Linford smiled and stretched his arms, taking her in. His breath was hot and minty against her cheek, “It’s a bad habit, Cristelle. You have to trust Cody with his own issues.”

“Let me go,” Cristelle felt her knees getting weak, face as red as a tomato, “I…I need to take a shower right now.”

Linford chuckled softly and withdrew his arms.

Cristelle sprinted towards the bathroom as if a monster were chasing her.

****

They finished breakfast together the following day, sending the babies to school together.

Before they could enter the gate, however, Candace suddenly stopped, looking up at her Mom. She didn’t want to go to school...