He was still there, watching me, hands in his jacket pockets like he was trying not to get too close—like he was always holding himself back.
Not this time.
I walked back down the steps, closing the space between us in a few quick strides. I didn’t think about it too long. I didn’t question the timing or whether it was smart or safe or right.
I just reached for him.
And kissed him.
His lips were warm, a little surprised at first—but then he melted into it, one hand coming to rest lightly at my waist like he didn’t want to break me. But he didn’t hold back, not really.
It was soft. Deep. A little breathless.
And when I finally pulled away, his eyes were still closed for a second longer than mine.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” I whispered.
His voice was low, rough with emotion. “Me too.”
I smiled, even though my heart felt like it could burst.
Then I turned back toward the house.
“Goodnight, Noah.”
He didn’t say anything at first. I was almost to the door when he called after me—quiet, but certain.
“Goodnight, Sunshine.”
I closed the door behind me with shaking hands and a smile I couldn’t wipe away. Something had changed.
Something had started, and this time, I wasn’t running from it.
Elizabeth
I gently closed the door behind me, the soft click echoing in the stillness as my heart raced in my chest.
The kiss from Noah lingered on my lips, a delightful tingle that made my fingertips tremble with excitement. I leaned against the door for a moment, shutting my eyes and savoring the moment.
I wished the night could stretch on forever. I wanted to hold onto that warmth, that sense of realness, that glimmer of hope a little longer.
But as I stepped into the hallway, reality hit me again.
The chill. The shift in the air. The way the silence thickened around me. I didn’t need to see him to sense his presence.
“Did you enjoy your little date?”
My father’s voice sliced through the darkness of the living room, sharp and controlled. He was settled in his usual high-backed chair, a throne that reminded me this place was less a home and more a command center.
I took a cautious step forward. “You’re early.”
“You’re late.”
His gaze locked onto mine, cool and unreadable, while the dim lamp behind him cast long, ominous shadows on the walls.
I squared my shoulders. “What do you want?”
“The mission.” He lifted a folder from his lap and tossed it onto the coffee table between us. “It’s almost time.” My heart plummeted.
