Although Mark knew she was only craving for an intimate hug, he playfully scolded, "The children are waiting for their meal. Let me cook, and I promise to attend to you later. No more mischief, okay?"

Cecilia thought he was being cruel.

But she had no intention of letting him go.

The pair sidled up to the kitchen counter, Cecilia clinging to Mark as though she were a baby koala. Her playful antics while he was trying to cook almost made it impossible for him to focus on the task at hand.

Turning his head, he whispered suggestively, “Or maybe I should attend to you first?"