But nothing had prepared me for this.
Forhim,and somewhere in that dance, in the candlelight and violins and the way he held me like I wasn’t broken at all…
It hit me.
I was in love with Noah. Undeniably. Deeply. Irrevocably. I didn’t say it. Not yet. But I knew.
And that knowing burned brighter than any fear I had left.
---- ??? ----
The music shifted again — something upbeat now, faster, joyful — and I laughed into Noah’s shoulder, breathless from dancing and adrenaline and… whatever this feeling was blooming in my chest.
He leaned in close. “Go have your fun with the girls,” he murmured, brushing his lips just below my ear. “But don’t think I won’t steal you back.”
I smirked. “I’m counting on it.”
Mary appeared at my side, practically buzzing. “Alright, birthday girl. You’ve had your dance with the brooding bad boy — now it’s time for champagne and gossip.”
Lillian linked arms with me. “Let’s give them a break before Liam starts making more dirty jokes.”
I turned to Noah one last time, meaning just to smile.
But instead, he pulled me back, cupped my jaw with one hand, and kissed me again — slower this time, deep and possessive and just the right amount of sinful. His thumb traced the edge of my cheek as he kissed me like he didn’t care who was watching.
Gasps rippled around us.
Mary squealed. “Holy—”
Lillian covered her mouth, grinning wide.
From behind us, we heard Liam whistle and yell, “Get it, Romeo!”
Adonis groaned, “Well, damn,” under his breath.
Noah finally pulled away, eyes burning into mine. “Told you. Can’t help myself.”
I laughed, flushed, and turned to follow the girls toward the drink table, still floating somewhere above the earth.
As soon as we were a few steps away, Mary grabbed my arm. “Okay. Talk. Now. What thehellwas that kiss?!”
“I mean… I’ve seen steamy,” Lillian said. “But that was like… someone’s definitely not sleeping alone tonight.”
I laughed, hand over my chest to keep my heart from leaping out. “He’s just—God, he’s not what I expected.”
Mary raised an eyebrow. “And whatdoyou feel, exactly?”
I paused at the table, fingers brushing the rim of a crystal glass.
Then I turned to them, letting my voice go quiet.
“I think I’m in love with him.”
Their eyes widened, mouths open.
“I mean it,” I said. “Not some heat-of-the-moment crush. It’sreal.It’s terrifying. And I want to tell him tonight. I want him to know. Because for once, I don’t want to hold anything back.”
Mary made a soft sound, her hand over her heart. “Liz…”
