The clock showed it was well past midnight when Andrew finally stumbled through his doorway.

The heavy scent of whiskey clung to his clothes like a stubborn shadow.

He blinked in surprise when he found Samantha waiting in his room, perched on the edge of his bed.

Andrew checked his watch twice, confirming it was indeed 2:47 in the morning.

He'd just dropped off a completely wasted Ethan at his apartment before making his way home.

So why was Samantha awake in his room instead of sleeping in her own?

She was famously an early bird, just like his parents, which was precisely why they maintained separate bedrooms.

Their parents had initially protested the sleeping arrangements, but Andrew's late nights constantly disrupted Samantha's schedule.

Eventually, they had to concede.

In Martin and Lindsay's eyes, their younger son was hopeless beyond redemption.

"Lost your way to bed?" Andrew sneered, raising an eyebrow mockingly. "My brother's room is next door, in case you've forgotten."

Samantha's expression faltered for just a moment before she composed herself.

His sharp tongue was nothing new to her.

She made no move to leave, which only deepened Andrew's frown. "Well? Are you going or not?"

He snorted dismissively and began unbuttoning his shirt right there in front of her.

Samantha's eyes widened slightly before she quickly looked away.

Andrew chuckled darkly and strode into the bathroom without another word.

When he emerged later wearing only a loose bathrobe, he was annoyed to find her still there.

"What do you want?" he demanded, irritation coloring his tone. "Trying to give me nightmares at this hour? Get out. I need sleep."

"Your parents think we should have a child," Samantha stated abruptly.

Andrew froze momentarily before exploding. "Do I look like some breeding stallion to you? Absolutely not!"

"You're twenty-nine. The quality decreases with age."

"Samantha..." Andrew's temper flared so intensely he saw spots before his eyes.

Samantha rose and moved toward him—she wore a white bathrobe too, but hers was tightly secured.

The modest wrap covered everything, making her appear almost severe.

Andrew watched her approach with unexpected nervousness tightening his chest.

"Stop right there!" he thundered. "Is this because Ryan found a girlfriend? Don't think I've forgotten how you rejected me on our wedding night!"

Samantha bit her lip. It had been too much for her back then, but time had slowly changed her perspective.

Still, she never thought Andrew would hold such a grudge over it.

"This has nothing to do with Ryan," she explained calmly. "I simply believe it's time we started a family."

"I said no—"

Andrew's eyes widened as Samantha suddenly stood on her toes and pressed her lips against his throat.

The nearly foot-height difference made the attempt awkward at best.

Andrew swallowed hard, his body going rigid.

"Can I turn off the lights?" Samantha asked quietly.

"Guess you're self-conscious about your figure," Andrew snorted derisively.

Samantha didn't bother arguing.