?Chapter 495:


    “Hadley, Hadley…”


    Eric’s self-control was slipping.


    “Enough!”


    Realizing the risk, Hadley pushed him away swiftly. Her face flushed, her lips slightly swollen.


    In a tone that mixed teasing with irritation, she asked, “Are you going to eat, or what? I woke up early to cook, you know.”


    “I will!” Eric shed a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ll eat everything you’ve made!”


    What a fool. Back in the day, he had endlessly grumbled about her cooking. Yet now, for Linda, he seemed ready to tolerate any difort.


    After their meal, they left the house together. Eric drove Hadley to her dance studio.


    “Just one thing.” Before stepping out of the car, something urred to Hadley, and she swiveled toward him. “May I ask a favor?”


    “What is it? Do you even need to ask?” Eric was eager to oblige. “Tell me what you need, and I’ll take care of it.”


    “Well, it’s just…”


    Hadley hesitated before pointing toward the pack of cigarettes on the dashboard. “Can you quit smoking?”


    Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Of all the things she could’ve asked for, this wasn’t what he expected. He arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Laying down rules already? That’s pretty strict.”


    How was she supposed to exin that she didn’t want his habit affecting her chances of having a healthy baby?


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    After a beat, she simply said, “I can’t stand the smell of smoke.” Then, as if it were an afterthought, she added coolly, “So if you don’t quit… don’t kiss me ever again.”


    Without waiting for a response, she reached for the door handle.


    “Hey—”


    Eric’s reflexes were quicker than hers. His hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her before she could leave. “What’s wrong? You mad at me?”


    Seeing that she still wouldn’t look at him, he chuckled. “Never said I wouldn’t agree.”


    His eyes gleamed mischievously. “But if I quit smoking… do I get a reward?”


    A reward?


    Hadley blinked, caught off guard. “What kind of reward are you expecting?”


    Eric smirked. “Since it’sing from you, I think you should decide. Where’s the fun if I have toe up with it myself?”


    Seriously?


    Hadley stared at him for two seconds before a slow, knowing smile tugged at her lips. Without warning, she leaned in, grabbed his tie, and pulled him closer.


    “Hadley?”


    Eric instinctively straightened, his pulse hitching—but before he could react, he felt it. A soft, fleeting warmth brushing against his Adam’s apple. She kissed him.


    Not on the lips. Not on the cheek. Right against the most sensitive spot on a man’s throat.


    Hadley knew exactly what she was doing.


    The kisssted barely a second—just long enough to send a jolt down his spine—before she released him and turned away, her gaze skittering to the side.


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