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)
“Which chocolates are your favorite?” Zoe asks, her voice warm as she loops her arm through mine, gently guiding me away from York and Graham. I glance back at York, who’s engaged in deep conversation with his cousin, before turning my attention back to Zoe. The atmosphere in the shop is cozy, with the rich scent of chocolate filling the air and the low murmur of conversations all around us.
“I’m not sure yet,” I admit, scanning the display case filled with an array of tempting treats. The glossy truffles and decadent bonbons beckon, each one more irresistible than the last. But before I can even begin to decide, Zoe leans in closer.
“I saw the papers about you and York,” she says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. There’s a wild grin on her face, one that tells me she’s been dying to talk about this. My stomach does a little flip as I try to gauge her reaction. I open my mouth to explain, to tell her how York and I are only faking it for the good of the team, but before I can get a word out, she continues.
“I think it’s great,” Zoe gushes, her excitement evident. “York needs somebody like you. And Graham wasn’t lying when he said we’ve heard lots about you over the years.”
Her words catch me off guard, and I feel a rush of warmth in my chest. “You have?” I ask, curiosity piqued. “What has York said about me?”
Zoe’s smile softens, and she gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “Only good things, I promise. He talks about you like you’re something special. And from what I’ve seen so far, I can tell why.”
I can’t help the blush that creeps up my cheeks. The idea that York has mentioned me to his family, that he’s thought of me enough to talk about me, stirs something deep inside. But I quickly remind myself that this is all an act, a role we’re both playing.
Zoe seems to sense my hesitation because she tilts her head, studying me with a thoughtful expression. “You know, York is a tough nut to crack. He doesn’t let just anyone in. So if he’s let you in, even a little bit, that means something.”
Her words hang in the air, making my heart flutter. But before I can dwell on them too much, Zoe gestures toward the chocolates again, her smile returning. “Now, let’s pick out some treats before the guys decide to eat them all.”
I nod, grateful for the distraction as we return our focus to the chocolates. But even as I choose a few pieces, I can’t shake the feeling that Zoe’s words have unearthed something I wasn’t prepared to face—the possibility that maybe this isn’t all an act for York. And that thought both thrills and terrifies me.
Chapter 10
Noelle
“Hey, Noelle!” a familiar voice calls out, and I freeze for a second. It’s Annabelle. Of all the people to run into right now, it had to be her. I turn, and sure enough, there she is. Her long blonde hair catches the light as her eyes widen when she spots me. Or more specifically, when she spots York and me, our hands joined between us.
Her gaze lingers on our entwined fingers. “So, it’s true. You’re really dating?”
Before I can think, I drop York’s hand like it’s on fire. My heart skips a beat, and I feel the heat rushing to my cheeks. “Annabelle, what are you doing here?”
She steps forward with a grin, pulling me into one of her signature tight hugs, the kind that makes me feel like I’m being smothered in perfume and cheer. “Shopping, obviously,” she says brightly, her arms still around me. “Had to get a few last-minute Christmas presents for the kids.”
I nod, trying to act casual even though my brain is scrambling. I turn toward York, swallowing hard. “This is York Steele. My, um… boyfriend.”
Annabelle’s perfectly arched eyebrow shoots up in disbelief. “Your what?” The single word hangs in the air like a challenge, and I can practically feel her skepticism radiating off her.
I glance at York, silently begging him to play along. He shrugs nonchalantly, his expression giving nothing away, but inside, I’m cringing. There’s no use lying to Annabelle. She knows me better than anyone, all my little secrets, including the fact that I’ve had a ridiculous crush on York for years. She’d teased me about it endlessly. I let out an exasperated sigh, brushing a hand through my hair. “It’s a whole thing,” I mumble, trying to sound indifferent even though I’m anything but.
York, ever the charmer, steps up beside me, flashing that infuriatingly perfect smile of his. “Annabelle, nice to officially meet you,” he says smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence. “I’ve heard so many nice things.”
He’s totally lying, and we both know it. I can barely hold back a laugh, but instead, I force a smile at Annabelle, trying to hide how awkward this whole situation feels. My stomach’s in knots, and I just want to get out of here before she digs deeper. “Well, it was nice running into you,” I say, my voice too bright, too eager as I try to nudge York away, but he’s not moving. Why isn’t he moving?