlessly walking around.

One afternoon, as Katherine struggled to carry a heavy box of files into her office, Aaron appeared like a thief in the night, just as she stumbled forward. He grabbed the other side of the box without a word.

Their hands brushed, the warmth of his skin against hers sent a jolt up her spine, and her breath caught in her throat. The hair on her neck stood in alertness.

"You should ask for help," Aaron said casually, his voice low.

Katherine looked away, brushing strands of hair behind her ear. "I can handle it," she muttered.

Mathew, who was on his way to show Katherine the new deal, paused in his steps. The happiness vanished as he watched both of them exchange subtle glances and smiles.

Mathew exhaled deeply. A sad, resigned smile curved on his lips. She deserves to be happy, he told himself. And I’ll be here when she needs me, he muttered and swiftly turned to go back to his office.

Then Katherine, buried in her work, sorting out the monthly planner, felt her phone vibrate. She raised her brow, grabbing her phone from the small shelf.

She opened her messenger and saw a message from Aaron.

"Check the window." She frowned and walked over to the window, drawing the curtains back as she peered down.

There he was. Aaron Knight, in a casual hoodie and jeans, standing on the sidewalk with a ridiculous grin and a silly hand-painted banner stretched out in front of him.

Katherine shook her head, a laugh escaped from her lips before she could stop it as she slammed the window shut embarrassingly. She placed a hand over her heart, cheeks flushed as she bit her lower lip to suppress the grin threatening to break free. Her heart thumped loudly.

That idiot.

Later that night, when Katherine got home, she found Aaron in the living room with the kids. The house was silent. Jasmine had fallen asleep cuddling him, her little arm around the stuffed rabbit Aaron had got her, while Hanith sat by the corner, flipping through a storybook quietly.

Katherine smiled and moved to the kitchen to make a quick dinner. The air in the kitchen was filled with the gentle sizzle from the pot as she turned to look at Aaron, who was already staring at her. Like the push-pull attraction of a magnet.

She watched Aaron gently place Jasmine on the couch, resting her head on the armrest. The carefulness as he put Jasmine down made her heart yearn. But when she saw Aaron standing up and walking to the kitchen, she quickly turned her head. Her grip tightened on the spatula.

Aaron stood some inches away from her as she sucked in a breath. He didn’t talk. Silence enveloped her as she imagined the air in the kitchen was limited with his presence.

"Are you done cooking?" he whispered. His voice was close, low, and teasing, which trickled into her ears and made her swallow hard.

The spatula in her hand shook. "Just a little," her voice trembled as she spoke.

"I’m waiting," he murmured, and she felt his breath tickle her ear. He leaned in, resting his head on her shoulder, his forehead brushing against the side of her neck while Katherine exhaled softly.

"It smells good," he whispered, nuzzling her skin gently as he placed soft, wet kisses along her neck, making her head tilt involuntarily, granting him more access.

"We shouldn’t be doing this," she moaned softly, her eyes fluttering closed, her body betraying her words.

"Then stop me," he breathed against her skin, as her breath hitched from the vibration that rumbled from his chest into her spine. She didn’t move—she could not.

Aaron turned her around slowly—their chests heaving in synchrony as his hands stayed firm on her hips. Her eyes were glassy, clouded with desire, her throat bobbing from it. He leaned in, lips gently brushing hers—

—and the moment shattered.

"Mummy, I’m hungry," Hanith’s small voice echoed from the kitchen entrance, his eyes innocently looking at his parents.

Katherine panicked, shocked from the intrusion. Reflexively, she pushed Aaron away.

Aaron stumbled. He didn’t expect the strength she’d used to shove him, making him hit the sharp edge of the counter. The sound of impact echoed, and he groaned, holding his side.

"Ooph," he muttered in pain.

"Oh my God," Katherine’s eyes widened in shock, dropping the spatula as she rushed toward him. "I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Are you okay?" she apologized profusely, staring at Aaron’s face scrunched in pain.

"I’m fine," he managed out, gritting his teeth as he grimaced in pain. He straightened slowly, holding his side as he walked out of the kitchen without looking back.

Katherine remained rooted to the spot, her hand over her heart as her chest rose and fell rapidly. Shame and confusion crept into her mind. She nearly gave in to temptation.

She nearly gave in.

She nearly kissed him.

She nearly accepted him.

Had it been Hanith didn’t come in, she would have kissed him?

She would have embraced his lips with hers.

Katherine quickly turned to the sink and splashed cold water on her face, patting her burning cheeks, hoping to extinguish the flame in her cheeks.

She gripped the edge of the basin, staring at her flushed reflection in the window glass above the sink.

What are you doing, Katherine?