MITED
was the one who woke up with him, fed him, changed him, everything. We found a good daycare for him, and that’s where he stayed while we worked.”
Michael paused, pressing another kiss to the top of her head. “When Ollie was six months old, I picked him up from daycare one day, and we came home to a note stuck to a big manila envelope.”
“She didn’t want to be a mom, didn’t want to be around him. She found a new job in California, had someone at her firm draw up papers, and signed over all her parental rights. Then she left.”
“I haven’t seen her since. After a while, I bought the house next to your parents and started a new life, raising Ollie. Craig was always around, being Ollie’s godfather.”
“He was a lifesaver, the cool uncle. My parents drop by every few months to check on us bachelors, and my sisters call all the time.”
“Oh, Michael! I’m so sorry!” Anelise cried. “I feel so bad for you and Ollie!”
Michael sighed. “And that’s why you’re so incredible. You love Ollie more than his own mother ever
did.”
“And I don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for him and me this summer. I’ll never forget you, Anelise Morgan.” She turned in his lap and gently kissed his lips. “Let’s go to bed, Michael. Let me take care of you.”
Michael kissed her back, and they stood up. Anelise turned off the lights, took his hand, and led him to the bedroom. She undressed him slowly, her hands and lips exploring his body.
After another round of incredible sex, they lay together. She was almost asleep when she heard him whisper, “Thank you, Anelise, for making things better.”
He continued, “I could easily fall in love with you, but you deserve more than an old guy and a kid to weigh you down. You deserve the world, and someone who can give it to you. You’re going to be an amazing mother.”
She didn’t let on that she’d heard him, but as soon as his breathing evened out, signaling he was asleep, she whispered, “Too late, Michael, I’m already in love with you…”
Chapter 18 of 54: Chapter 18
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Michael and Anelise found themselves in a deeper level of intimacy after their heart–to–heart. It was an unspoken agreement, but they continued to grow closer, day by day, enjoying each other’s company.
Anelise had become quite engrossed in the book Joy of Sex, and they had a blast trying out different positions. They had their favorites, of course, but they also enjoyed the thrill of trying something new.
As July rolled on, Michael, Craig, and Ken’s work was progressing well. Their American bosses were just as satisfied as their English counterparts. Ken’s family even came for a visit, and Anelise had a great time getting to know them.
Anelise had finally completed the draft of her paper and was over the moon. It was a whopping ninety- four pages, and she was incredibly proud of her work. It had turned out exactly as she had envisioned.
She had to proofread it first, then send it to her professor for feedback before the final editing and submission. She was on top of the world, and to celebrate, Michael took her and Ollie out for a special
dinner.
When August arrived, Michael was content with the progress of his work. However, due to a minor hiccup, they needed a few more days, which meant they would be returning the Saturday before Anelise’s classes started.
This gave Anelise the perfect excuse to avoid seeing her parents. They weren’t thrilled, but they understood, and Anelise was relieved.
As their departure date loomed closer, Anelise felt a growing ache in her heart. The thought of being away from Michael and Ollie was unbearable. She was hopelessly in love with Michael and had come to think of Ollie as her own.
She knew she was setting herself up for heartbreak, but she couldn’t help it. Michael was everything she wanted in a partner and everything she couldn’t have.
Not only did they live in different states, but there was also a nearly. 16–year age gap between them, and he lived next door to her parents. She didn’t want to be that close to them, preferring to live her life on
her own terms.
One night, Anelise and Michael agreed that their relationship would end when they left. The thought of that day filled them both with dread, but they reassured each other that it was for the best.
Anelise was glad they had made such a mature decision. But if it was such a good and mature decision, why did it leave her feeling so heartbroken?
UNLIMITED During their last week, Michael spent every possible moment touching, kissing, and making love to
Anelise. He wanted to create as many memories as he could, so he could replay them in his mind.
Their time in bed became more intimate, and a deeper intensity developed between them. They savored each other and every last second they had together.
