As Sanford and Maggie rose to see her off, Sanford echoed his gratitude, "Thank you."

"Can I have one last hug?" Jaelyn asked, her voice a mixture of hope and resignation.

Sanford hesitated, his eyes flicking to Maggie in a silent plea for approval.

Jaelyn laughed softly and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him.

“I don't care. This hug is your thank-you gift."

Goodbye, Sanford. Goodbye, my former love.

With those final words inwardly, she embraced him tightly and then released him. She picked up her belongings and walked away without looking back.

The room fell silent, lingering with the scent of Jaelyn's perfume.

Maggie watched as Sanford's gaze lingered on the closing door, his expression unreadable. She bit her lip, a playful edge to her voice as she broke the silence. "You have five more seconds to think about her."

Jolted back to the present, Sanford turned to Maggie. He wrapped his arms around her, a playful gleam in his eyes.

"And what if I think about it for six seconds? Will you cut off my manhood?"

His tone was light, devoid of any sadness, tinged instead with a subtle joy.

Maggie's tension eased. Rising on her tiptoes, she draped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.

"No, I won't allow you a moment to think of other women," she murmured, her voice a velvety lure tugging at his heart.

Sanford's laughter rumbled deep in his chest as he pulled her closer, their bodies melding in a warm embrace.

"Well, I'll just have to wait and see!"

Maggie gazed at him with deep affection, her lips meeting his in a tender kiss. Finally, she playfully nibbled at his Adam's apple.

His response was immediate-his eyes darkened, his breath hitched, and his pulse visibly throbbed beneath her Lips.

He lingered in the moment, poised for more, but Maggie pulled away abruptly, her voice playful yet assertive.

"Should we get down to business now?"