Chapter 259

Three sets of pajamas lay on the bed. Each featured a simple cartoon illustration right in the center. It was immediately obvious who they depicted.

Two sets were white short-sleeved tees with matching shorts. Hers, the female version, was a V-neck shirt without bottoms. The shirt was so short it barely reached mid-thigh. The cute drawing couldn't distract from that dangerously low neckline.

Sleeping next to Nathaniel while wearing this? Absolutely not.

Isabella immediately rejected the idea. "Sweetie, you and Daddy should wear these. Mommy will wear something else, okay?"

Oliver's face fell. His lower lip trembled. "But why? I picked these specially for us. I designed them myself. Even drew the pictures."

Her heart squeezed. She hadn't realized he'd put so much effort into this. Crushing his enthusiasm was impossible. She scooped him onto the bed. "You're so talented, my love! Mommy adores what you made. It's just... Mommy feels a bit chilly lately. I might need something warmer."

"I'll fix it!" He scrambled off the bed, tiny feet pattering toward the thermostat.

Isabella was speechless.

Since when was her son so stubborn?

Just then, Nathaniel emerged from the shower. A plush robe was tied around his waist. A chill filled the room. Oliver rushed to him, thrusting the pajamas into his hands. "Daddy, wear these! Mommy said yes to matching outfits tonight! We're waiting for you!"

Nathaniel's skeptical gaze found Isabella. The pajamas were... juvenile. Would she really wear them? Yet the set lay beside her. He didn't question it, simply heading to the dressing room.

Oliver bounded back to her, buzzing with excitement. "Mommy! Mommy! Daddy's changing! It's your turn now!"

She sighed in defeat.

She meant to scold him for manipulation. But those sparkling, hopeful eyes disarmed her completely. Gently, she pinched his chubby cheek. "You clever little fox. Alright. Mommy will wear it."

"Yay!" He jumped for joy.

Isabella retrieved a tube top and tight shorts from her wardrobe. She slipped into the dressing room.

Oliver waited on the bed, swinging his legs. Daddy and Mommy needed a push. He was just helping!

Two doors opened simultaneously.

Nathaniel stepped out. His eyes instantly locked on Isabella. The oversized shirt drowned her frame. Lace trimmed the hem. The childish cartoon on the front should have looked silly. Instead, it was oddly endearing. The shirt stopped high on her thighs. Those long, toned legs were utterly captivating. His gaze lingered a moment too long.

Isabella's breath hitched. Nathaniel usually slept in dark, silk pajamas. Now, he wore stark white. The same ridiculous cartoon was plastered on his chest. It softened his usual severity, making him seem almost approachable. A small red heart was stitched over his right pec. The matching detail felt intensely intimate.

Flustered, she moved toward the bed. "It's past eleven, sweetie. Time for sleep."

"Okay!" Oliver dove under the covers, rolling to the far edge.

Isabella frowned. "Oliver, the middle is your spot."

"But you said the middle has bad air," he reasoned, all innocence. "My lungs felt funny sleeping there. I need the edge now. Daddy should take the middle."

Her stomach dropped. Nathaniel in the middle. Her on the side. That meant they'd be sleeping right next to each other.