Page 155 of Flame True
Grace planned to live with her aunt in the house they loved.
It worked out because Mulberry had decided to go to school here to see if she could make her dream of becoming a veterinarian come true.
A black SUV came down the street, and her heart leapt in her throat.
Mulberry turned away from the window, not able to watch.
“Come and answer the door,” Aunt Cassie said.
“No, it’s okay. You and mom go.”
Her aunt squeezed her shoulder. “Okay.”
She sat down on the couch, then stood up and fluffed the couch pillows.
“Noodle will be in good hands with you, Grace.”
Hearing his voice sent her brain into overdrive, her heart demanding she propelled herself forward to the source of that tawny accent.
She rounded the corner of the living room, her feet light and heavy at the same time as they carried her to the hallway.
Her heart beating as fast as Noodle’s tail was wagging, Mulberry moved forward. Grace hugged Noodle. The Frenchie licked her face.
“He’s so adorable,” Cassie exclaimed.
The sight of her mom and aunt sitting crossed-legged on the floor, joy on their faces, yeah, this was a good moment.
“Mulberry.”
Her nerves stilled when she lifted her head, eyes to meet his emerald ones.
This was a good moment too.
He was clean-shaven, wearing his glasses, his dark curly hair loose.
Casually dressed in a leather jacket and dark jeans.
Noodle ran around her feet, then her mom scooped him up. “Let’s show you the rest of the place.”
Her mom and aunt squeezed her arm as they passed by, their encouragement grounding her racing pulse.
Kind of.
Her palms were sweaty, and those butterflies were at full gallop.
“Hi. I’m glad you came.”
“I had to deliver Noodle to his new home. I’m going to kiss you now.”
“Yes, please.”
And he kissed her furiously, ravenously, driving out all the doubt she had He hummed low, the vibration arrowing through all her nerve endings.
He took his mouth away from hers, then kissed her eyelids, cheeks, and chin.
Taking her hand in his, he kissed it in that chivalrous way.
And she melted.