Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon Chapter 44

Audrey's POV:

I carefully lifted Noah out of the car—the little guy had fallen asleep on the ride home.

His small head rested against my shoulder, his warm breath gently tickling my neck.

"I'll take him," Caspar reached out, but I gently shook my head.

"It's fine, he's not heavy," I whispered back, not wanting to wake Noah.

I tiptoed through the hallway and placed Noah on his star-covered bed.

He frowned slightly in his sleep but didn't wake up.

I carefully tucked him in, gently stroking his hair before quietly slipping out of the room.

Back in the living room, I suddenly realized it was just Caspar and me again.

When Noah was around, he served as a natural buffer, giving us both an excuse to avoid eye contact. But now, Caspar's presence felt almost overwhelming, as if the entire space had shrunk around him.

Last night's drunken confession hung between us like an invisible wall—that night in London, that ridiculous "sleep for sleep" proposition.

Embarrassment washed over me like a tide. I felt my cheeks burning and my breathing becoming uneven.

"I should go," I said hastily, grabbing my purse from the couch. "Noah's all settled, so if there's nothing else, I won't keep you."

"Miss Lane," Caspar stood up, crossing the distance between us in just a few strides, positioning himself between me and the door. "Please wait."

I had no choice but to stop, forcing myself to look up at him.

His expression was surprisingly gentle, which only made me more nervous.

"Thank you for helping Noah," he said, his voice low and controlled. "You've spent so much time with him lately."

I was stunned, unsure how to respond to this unexpected gratitude.

"And," he continued, meeting my eyes directly, "I owe you an apology for my previous misunderstandings and offensive behavior. I shouldn't have treated you that way, and I shouldn't have questioned your motives for getting close to Noah."

Was Caspar Thornton actually apologizing to me? I could hardly believe my ears.

"I hope you won't deliberately avoid me because of these issues," he said. "Noah depends on you, and I don't want our misunderstandings to affect him."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.

"Mr. Thornton, I was at fault too," I said honestly. "Please rest assured, I won't distance myself from Noah because of this."

Just then, we heard soft footsteps.

Turning around, we saw Noah standing in the hallway, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"Miss Lane," Noah said softly, his voice drowsy, "are you leaving?"

I smiled and walked toward him, kneeling down to meet his eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Did you have a bad dream?"

Noah shook his head, his small hand grabbing my sleeve. "Can I take a nap with you? And Daddy too?"

I felt a wave of awkwardness, unsure how to respond to this innocent request.

Edward cleared his throat gently, not knowing when he had appeared behind. "Noah, adults can't just sleep together—it wouldn't be appropriate."

Noah blinked in confusion. "Why not?"

I patiently explained: "Noah, only married people sleep together. It's a special kind of relationship."

Noah's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he'd thought of something brilliant.

"Then Miss Lane can marry Daddy!"

Edward and I exchanged an awkward smile. Caspar stood to the side, his expression unreadable.

"Noah," I said gently, "marriage isn't something casual. It takes time, and two people need to love each other."

Noah nodded as if he understood.

"Can you take a nap with me then?" he asked quietly, his voice carrying a hint of pleading that I couldn't refuse.

I glanced at Caspar, seeking his permission. He nodded slightly.

"Alright," I said softly, "I'll stay with you."

Noah smiled happily and pulled my hand toward his room.

I sat beside Noah's bed as he naturally nestled into my arms, feeling a strange warmth, both healing and bittersweet.

"Miss Lane," he whispered, his voice so soft I almost didn't hear him. "If... if I don't talk much, would you not want me anymore?"

My heart clenched at his words.

So Mike's cruel comment had affected him more deeply than I thought.

"Noah," I said, turning him gently to face me, "I want you to listen carefully. I like you exactly as you are. Whether you talk a lot, a little, or not at all—it doesn't change how I feel about you."

His large eyes studied my face, searching for any sign of insincerity.

"Really?" he asked, vulnerability evident in his voice.

"Really," I assured him, pulling him closer.

"Why don't I tell you a story?" I suggested, and began a tale about a quiet forest creature who does not like to talk but has many good friends.

Halfway through the story, Noah's breathing became deep and regular. He had fallen asleep in my arms, his face peaceful at last.

Just as I was carefully extracting myself, he mumbled something in his sleep.

"I'll talk more... I promise... don't go..."

I froze, my heart breaking a little at his sleep-talking.

I gently stroked Noah's hair, a painful tenderness welling up in my heart.

I don't know how much time passed before Noah woke up.

He suggested: "Let's go swimming! Daddy's estate has a huge indoor pool!"

Before I could respond, he was already pulling my hand toward Caspar's study.

Caspar was focused on reading financial reports. Seeing us suddenly burst in, surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Daddy, can we go swimming together?" Noah asked excitedly.

A polite but subtle atmosphere hung between the three of us. Caspar glanced at me, and I awkwardly looked away.

"Of course," Caspar set down his papers, "if Miss Lane is willing."

"Actually, I'm not much of a swimmer," I admitted.

Noah immediately suggested. "Daddy can teach you! He's an amazing swimmer!"

I felt heat creeping up my cheeks and quickly declined: "Thank you, but I think I'd prefer to just watch you two from the poolside."

Half an hour later, I sat in a luxurious lounge chair wearing casual summer clothes.

Edward brought over an elegant fruit platter and fresh coconut water.

"Mr. Thornton maintains his daily workout routine religiously—the results speak for themselves," Edward commented casually, his gaze meaningful.

I pretended not to catch his drift.

But when Caspar and Noah appeared poolside in their swim trunks, I couldn't help but look up.

Caspar's perfect physique took my breath away—broad shoulders, defined abs, long legs—every inch showcasing strength and elegance.

I realized I'd been staring too long and quickly looked down, but it was too late. Caspar had noticed my gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

The embarrassment of being caught made me stand up frantically, but I slipped on the wet poolside.

In that instant, I felt myself falling into the water, childhood memories of nearly drowning suddenly flooding back.

Fear consumed my thoughts, preventing any normal reaction.

I heard Noah's terrified scream and felt water surrounding me from all sides.

Just when I thought I was going under, a pair of strong arms caught me.

Caspar had swum over quickly, one hand supporting my waist, the other gripping the pool edge.

I instinctively clung to him tightly, my body trembling with fear.

After choking on several mouthfuls of water, I coughed violently as my vision remained blurry.

When I finally opened my eyes, I realized I was clinging to Caspar like a damn koala bear.

My arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, my legs practically wrapped around his waist, our bodies pressed completely together.

I could feel the warmth of his skin and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.