He looked at her with the most kissable smile she had ever laid eyes on.
‘I hope so.’
Noah stood up slowly and then sat next to her on the settee. Her heart was pounding. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her. ‘Jessica explained what happened, but why didn’t you message me? I’ve never checked my phone so often. It was more than I even check my book rankings!’ He smiled.
‘Please forgive me but I was all over the place yesterday. I’ve had a lot going on in my life… I met my biological mother.’
Noah looked amazed. ‘I wasn’t expecting you to say that. Wow. How did it go? How are you feeling? So many questions, I’m sorry.’
‘It went well. Very well. It was even a bigger shock when I discovered we live near each other and not only does she come into the library but her son is my friend.’
‘Double wow. I can’t take this in. And yes, after that revelation, you’re most definitely forgiven.’
‘Neither could I at first, and thank you.’
Noah stretched out his arm. ‘You have been going through it, haven’t you?’
Elle leaned into his embrace and rested her head against his chest.
‘I’m glad it’s all coming together for you but you still could have sent me a message. I wanted to speak to you.’
‘I checked my phone too,’ she admitted, ‘but there was no message from you either.’
‘That’s not true, I sent one yesterday saying I looked forward to seeing you.’
‘Oh yes, you did. I’m sorry.’
Noah tilted her head towards his. ‘You’re beautiful, Elle Cooper,’ he said and rested his head against hers. ‘I remember the first time I ever set eyes on you – July fifteenth.’
‘You remember the date.’
‘Of course. I thought maybe you’d get in touch after you’d received your flowers.’
‘Flowers?’ she asked, confused.
‘On Valentine’s Day.’
‘They were from you?’
‘They were.’ He gave her a sheepish grin. ‘I suppose it was daft to think you’d guess they were from me after all that time. I should’ve been less mysterious.’
She smiled. ‘I had no idea who they were from but they were beautiful – thank you.’ Her heart was bursting. She furrowed her brow. ‘You didn’t by any chance send me a signed copy of Sam Stone’s latest book as well, did you?’
‘No. A signed copy of a Sam Stone book is very rare. Why?’
‘It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re here now.’
‘I was just thinking the same.’ Slowly, Noah bent towards her and the electricity sparked between them as he kissed her softly.
‘Elle…’ He pulled away slowly but his gaze stayed locked on her. ‘You do know I fancied you the moment I set eyes on you, don’t you?’
‘Me too,’ she murmured, willing him to kiss her again. ‘But there’s something I need to tell you.’
‘Which is?’ he asked, puzzled.
‘I’m not after a quick fling. I’m not that kind of girl.’
‘I’m glad to hear it. I’m not that type of boy either,’ he reassured her.
