Chapter 71

After handling his work, Emmett found out Clara and Aiden were nowhere to be found.

He scoured the kitchen, living room, and dining room but still, no sign of them.

Just as he was about to hit up Clara on her cell, it dawned on him that it was midday and they could be snoozing. So, he headed towards Clara’s room.

He gingerly pushed open the door to find Clara and Aiden fast asleep.

A small smile crept onto Emmett’s face. He didn’t expect Clara to hit it off with Aiden so quickly.

He had thought that if he ever tied the knot, Aiden would be against it since they were both cut from the same cloth – not the easiest people to get along with Sneaking out of the room, he was just about to step out when Sophia called.

“Emmett, it’s nap time for Aiden!”

“Yeah, Clara’s already put him to bed.”

“Is he cool with her? Be careful, you know. Aiden’s just a kid. If something’s up, he might not say anything. As a father, you gotta keep an eye out.”

“Don’t sweat it. Aiden and Clara seem to get along better than he does with me.” Emmett shot a glance at Clara’s door, “You can stop worrying. Once Alden wakes up, I’ll set up a video call for you.”

“Alright, just be careful. Clara might just be putting up a front. Not saying she’s bad or anything, but I don’t want my grandson to be the test subject here.”

“Well, you agreed to let Aiden stay here. So, stop second–guessing everything. Aiden’s doing great here. Sure Clara’s his stepmom, but I’m his real father.”

“Alright, I feel better hearing you say that.”

Clara had a sound sleep.

With Aiden snug as a bug in her arms, it was their first mother–son sleepover, their first intimate contact.

This feeling was so sweet that a just–awake Clara didn’t want to open her eyes!

It wasn’t until Emmett knocked on the door, saying Aiden had a horse riding lesson, that she finally got up.

“Sorry, Mr Melendez, I overslept!”

“No worries, you two seem to be getting along well.” Emmett raised an eyebrow, “Aiden seems to be quite taken with you.”

“Maybe it’s fate?” Clara gave an awkward chuckle.

Emmett, however, read between the lines.

“Clara, you seem… well cut out to be Aiden’s mother.”

“..“It wasn’t about being cut out or not, she was Aiden’s mother, alright?

“I could consider… making you the real one…”

“Mr Melendez! I, I don’t think I’m good enough for you!” Clara quickly cut him off, “Anyway, I’ll go help Aiden freshen up and get changed, then I’ll drop him off at his horse riding lesson!”

With that, she bolted out of the room.

Emmett furrowed his brows.

This woman… just turned him down again!

Was he really that bad that she kept rejecting him, time and time again, without any hesitation?

At first, he thought Clara was playing hard to get, but if that was the case, this was dragging on way too long, right?

He was already putting himself out there…

Could it be that Clara had someone else she was into?

The thought sent a pang of uneasiness through Emmett.

Could it be… he was really falling for this woman?