Page 49 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Chapter Fourteen

Morning came too soon. With less than eight hours of sleep, I fixed extra strong coffee and rushed through getting everyone ready, including Betty’s boys.

Betty offered to take the children to school but I objected. It was my turn to give her a break. I loaded all the kids into my car, and we waved goodbye to Betty. She was going back to her house. Some days I envied her being a stay at home mom.

At nine, I walked into Kristoff’s office with his cup of coffee and my own. I was not ready to stop sipping on my caffeine.

“Morning,” I said as I set down his cup. He raised his head, and his gaze turned hot.

Not sure how he had energy to be turned on, because I was sure he got even less sleep than me. I felt tired and was sure I looked tired too.

“Why didn’t you sleep in?” he asked, looking at me.

I raised my eyebrows. “Morning, Gemma,” I said in his stead. “And how are you this fine morning?”

“Gemma.” His voice was a warning.

“What?” I asked.

“I don’t have to ask you how you are. You are tired. I can see that. So why didn’t you sleep in?”

“Why didn’t you sleep in?” I asked him instead. He kept looking at me intently and I just sighed knowing he wouldn’t give up.

“I have to get kids to school regardless what time I go to sleep,” I said.

“Betty couldn’t have taken them?”

“Betty has done enough, and I wanted to take the kids to school. It is our special time.”

“I see,” he answered.

“So what is on the agenda today?” I asked, switching the subject to work mode.

He went through his list of projects that we had to focus on. I nodded and went back to my desk. The day flew by, and before I realized, it was four in the afternoon and Kristoff was standing in front of my desk.

I looked up and was amazed at how fresh and rested he looked.

“What did you do, take a nap in there?” I asked begrudgingly.

He raised his eyebrow. “No, I didn’t. Why do you ask?”

“You look rested, and I am barely keeping my eyes open. It’s not fair!” I knew my voice sounded agitated and whiny. For some reason, lack of sleep brought out the worst in me.

He smiled and with a hint of laughter in his voice just said, “I guess you weren’t lying when you said you get cranky with little sleep. C’mon, let’s go have an early dinner.”

“I’m too tired to eat,” I complained in just a bit of a whiny tone.

“Did you eat lunch?”

I didn’t have to answer because Kimberly jumped in. “No, she did not. She has been working on spreadsheet after spreadsheet and refused to take a lunch break.”

I gave her a mean look. She just smiled back and winked. I rolled my eyes promptly.

“Alright then. Let’s go feed you real quick and then you are going home.”

I stood up and grabbed my purse. For some reason, I knew when it was pointless to argue with Kristoff. He put his hand on my lower back and guided me to the elevator. We entered the elevator, and as soon as the door closed, he took me into his arms and kissed me softly. I wrapped my arms around him, relaxing, and returned his kiss.

“Better?” he asked.

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