Page 41 of The Beat of her Heart

She couldn’t believe how much she wanted Addie, how close she felt to breaking every rule she’d set for herself. But as she heard the faint sound of water from the bathroom, she thought,What’s the worst that could happen?

Giselle moved to the edge of the bed, taking a steadying breath, her mind running over every moment of the evening. She’d tried for so long to avoid this kind of connection.Now, with Addie, she felt herself leaning in instead of pulling away.

Worse still, she felt good about it. Yes, her heart raced with the very thought of it, but her lips still craved to be kissed.

Giselle threw herself backward, bouncing slightly on the bed. She could’ve moved away. She could’ve stopped Addie just before their lips touched, but she hadn’t wanted to. If anything, every bit of desire she’d buried was suddenly above the surface.

She found herself wanting to be touched. She wanted to feel every inch of Addie’s skin against hers.

Giselle’s hands cupped her face. She groaned quietly, berating herself in her head. It was as ironic as it was strange. She wanted this, yet she knew she shouldn’t.

She remained there for what felt like an eternity, breathing deeply and reminding herself how kissing Addie was a mistake she wouldn’t repeat. Her nipples tightened against her cotton outfit.

The bathroom door opened, and Giselle looked up. Addie stepped out, wrapped in a towel, her damp hair falling loosely aroundher shoulders. She moved with a quiet ease, her gaze soft as it met Giselle’s. Her skin glowed in the dim light.

Giselle’s breath caught in her throat. Her jaw dropped as she watched Addie move to the dresser and slip into her nightclothes—a simple tank top and soft shorts that clung to her in a way that made her pulse race even faster.

Giselle’s gaze traced every detail, from the curve of Addie’s collarbone to the gentle lines of her arms. Warmth settled deep inside her, and she couldn’t look away.

“You look really nice,” Giselle murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Addie’s lips curved into a small smile, a faint blush touching her cheeks. “Thanks. Guess pajamas aren’t the usual look for me.”

Giselle watched her, unable to hide her smile. “They suit you.”

Giselle felt that pull again, drawing her closer, the last of her walls crumbling. She wanted this—wantedher. She rose to her feet and took a step closer. Addie did the same.

What’s the worst that could happen? She sighed.

Addie’s eyes met hers, and there was an understanding there, something unspoken yet undeniable. Giselle’s breathing steadied, her gaze lingering on Addie’s lips, the warmth between them building. She could see the same longing reflected in Addie’s eyes.

“Giselle,” Addie said.

Giselle closed the remaining distance, her hand reaching up to gently touch Addie’s arm, their eyes meeting again in silent agreement. She wasn’t holding back anymore.

The warmth between them swelled as they leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, gentle kiss. Giselle didn’t let the kiss last for long before she pulled back.

Her gaze held Addie’s, the warmth lingering between them. They didn’t need to speak. This moment was theirs, and for once, Giselle let herself give in completely.

Addie’s hand moved to gently rest on Giselle’s arm, tracing the line of her shoulder with a soft touch. Their eyes met, and there was an openness in Addie’s gaze, a vulnerability that Giselle hadn’t seen before.

Giselle reached up, her fingertips brushing along Addie’s cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath her touch. The soft rise and fall of their breaths filled the quiet, creating a gentle rhythm between them.

“Is this okay?” Addie asked.

Giselle nodded, her gaze unwavering. “More than okay.”

They came together again, their lips meeting in a kiss that held all the desire they’d kept hidden until now. It was slow, unhurried, each moment shared as though they had all the time in the world.

Giselle moved her hand to rest on Addie’s back, pulling her closer, feeling the intensity between them deepen. She could feel the gentle beat of Addie’s heart, their breaths blending, grounding them both in the moment.

As they moved together, their touches became a language of their own. Addie’s hand found its way to the small of Giselle’s back, holding her close, their bodies pressed together in an embrace that was both soft and strong.

Giselle felt a deep sense of trust in thattouch, something that went beyond words, beyond any need for explanation.

They sank onto the bed, the covers soft beneath them, wrapping around each other as the world outside grew distant. Giselle’s hand moved gently along Addie’s arm.

A throbbing ache grew inside Giselle as Addie’s fingers trailed across her neck.

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