Temptation of my Father-in-Law

Chapter 3- Stolen Kisses

Her heart raced as she recognized the initials, again bringing back the memory of last night. Dominic was the only one absent from the reception. Now he was urging her away from the prying eyes of the reception. Panic and desire warred within her as she glanced around, hoping that no one had noticed the note.

Grayson engrossed in a conversation with a friend, was oblivious to the note in her hand. Grace excused herself from her friends and made her way toward the exit, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't resist the pull of the unspoken connection, even though she knew it was wrong.

She entered a secluded garden area, where the moonlight cast a soft glow over the flowers and shrubs. The air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter inside the reception hall. Outside, the cool night air greeted her as she searched for Dominic. Her steps led her to a secluded spot in the garden away from the reception lights but closer to the moonlight. There, she found him, leaning against the same stone pillar, his eyes locked onto hers.

"Grace," he murmured, his voice filled with longing.

“Maxon!” She called him by the name that he meant for her to know and was so special to him.

She couldn't deny the magnetic pull between them. "Maxon, we can't keep doing this. It's not fair to anyone, I have chosen and I have to do right by Grayson."

Dominic took a step closer, his expression tortured. "I know, Elizabeth. I never wanted to complicate your life, but I can't deny what we have."

“Are you sure Grayson will do right by you?” He asked the question that unmasked all of Grace’s fear.

Tears welled up in Grace's eyes as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "I made a commitment to him, and I intend to honor it. I have to give this a fair chance and now that we are married, I know Grayson will change." Even to her ears, this sounded like a blatant lie.

Dominic reached out and gently brushed a tear from her cheek. "I don't want to be the cause of your pain, Grace. I want to be the cause of happiness and pleasure. I just want to be honest about how I feel."

“Tell me, don’t you feel this connection between us? Last night must mean more to you than just passion and lust. I wish we had more time so we could pursue this. Rather, I have to see you get married to my son and know we both will have regrets for the rest of our lives.”

Grace looked up at him, his brown eyes had unique gold speckles in them. He seemed like a man who didn’t speak much, but right now he was baring his heart to her and made a new set of tears well up in her eyes.

Grace closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Last night was a mistake, Dominic.” Her expression closed off and she couldn’t let this go on. She has to free him of guilt and stop him from forming any hopes. “We can't change the past, but we can control our future. I need to focus on my marriage and family."

They were standing so close to each other. Grace and Dominic looked at each other as if filled so they could remember each other for eternity. How can Dominic spur such strong emotions that Grayson failed to stir in the last three years? She was so confused about the infatuation she had for Dominic. Was it just a rebound from the betrayal or did it mean more to her?

Dominic nodded, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "I understand, Grace. I just wish things were different."

“But I need this….”

Dominic's words hung in the air, heavy with unfulfilled desire. The moonlight bathed them in its soft glow as he gently placed his hands on Grace's shoulders, his eyes searching hers for a response.

Grace's heart raced, torn between the commitment she had made to Grayson and the irresistible pull of the connection she shared with Dominic. She knew it was wrong, but the unspoken desire between them was undeniable, and she couldn't resist the magnetic pull any longer.

In that fleeting moment, Dominic leaned in, and his lips met Grace's in a gentle, compassionate kiss. It was a kiss filled with longing, yet it held an understanding that transcended their unspoken connection. Their lips moved together in a delicate dance, a silent acknowledgment of the passion that had ignited between them.

As the kiss deepened, Grace's arms wrapped around Dominic, pulling him closer. Her fingers tangled in his hair as the intensity of their desire intensified. It was a kiss that spoke of forbidden passion, a kiss that defied reason and logic.

The world around them faded away as they continued to kiss, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. It was as if time stood still, and all that mattered was the electrifying connection they shared. Dominic's hands moved from her shoulders to her waist, drawing her closer to him, their bodies pressed together in a sensual embrace.

Grace's thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion as she gave in to the intoxicating kiss. She was acutely aware of the consequences, the pain it would cause, but at that moment, none of it mattered. All that mattered was the raw, unspoken passion that had ignited between them.

When they finally broke the kiss, their breaths ragged, Dominic rested his forehead against Grace's. His voice was a whisper in the night. "I understand your commitment to Grayson, Grace. But I can't deny what I feel for you. What we share is too powerful to ignore."

Grace's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she held onto Dominic, her voice trembling. "I wish things were different, Dominic. I wish we had met at another time, another place."

Dominic nodded, his eyes filled with regret. "I do too, Grace."

They stood there in the moonlit garden, wrapped in an unspoken understanding of the impossible situation they found themselves in. Their connection was undeniable, but the reality of their commitments weighed heavily on their hearts.

Grace knew she had to return to Grayson, to the life she had chosen, but the passion and longing she felt for Dominic remained. She couldn't escape the feeling that they were destined to be entangled in a love that could never be fully realized.

Dominic leaned in once more, his lips brushing against Grace's forehead in a tender, compassionate gesture. "I'll always be here, Grace. If you ever need me, if things change, you know where to find me."

Tears welled up in Grace's eyes as she whispered, "I won't forget, Dominic."

They held each other for a moment longer, the unspoken connection between them palpable. Then, with one last lingering glance,

“Goodbye, Maxon.” Grace turned and made her way back to the reception hall, leaving Dominic behind in the moonlit garden. She truly bid goodbye to Maxon, who awakened her soul. Now he was just her Father-in-law; God, she had just kissed her father-in-law.

As she reentered the world of celebration and laughter, the weight of the secret she carried settled back on her shoulders. The choices she had made were not without consequences, and the unspoken passion she shared with Dominic would forever remain a hidden, forbidden chapter in her heart.

The night continued, but Grace's heart was heavy with the knowledge of what she had done. Her lips still tingled from the kiss. She danced with Grayson, mingled with their guests, and smiled for the cameras, all the while carrying the burden of her unspoken desire.

The choices she had made were set in stone, but the unspoken connection with Dominic still lingered in the background, a reminder of a passion and desire that would forever remain a secret, hidden away in the depths of her heart.

As the hours passed, the reception drew to a close. Grace and Grayson bid farewell to their guests, thanking them for sharing in their special day. The newlyweds retreated to their bridal suite, exhaustion and the weight of the day settling in.

Alone with Grayson, Grace felt a mixture of guilt and relief. She had made a choice to prioritize her marriage, but the memory of her encounter with Dominic would always be with her. She knew that the secret would continue to haunt her, and she could only hope that she had made the right decision.

As they settled into their room, Grayson pulled Grace into his arms, "I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, Grace. You make me the happiest man in the world."

As they embraced, Grace couldn't help but glance out the window, where the moon hung in the night sky. The secret she held weighed on her, but for now, she was determined to focus on her future with Grayson. His promise was the single ray of hope she could hold on to.

But the unspoken connection with Dominic still lingered in the background, a reminder of a passion and desire that would forever remain a secret, hidden away in the depths of her heart.

Tears welled up in Grace's eyes as she held her husband close. How can Grayson act so in love while he cheats on her? "I promise to cherish and honor our marriage. Can you promise me the same?"

Grayson smiled but looked at her with a confused expression, "Of course, I promise to do the same, my love." He pulled back from the embrace,

“Where is this coming from, Grace?” Grace took a deep breath, she had to talk to him.

“I know about you and Alia…”