Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
I’m momentarily stunned, unable to take my eyes off her. The glow of the shop lights accentuates her beauty, making her look even more enchanting. My heart pounds in my chest.
Just as I’m lost in my silent reverie, a sudden flash of light pulls me back to reality. I turn to see a flash from a camera—someone just took a photo of us. The unexpected intrusion jolts me out of my daze, and I glance around, spotting the paparazzi in the corner of the shop, quickly retreating with their camera.
Noelle notices the commotion too and gives a small, nervous laugh. “Well, looks like we’re still in the spotlight.”
I manage a grin, trying to regain my composure. “Seems like it. I guess our little chocolate detour is getting some extra attention.”
With the paparazzi gone, I focus back on Noelle.
The need to taste her lips again consumes me, a fire that burns hotter with every passing second. The shop is crowded, filled with the buzz of people chatting and enjoying their treats, but I no longer care about any of that. All I can focus on is Noelle, and the magnetic pull between us that’s impossible to resist.
We find a small alcove in the shop, a cozy corner that offers just enough privacy to make me feel like we’re the only two people in the world. My heart is pounding steadily in my chest, the rhythm matching the growing desire coursing through my veins. The world around us fades into the background, leaving only the intensity of the moment.
“Noelle,” I whisper, my voice thick with longing as I lean in closer. “Maybe we should give everyone a show.”
Her eyes widen slightly, curiosity flickering in those bright blue depths. “How?” she asks, her voice barely above a breath, laced with both anticipation and uncertainty.
I let my fingers glide through her silky hair, the strands slipping easily between my fingers. With one swift, gentle tug, I remove her cap, freeing her hair to cascade down around her shoulders. The sight of her, so natural and beautiful, sends a rush of warmth through me.
I inch closer, the space between us shrinking until our breaths mingle in the air. “Like this,” I murmur, my lips brushing against hers as I speak, the contact sending a shiver down my spine.
Noelle’s lips part slightly, and I capture them in a deep, lingering kiss, the world outside our little alcove fading even further into insignificance. There’s a passion in our kiss that I can’t ignore, a raw, undeniable need that makes me forget about the cameras, the crowd, and everything else.
It’s just us, lost in the heat of the moment, and nothing else matters.
Chapter 9
Noelle
I never want to stop kissing this man for the rest of my life. It’s almost unfair how good he is at this—like the universe is dangling something just out of reach, teasing me with something I’ll never be able to enjoy again once this whole façade is over. But for now, while we’re still pretending, I’m going to savor every second of it.
His lips move against mine with a fervor that makes my head spin, like he’s pouring every ounce of his soul into this kiss. The way he holds me, the way his fingers gently brush the back of my neck, it all feels so real. Too real. My heart races, and I cling to him, not wanting the moment to end. I want to freeze time, to stay like this forever, lost in the warmth and intensity of his embrace.
But then, just as the world around us begins to fade completely, we hear someone clearing their throat beside us. Reluctantly, we break the kiss, and I turn to see a man and woman standing nearby, watching us with amused expressions.
York steps back, a wide smile spreading across his face as he greets them. “Graham, it’s been a long time.” He reaches out to shake the man’s hand, their grip strong and familiar before pulling him into a quick, brotherly embrace. Then he turns to the woman, his smile softening. “Zoe, how are you?” He gives her a warm hug.
My heart is still pounding as York returns to my side, his arm slipping comfortably around my waist as he introduces me. “Noelle, this is my cousin, Graham, and his wife, Zoe.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, forcing a smile to my lips, though my mind is still spinning from the kiss we just shared.
Zoe gives me a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling as if she’s seen more than just a simple kiss. “Nice to meet you too, Noelle. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
The words make my cheeks heat up, but I manage to keep my composure. “All good things, I hope.”
Graham chuckles, nodding. “Only the best, I assure you.”
As we exchange pleasantries, I can’t help but glance at York, my thoughts still lingering on the kiss. I know this is all for show, but there was something in that kiss that felt far too real. And I’m not sure how to handle the whirlwind of emotions it’s stirred up inside me.