Chapter 20
Holly
“Oh my God,” I moan as I settle into the plush leather of Noel’s truck. “That was the best cookie tasting of my life.”
Snowflakes drift past the windshield, fat and slow, like we’re trapped in a snow globe someone shook just for us.
Noel shuts the door and chuckles, low and rough.
“Okay, I’m not usually a sweets guy, but those cookies were insane.”
I giggle.
Like actually giggle.
The kind of sound that hasn’t escaped me since middle school when I had a crush on my science lab partner. But that’s what this man does to me—makes me feel giddy, lit up, and just a little out of control.
“Oh, um, come here,” I say, leaning closer. “You’ve got some powdered sugar—right there.”
Before I can pull my hand away, Noel catches my wrist. Gently.
His fingers curl around mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
And then?
His tongue darts out and licks the sugar I wiped from the corner of his mouth right off my finger.
Jesus.
My brain short-circuits.
My thighs clench.
My panties are done.
“W-where are we going next?” I ask, throat dry, trying to play it cool and pretend my entire body isn’t melting in his front seat.
He shifts into drive, glancing at me with those whiskey-colored eyes that have no business being so warm and so devastating.
“The Stargazer,” he says, voice low. “We have a suite for tonight and tomorrow.”
My breath catches. “We do?”
“You’ve had a long week. You’ll need to be close to the venue for the gala. I’ve already arranged for your clothes and toiletries to be delivered. Including your gown.”
I blink. “Wait, how did you know which dress I picked?”
“I didn’t,” he says with a smirk. “I had all three delivered.”
God help me.
Snow spirals past the windows as he turns onto a wide, glittering avenue.
The world outside is lit with gold fairy lights and frosted branches, like something out of a Hallmark movie.
But I don’t notice any of it.
Because all I can think about is how his hand still lingers on my thigh.
How his voice feels like warm bourbon poured down my spine.
And how maybe, just maybe, I’m falling way too fast for the man who’s supposed to be keeping me safe.
My eyes are glued to Noel’s profile as he drives competently through New York City traffic.
The last couple of days with him have been amazing, and right now, my heart feels so full of dreams and desire for this man that I don’t notice anything else.
I don’t see him lurking. Outside the bakery, across the street.
His shadow lingers.
Unseen. Watching.
Waiting.
But all I see is Noel.
I bite my lip. Anticipation is making jet fighters out of the butterflies in my stomach because the truth?
I hope like hell Noel sees me, too.