Marcus' hand grazed Melissa's slender waist. "How about letting Julie move in here and look after Matthew? She can bring Yvonne here. And if Janet agrees, she can stay here too."

Melissa felt uneasy.

Keeping Julie and her family apart wasn't a good idea. But they were both working and did need someone to look after Matthew.

Melissa mulled it over, not noticing Marcus still had his hand on her waist.

Finally, she nibbled her lip and spoke up. "Then let's have Julie and Yvonne over. Yvonne's at school Monday to Friday. We can handle Matthew on the weekends by ourselves and give Julie a break."

It was a rare moment of peaceful agreement between them.

Marcus regarded Melissa in silence.

Then, a smile crept onto his face. “That's mighty considerate of you.

Alright, let's go with your plan.

Melissa was taken aback.

Normally, Marcus would tease her relentlessly. But today, he was acting out of character.

Marcus, sensing her surprise, held her slender waist. "I prefer you to wear your own clothes. Go shower and change."

Melissa was exhausted after two days of hustle.

She craved a bath and a good rubdown. It took her a good two hours.

When she emerged, Marcus was still in her room.

He was lounging against the headboard in a white robe, his long legs casually crossed.

The robe suited Marcus perfectly.

Melissa wrapped her robe tighter. “Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Marcus flipped through a magazine, nonchalantly. "I'm here trying to charm you. How can I sleep when you're not looking at me?"

He said his piece, then headed straight to the adjacent bedroom.