CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR - STEAMY FORGIVENESS

Saturday morning dawned bright and early, the sunlight streaming through the penthouse windows. But the atmosphere within the apartment was anything but bright. Kayla, still irked by the events of the previous night, moved through her morning routine with a steely glint in her eyes. She avoided catching Lance's gaze as she rummaged through the cabinets for coffee, her movements clipped and deliberate. Lance, however, seemed oblivious to the tension. He hovered around the kitchen, a playful smile on his face. "Good morning, sunshine," he chirped, his voice far too cheerful for Kayla's current mood. Kayla grunted a noncommittal response, pouring herself a cup of coffee and avoiding eye contact. Undeterred, Lance leaned against the counter, his gaze roaming over her in a way that sent a flicker of heat through her despite her best efforts. "You seem a little tense this morning," he observed. Kayla took a pointedly large gulp of coffee, pretending not to hear him. "Rough night wi