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As he approaches the table, the scent of his aftershave fills the air. I try not to breathe too deeply, aware that the subtle fragrance affects me in ways I’m not quite ready to admit.
He stops beside me and looks down at Paige’s notebook. His expression is stern as he asks, “How much progress have you made on your homework?”
Paige looks up, her eyes wide with surprise. She begins to explain the situation, but I beat her to it.
“She’s just getting started,” I say softly. “I’m helping her get through this section before dinner.”
Ezra turns his gaze toward me, and I can see the disapproval in his eyes. He shakes his head slightly, his lips pressing into a tight line.
“Quinn,” he says firmly, “I appreciate your help here, but education is important. It would be best if you took it more seriously. There is a set time I want Paige to start her homework.” He looks at his watch. “She should be nearly finished by now.”
My stomach twists at his words. I know he’s only trying to do what’s best for Paige, but his authoritarian tone sets my teeth on edge. “Ezra,” I say confidently, “I understand your point, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with watching a few cartoons before homework.”
His jaw tightens. “Quinn, can I speak to you in the kitchen?”
Paige protests, “Daddy, it’s not Quinn’s fault. She shouldn’t get a punishment.”
He gently pats her on the head. “No one is in trouble, honey.”
The look he gives me says otherwise. I follow him into the kitchen, my chin held high.
The walls are painted a deep shade of blue, and the countertops are made from gleaming white marble. A large island sits in the center of the room, with various cooking appliances surrounding it. In one corner is a small breakfast nook, complete with a bay window overlooking the garden outside. The late afternoon light streams through the window, casting a golden glow over the kitchen.
The tension in the air is palpable as we enter the kitchen. His broad shoulders and strong stance fill the room.
As Ezra turns to face me, his piercing eyes lock onto mine. “Quinn, I know you care about Paige, but she needs discipline and structure. You’re making it too easy for her to slack off.”
I stand my ground. “I understand where you’re coming from, but sometimes kids need a break. A little bit of downtime can actually help them focus better when they get back to work.”
His eyes narrow as he takes a step closer, his voice tense. “I don’t want Paige to grow up thinking that everything in life will be handed to her. She needs to learn the value of hard work and dedication.”
I square my shoulders, refusing to back down. “I agree, but there’s a balance between pushing her too hard and giving her some room to breathe.”
He steps even closer, his tall frame towering over me. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, and my senses are overwhelmed by the nearness of him. Our eyes meet again, and for a moment, I’m lost in the intensity of his gaze.
“Quinn,” he says, “I don’t want you to coddle her. I just need you to understand how important this is to me. I want to make sure Paige has every opportunity to succeed in life.”
“She’s the daughter of a billionaire. She will have every opportunity to.”
He turns away, groaning in frustration. “That’s what I mean. I don’t want her to grow up to be some trust fund kid who is only successful because of her parents’ money. I want her to hold her own in whatever she chooses to do.”
The room is silent as Ezra stares at me, his eyes searching my face for an answer. Suddenly, his hand reaches out and takes mine in his grasp. My skin tingles from his touch, and my breath catches in my throat.
I meet his gaze head-on. “We can find a way to teach her those lessons without stifling her creativity and spirit.”
Ezra places his hand on the countertop next to mine. His thumb grazes my hand, sending sparks of electricity up my arm. I look away, trying to hide the blush that is creeping onto my cheeks. He takes a step closer and reaches out his other hand, cupping my chin in his strong fingers. His gaze pierces mine as he leans forward, our lips just inches away.
“You’re right. There is room for compromise.” He smiles.
He leans forward, lips coming towards mine.
“Daddy,” Paige calls, and her footsteps get closer. “Are you done yelling at Quinn?”
We jump apart.
“I wasn’t yelling at her,” he says as Paige enters the room.
Paige says, “I need help with a problem.”
