Chapter 31 31 Chapter 31 - Calculated Risk Monica's POV I exited the office in a daze, still processing the incredible encounter that had just happened. Deciding to get home faster to see my son, I hailed a taxi. The moment I walked through my front door, Austin came running toward me, his face lighting up with joy despite his stuffy nose. "Mommy!" he called out, his slightly congested voice warming my heart instantly. Kayla had everything under control. She'd prepared dinner and made sure Austin took his medication for his cold. I couldn't help but express my gratitude. "Kayla, I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," I said with genuine appreciation. She waved off my thanks. "Don't mention it, Monica. Your little boy is the sweetest child I've ever cared for. Even with his cold, he's been an absolute angel. When Mrs. Dale called asking if I could watch her grandson, I was thrilled-my house gets too quiet sometimes." I smiled, touched by her words. Natalie's mother truly treated Austin like her own grandson, always making sure he had proper care while we worked. "Mrs. Dale is such an incredible person. I owe Natalie's family so much for all they've done for us," I told Kayla. "You deserve every bit of it, Monica. You're quite special yourself." "That's very kind of you." "Now go freshen up and change into something comfortable. I'll keep an eye on Austin until you're done." Following her suggestion, I took a quick shower. By the time I returned to the living room, Natalie had arrived and was smothering Austin with kisses while he excitedly showed off a bag of candy. "Natalie, you're going to rot all his teeth out with those sweets," I teased. She flashed me a shameless grin. "Godmother privileges. Spoiling him is literally my job." "Well ladies, I should head out. Take care of my little prince," Kayla-said, gathering her things. "Do you have to go? Stay for dinner," I pleaded. "Yeah, stay longer, Lygi!" Austin added with an irresistible smile. "Oh, my sweet boy," she cooed, stroking his face and kissing his cheek. "Not tonight, I'm afraid." Before she left, I remembered to ask, "Kayla, I need to work tomorrow. Could you watch Austin?" Natalie jumped in. "No need! I'm off tomorrow and ready for godson duty. Right, little man?" 11:30 1/3 O < 31 Chapter 31 - Calculated Risk Austin giggled in response. "But isn't Jasper visiting this weekend? I don't want to interfere," I said, concerned. "What are you talking about? Jasper's coming next week-he's moving here permanently," she explained, beaming. "Tomorrow's just me and the little guy. And we'll postpone our outing until next week since Austin's under the weather. Kayla deserves a break." "That sounds perfect, especially with Jasper arriving soon. So Kayla, we'll see you Monday," I confirmed. "Monday it is. But call me if you need anything before then," Kayla replied, blowing Austin a kiss before departing. After Natalie showered, we enjoyed the delicious meal Kayla had prepared. Once I tucked Austin into bed, Natalie and I washed dishes while I recounted what had happened with Morris. When I finished, she studied me seriously. "Natalie, did I make a terrible mistake? I need your honest advice. Every time that man touches me, my brain stops functioning" "Monica, you didn't make any mistake. What's mistaken was your decision to swear off relationships after having Austin. Let's be honest-your boss is absolutely gorgeous! Actually, you're surrounded by handsome men. Have you seen Darren? The man is stunning!" She fanned herself dramatically, making me laugh. "The intensity I feel when Morris touches me-I've only experienced that once before, with Austin's father. Not even my ex-boyfriend made me feel this way." "Well, if it's that powerful, embrace it. He's already promised it won't affect your job, and if it does, other jobs exist." "You really think so? I'm terrified of getting hurt. I think I'm already falling for him, but he's completely out of my league." "Stop that nonsense immediately, Monica!" Natalie scolded. "Don't give me that 'he's too rich for me' garbage. That's what those idiots from school programmed into you, and it's time to delete it. Those guys were all losers." She looked fierce-Natalie always insisted that love transcends bank accounts, and she was right. "Besides, life requires risks. Better to get hurt than wonder 'what if' forever. And this time you don't even have to worry about condoms-though a baby between you and Morris would be just as beautiful as Austin," she added with a laugh. I swatted her with the dish towel, but couldn't help laughing myself. After Austin was born, Natalie had insisted I start birth control. I initially refused, claiming I'd never be intimate with anyone again, but she persisted, arguing I might meet someone or simply have physical needs. I finally relented when she pointed out that I hadn't planned on hooking up with a stranger in a dark corner at a party either-yet here was Austin. I was grateful for her persistence now. "Monica, prepare yourself. Go to work tomorrow and drive that man wild all day. Then after 11:34 2/31 < 31 Chapter 31 - Calculated Risk everyone leaves, give him a night he'll never forget-make sure no other woman ever measures up," she declared, gripping my shoulders. "You really think I can?" I asked, both laughing and tempted by her suggestion. "Monica, you truly have no idea how powerful you are! You've already let the man pleasure you- now stop hesitating and get some pleasure yourself." Natalie was outrageous, but she wasn't wrong. I made my decision right then. Looking at her with a mischievous smile, I said, "Help me choose what to wear?" "Yes!" she squealed. "I'm going to make you look so hot that man won't be able to focus on a single spreadsheet." 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