Page 3 of Entangled with the Enemy

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of lively conversation and shared laughter. By the time we're lingering over coffee and dessert, I find myself utterly captivated by this woman who once swore never to forgive me.

As we step outside into the crisp night air, I can't bring myself to let the evening end just yet. "Can I walk you to your car?"

Imogen hesitates for the briefest of moments before nodding. "Sure, why not?"

We stroll through the parking lot, our steps slowing as we approach a sleek black sedan.

"Well, this is me," she says, turning to face me. Her eyes are luminous in the soft glow of the streetlights, and I'm struck by an overwhelming urge to pull her close.

"Imogen..." My voice is low, almost a whisper. "I've had an incredible time getting to know you tonight."

She holds my gaze, her lips parting ever so slightly. "I did too, surprisingly enough."

Emboldened by her words, I take a step forward, closing the distance between us. Her breath catches as I reach up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering against the softness of her cheek.

Unable to resist a moment longer, I dip my head and capture her lips with mine. She melts into the kiss, her arms winding around my neck as our bodies press together. The world seems to fall away as I lose myself in her intoxicating taste.

All too soon, she breaks the kiss, her eyes clouded with a mix of longing and uncertainty. Before I can react, she slips from my embrace and hurries to her car door.

"Goodnight, Holden," she calls before ducking inside and driving away, leaving me standing alone in the parking lot.

I watch her taillights disappear into the night. Despite the abrupt ending, I can't fight the slow smile that spreads across my face.

Whether she knows it or not, Imogen Lynch has well and truly captured my interest.

Chapter 3

Imogen

"Iknow you have a complicated past with Holden, but the compatibility results are off the charts. This could be a real chance for you to move on," Lilith's voice is brimming with enthusiasm through the phone's speaker as I push open the door to Bean & Bliss.

The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops me, mingling with the soft hum of morning chatter. It's a cozy, familiar atmosphere that usually puts me at ease, but today, my mind is swirling.

"I'll think about it. But it's not that simple. There's a lot of history there," I say, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Just promise me you'll give it some thought. Sometimes, the best relationships start in the most unexpected ways."

I sigh, running a hand through my auburn waves. "Fine, I'll think about it."

Hanging up, I take a few steps into the cafe, my gaze immediately drawn to a familiar figure standing near the counter. My heart skips a beat as I recognize the broad shoulders, the tousled dark hair, the commanding presence that could only belong to one person.

Holden.

He turns, and our eyes lock. A charming smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as he approaches me.

"Good morning," he says, handing me a steaming cup.

I glance down at it in surprise. It's my usual black coffee order. "How did you know?" I ask.

"I have my ways."

I raise an eyebrow. "Stalking me, are you?"

He chuckles, the sound warm and rich. "Not exactly. Let's just say I pay attention."

A small smile tugs at my lips despite myself. It's oddly flattering that he remembered such a small detail. For a moment, I feel a flicker of warmth toward him, a crack in the wall of resentment I've built over the years.

"Do you have a few minutes to sit with me before you rush off to work?" he asks.

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