Page 38 of Destined Lovers

I won’t waste another second. I press my lips to her luscious, pillowing ones and can’t hold back the sigh that slips through my lips.

She’s the one to deepen the kiss this time. Unintentionally my grip tightens around her neck as she presses her body against mine, and she lets out a loud groan.

My girl likes that, does she?She’s like putty in my hands.

I don’t let up my punishing grip, using it to my advantage, maneuvering her head the way I want to kiss her in the perfect position.

I open my mouth and swipe my tongue along her lips, needing to gain access. She doesn’t hesitate even a second to open up and let me in.

Our tongues collide. It’s like heaven on earth in a mere instant. I know right here and now that I cannot,will notgive this up again. I wouldn’t survive.

I wrap my free arm around her waist, pressing our bodies closer, making sure every inch of ourselves are touching.

Nora flings one arm around my neck while the other hand rakes through my hair, massaging my scalp, and I let another sigh escape. This. Is. Perfection.

I slowly walk her back toward the wall, so I can press my front into her as our kiss continues at a hungry pace.

“Dec,” Nora whispers against my lips.

“I know, babe,” I say, trying to go back in for the kiss, but she pulls back slightly to look me in the eyes.

“I… I…”

“Don’t overthink this, Pip. Remember, it’s just you and I.” I lean in, press my forehead to hers, and repeat, “It’s just you and I.”

She takes a deep breath, clearly fighting with herself. Eventually, she tightens her arms around me and brings me down for a tight hug.

“Oh! I’m sorry to interrupt. I was worried when you didn’t come back right away.” Agnes says but doesn’t move from her spot. She’s not sorry at all and not fooling anyone with that mischievous smile on her face.

Nora tries to pull away, but there is no way I am letting her off the hook.

“We’ll be one second, Agnes,” I say as I widen my eyes, hoping she’ll move a little quicker to leave.

Before Nora can spoil the moment, I lean in and press my lips to her forehead. “Don’t,” I warn.

“But, Dec—”

“But, Dec, nothing. Just leave it as it is, Nora. It was just a kiss. A perfect, mind-blowing kiss and a perfect way to start our first Christmas together in a very long time.”

She sighs and nods her head. She’s being very agreeable today,which is suspicious.

“What?” she asks.

“Why are you being so easygoing about everything?”

“I’m trying to be more open-minded,” she replies, rolling her eyes, and pushes off.

“Let’s go,” she grabs my hand to pull me toward the main room.

“Hey, Pip?” She turns her head and glances at me over her shoulder. “Thank you for being the best Christmas present ever,” I say, honestly. She has no idea how thankful I am, not just for the kiss but for her turning back up in my life again.

Nora’s face lights up and gives me a smile that stops my heart mid-beat.

“No, Declan, thank you for reminding me of what life with you is like.” She winks, turns, and pulls me back to the room with Agnes and Maeve.

Things are going to be okay. I can feel it.

Maeve’s face lights up when she sees Nora walk into the room, and Nora rushes to her to give her a hug hello. “Maeve,” Nora whispers, her eyes swimming with emotions. “I can’t believe how big you are. You’re eighteen now?”

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