Page 38 of The Beat of her Heart

“Plus, you have good company,” Josephine added.

“There’s a novel in the drawer beside the bed,” Ember added. “It’s either that or some medical journal; I can’t remember anymore.”

Josephine grinned, her arm wrapped around Ember’s waist as she leaned against her. “I hope you both enjoy your stay. We’ll be right down the hall if you need anything.”

The two walked away, laughing softly, their voices a gentle murmur. The door closed behind them, leaving Addie and Giselle in the stillness of the room.

Addie turned back to the bed. The entire room suddenly felt smaller now that Josephine and Ember were gone. Giselle still had her eyes fixed on the darkness outside the window.

“Well,” Addie said, breaking the silence, “looks like it’s just us.”

Giselle gave a slight nod, her gaze returning to Addie. “Seems that way.”

There was a pause. Addie felt her cheeks warm, suddenly aware of the bed taking up most of the room, the reality of sharing it setting in. She crossed her arms, trying to keep her composure.

“I hope you don’t mind sharing the bed,” she said, her voice light, even though her heart was racing.

Giselle shrugged, stepping closer. “It’s big enough.”

Addie took a breath, focusing on keeping herself grounded. “Right. Just…if you’re a blanket hog, now’s the time to confess.”

Giselle’s lips curved into a small smile, a rare expression on her typically stoic face. “Noted.”

The quiet stretched on again. Addie’s eyes drifted over Giselle, taking in the way her hair framed her face. Her eyes drifted to Giselle’s lips. They were full and undeniably magnetic.

Addie tried to focus on the room again, but her heart was beating too fast. When she looked up at Giselle, their eyes locked with an odd sense of familiarity.

Was Giselle staring at her lips, too? It sure looked like it. Giselle’s eyes drifted down Addie’s body. Her skin immediately burned with desire. A sigh unconsciously escaped her lips.

The door creaked open, interrupting the moment. Addie couldn’t decide if shewas elated or disappointed at the distraction.

Sophie and Natalie poked their heads in, eyes wide with excitement. Both girls had their hair wildly tousled.

“Mom, Natalie says she has an extra blanket,” Sophie said. “Can we have a sleepover please, please, pretty please?” Sophie’s voice was a loud whisper, and she glanced over at Giselle, giggling softly.

Addie smiled. “Yes, you two go settle down. I’ll come to kiss you goodnight in a bit, okay?”

Sophie nodded, grabbing Natalie’s hand as they whispered and laughed, disappearing back out the door. The door clicked shut again, leaving Addie and Giselle alone once more.

When Addie turned back, Giselle had moved toward the window and was staring into the darkness again. Addie watched her, unable to ignore the pull, the subtle way her presence filled the room. She looked strong and self-assured, her figure casting a soft shadow in the dim light.

“What are you looking at?” Addie asked.

Giselle turned to her, her eyes meetingAddie’s with a calm intensity. “Just taking it in.”

Taking it in. Addie was sure to take in the sight before her.

Giselle’s hips were curved so sensually that Addie shut her eyes repeatedly to keep from staring. Not that it helped when Giselle’s legs were screaming to be kissed.

Addie could picture herself kissing those calves and teasing her thighs as she made her way up Giselle’s legs.

Addie nodded, her eyes following Giselle’s every move as she settled onto the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other. Addie’s breath hitched. She shut her eyes again.

Stop ogling her, Addie, she scolded herself.

It had been ages since she’d felt this drawn to someone.

“I should go kiss Sophie goodnight,” Addie said.

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