Page 18 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Nothing," he says, eyeing my robe. "Monsters Inc., huh?"

"Are you making fun of my robe?"

"No, of course not," he replies with a grin. "Just making an observation."

"My dad got me this for Christmas," I say. "I was eleven months old when the movie came out. My parents thought I looked likeBoo."

I shut the door and we stroll across the lawn. He smiles at me, saying, "You must’ve been a cute baby."

"I was," I say, and this time, I allow my eyes to linger on his.

When we enter the house, he asks, "Do you want something to drink? I have lemonade."

I smile at him but look away before his gaze pulls me in like a magnetic force, making me yearn for a closeness I’m not ready to admit I want.

"I'd love some," I reply.

He heads to the refrigerator, and I pull two glasses from the cupboard. "I’ve been thinking about your offer to help with Davey," he says.

"And?" I prompt.

"I would really appreciate it, but I have to pay you."

"How about a break on the rent?" I suggest.

"Deal!" he says, smiling. "Davey usually wakes up around nine. You can come by after breakfast."

"I can come earlier and make breakfast," I offer.

"I can’t ask you to do that."

"I want to," I insist.

I take a sip of my lemonade, savoring its sweet, tangy flavor, and then watch him take a long drink. His mouth is beautiful. Ugh, stop it!

"Thanks for the lemonade," I say, rising from my seat. "I should probably get going. I have to report for duty at the crack of dawn."

"I hope you like your new boss," he says, a playful glint in his eye.

"I already do," I reply before heading towards the door. "I hope he likes me too."

I turn around to face him, leaning against the door, as he towers over me, all muscle and strength, making my heart race.

"I know for a fact he thinks you're incredible." His fingers graze my collarbone as he gently tugs on my collar, drawing me closer.

"Go ahead," I hear myself whisper, the words escaping with a hint of longing.

I meet his gaze and see the unspoken question in his eyes: "Can I kiss you?"

When I smile, the unspoken answer is undeniable: "Yes."

He leans down, his lips softly brushing mine. Once, then twice. I open my eyes to find his gaze locked on me, intense and consuming, leaving me breathless.

"I'm not made of crystal," I say softly, "I won't break. Kiss me, Noah. Kiss me like you mean it."

And he does.

His lips feel firm against mine, still cool from the lemonade, their sweetness mingled with a tangy hint of lemon. I close my eyes and wrap my arms around his neck, letting his lips tease me slowly until I feel as though I might unravel in his arms. His mouth explores mine so gently, so thoroughly, that I feel shivers course through me. As he deepens the kiss, little by little,the passion I knew I'd find in his arms builds and floods over me. His hands cradle my face as he takes his long, sweet time, leaving me completely lost in the moment, enveloped in the tender intensity of this one all-consuming kiss.

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