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)
York’s confident smirk falters for just a second, and my pulse quickens. I can’t shake the feeling that my dad might suspect something, and now… well, now it’s time to face the music.
York nods, his demeanor cool as he straightens up. “Sure, Coach.”
The two of them step away, and the crowd's buzz fades into the background. My eyes stay glued to York as he and my dad walk off, my heart pounding, wondering what they’re talking about, wondering if my dad knows.
I’m still staring after them when my mom sidles up next to me, her soft, warm presence a comfort I didn’t know I needed.
“You know,” she says, a knowing smile tugging at her lips, “I’ve never seen you so happy.”
I blink, pulling my gaze away from where York and Dad disappeared. “What?”
She chuckles, reaching out to brush a stray hair from my face. “You. This… glow about you. I’ve seen you happy before, but this is different.”
Her words catch me off guard. For a moment, I don’t know what to say. There’s this knot in my stomach because as much as I want to gush about how right she is, I still haven’t told them the truth. I’m dating York Steele. For real. But my mom’s soft, understanding eyes seem to already know. Maybe she’s known all along.
I clear my throat, glancing down at the snow-dusted ground. “I am happy, Mom.”
She smiles warmly, her eyes twinkling. “It’s good to see, sweetheart. York’s a good man.”
Before I can respond, the festival starts shifting gears as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything. Lights flicker on, illuminating the booths and the twinkling Christmas décor. The festive buzz in the air turns softer, more intimate, and couples are starting to gather by the outdoor dance floor, where soft Christmas music is playing.
I glance around, taking it all in—the warm light, the smell of happiness, the gentle hum of Christmas melodies floating on the breeze. And then, as if on cue, York appears beside me, his hand finding mine.
“Care to dance?” he asks, his voice low and smooth, and for a moment, I forget everything else—the paparazzi, my dad’s serious expression, all the secrets we haven’t told yet.
I look up at him, my heart swelling with an emotion I can’t quite put into words, and I nod. “I’d love to.”
He leads me to the dance floor, his hand warm in mine, and as we step into the soft glow of the lights, the world feels like it’s shrinking down to just the two of us. York pulls me close, his hand resting on the small of my back, and I melt into him as we sway to the music.
“I told your dad I’d take care of you,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear as we move together. “But we’re still keeping this our secret for now.”
I nod, my head resting against his chest, and for the first time today, I feel like everything is going to be okay. We’re in this together, and right now, with York holding me close as the snow falls gently around us, it feels like nothing can touch us.
It’s late as I sneak into the garage. “York,” I whisper-yell, my eyes searching for the one man I can’t get enough of. It’s becoming our nighttime ritual.
This is the third night in a row I’ve met him here after everyone has gone to bed, and I’m loving every second of our time together.
“I’m here,” he says, stalking closer to me. “And I need to do something.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Oh, what?”
He pushes me onto the table behind me, leaning me back as he quickly discards my pajamas and panties. “I need to eat this pussy out before I die.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as I lay back, my legs falling open. “Oh, York.” A girl could get used to this kind of treatment, but I don’t want to think about a future outside of this holiday season.
When I go back to school. When York goes back to his hockey career. I’m sure we’ll fizzle out quicker than a soda left out too long.
I push the negativity away as York’s mouth makes contact with my most private parts. “Oh my,” I cry out, slapping a hand over my mouth to quiet myself down.
York lifts his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine. “You’re going to have to keep it down, Noelle.”
I squirm a little. “I know, but I don’t want to.”
“Tomorrow we’ll go somewhere more private. Promise. But tonight you have to keep it down.”
I nod, leaning my head back to rest along the table as York continues his assault on me. I’ve never had anyone do this to me before, and now I realize how much I’ve been missing out on.
Actually, no. I’m sure the only reason it feels good is because York is a master at it. I mean, the man should teach classes.