Page 64 of Noel
It’s the fact that she cares so much.That she brings beauty and joy into everything she touches.
That she has this whole world of color and light inside her—and she still chooses to share it even after some piece of shit threatened her.
She’s fearless.
She’s brilliant.
She’s mine.
And I’ll burn down the city before I let anyone hurt her.
Chapter20
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.“Wedo?”
“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?”
