Chapter 9

Noelle

I never want to stop kissing this man for the rest of my life. It’s almost unfair how good he is at this—like the universe is dangling something just out of reach, teasing me with something I’ll never be able to enjoy again once this whole facade is over. But for now, while we’re still pretending, I’m going to savor every second of it.

His lips move against mine with a fervor that makes my head spin, like he’s pouring every ounce of his soul into this kiss. The way he holds me, the way his fingers gently brush the back of my neck, it all feels so real. Too real. My heart races, and I cling to him, not wanting the moment to end. I want to freeze time, to stay like this forever, lost in the warmth and intensity of his embrace.

But then, just as the world around us begins to fade completely, we hear someone clearing their throat beside us. Reluctantly, we break the kiss, and I turn to see a man and woman standing nearby, watching us with amused expressions.

York steps back, a wide smile spreading across his face as he greets them. “Graham, it’s been a long time.” He reaches out to shake the man’s hand, their grip strong and familiar before pulling him into a quick, brotherly embrace. Then he turns to the woman, his smile softening. “Zoe, how are you?” He gives her a warm hug.

My heart is still pounding as York returns to my side, his arm slipping comfortably around my waist as he introduces me. “Noelle, this is my cousin, Graham, and his wife, Zoe.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say, forcing a smile to my lips, though my mind is still spinning from the kiss we just shared.

Zoe gives me a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling as if she’s seen more than just a simple kiss. “Nice to meet you too, Noelle. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

The words make my cheeks heat up, but I manage to keep my composure. “All good things, I hope.”

Graham chuckles, nodding. “Only the best, I assure you.”

As we exchange pleasantries, I can’t help but glance at York, my thoughts still lingering on the kiss. I know this is all for show, but there was something in that kiss that felt far too real. And I’m not sure how to handle the whirlwind of emotions it’s stirred up inside me.

“Which chocolates are your favorite?” Zoe asks, her voice warm as she loops her arm through mine, gently guiding me away from York and Graham. I glance back at York, who’s engaged in deep conversation with his cousin, before turning my attention back to Zoe. The atmosphere in the shop is cozy, with the rich scent of chocolate filling the air and the low murmur of conversations all around us.

“I’m not sure yet,” I admit, scanning the display case filled with an array of tempting treats. The glossy truffles and decadent bonbons beckon, each one more irresistible than the last. But before I can even begin to decide, Zoe leans in closer.

“I saw the papers about you and York,” she says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. There’s a wild grin on her face, one that tells me she’s been dying to talk about this. My stomach does a little flip as I try to gauge her reaction. I open my mouth to explain, to tell her how York and I are only faking it for the good of the team, but before I can get a word out, she continues.

“I think it’s great,” Zoe gushes, her excitement evident. “York needs somebody like you. And Graham wasn’t lying when he said we’ve heard lots about you over the years.”

Her words catch me off guard, and I feel a rush of warmth in my chest. “You have?” I ask, curiosity piqued. “What has York said about me?”

Zoe’s smile softens, and she gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “Only good things, I promise. He talks about you like you’re something special. And from what I’ve seen so far, I can tell why.”

I can’t help the blush that creeps up my cheeks. The idea that York has mentioned me to his family, that he’s thought of me enough to talk about me, stirs something deep inside. But I quickly remind myself that this is all an act, a role we’re both playing.

Zoe seems to sense my hesitation because she tilts her head, studying me with a thoughtful expression. “You know, York is a tough nut to crack. He doesn’t let just anyone in. So if he’s let you in, even a little bit, that means something.”

Her words hang in the air, making my heart flutter. But before I can dwell on them too much, Zoe gestures toward the chocolates again, her smile returning. “Now, let’s pick out some treats before the guys decide to eat them all.”

I nod, grateful for the distraction as we return our focus to the chocolates. But even as I choose a few pieces, I can’t shake the feeling that Zoe’s words have unearthed something I wasn’t prepared to face—the possibility that maybe this isn’t all an act for York. And that thought both thrills and terrifies me.