Chapter 176
Sometimes, Edith realized, Justin wasn’t really expecting her to answer his questions.
Like earlier, when he’d asked if she wanted to stay on the couch or move to the bed.
This moment was no different.
He was just giving her a little time to catch her breath.
A few seconds later, Justin’s lips brushed softly against hers.
The kiss left Edith dazed, her thoughts muddled, and from outside the car she could hear the muffled sound of people hooting and egging them on.
Chloe, who had already climbed into her own car, scolded her family’s driver before hopping back out. She wanted to see for herself who was being so bold.
Charlotte watched Chloe stride over, hands on her hips, and let out a derisive, “Please. If I had a Rolls–Royce to pick me up, you think I’d ride in your family’s battered old BMW? Give it a rest! Can’t you see Edith doesn’t even want to talk to you? Don’t embarrass yourself–just go home already.”
Chloe bared her teeth in frustration, stomping her foot as she glared at the kissing couple inside the car. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Didn’t everyone say Edith married that rich boy for love, not his money? Well, he’s barely cold in the ground, and she’s already found herself another one? Must’ve taken a masterclass in gold–digging.”
Charlotte had never met anyone quite so shameless. She elbowed her way in front of Chloe, shooting her a look of pure disdain. “What, you think you get to watch this for free? Move along, you’re ruining the mood. One more word and I’ll tell Professor Lockwood you spent all of today’s charity painting event whining about the sun and your clothes. Still want to graduate?”
Chloe immediately clammed up and slunk back to her car, defeated.
Inside, Justin leaned over Edith, reaching out to close all the car windows.
He broke the kiss reluctantly, still savoring the moment, then gently tucked a few strands of hair from Edith’s cheek. The heat had made her hair stick to her skin.
Once he’d smoothed everything back into place, Justin finally spoke. “There. Now they can’t see us. Can I get a response now?”
Edith’s cheeks were already flushed.
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She wasn’t even sure if it was from the sun or from what had just happened.
She tried to shrink away, only to realize her back was already pressed against the seat–there was nowhere left to go.
Her gaze darted around, not knowing where to look. Meeting Justin’s eyes felt like staring into a mist she’d never escape.
She cleared her throat. “A response to what?”
Justin’s lips curled into a teasing smile as his thumb brushed lightly along her jaw.
The touch sent shivers down her spine, and when she glanced out the window at the small crowd gathering for a show, her voice came out flustered. “Justin, can we please go? If we wait any longer, we’ll be caught in Northcrest’s evening rush hour.”
Seeing her so eager to change the subject, Justin’s smile only deepened.
He murmured, “Mrs. Hawksley, give me a little feedback. Otherwise, I’ll never be able to drive in peace.”
Edith suddenly understood–Justin was using the gawking crowd outside to pressure
her.
She squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath, and then leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a bold, decisive kiss:
Justin looked almost startled at first, but quickly took the lead, guiding her deeper
into the kiss.
Time seemed to stretch out.
Their gentle breaths grew heavier, until finally, Justin broke away–reluctantly, as if he never wanted the moment to end.
“Can we go now?” Edith asked, breathless.
But Justin didn’t seem in any hurry. Instead, he turned the car around, driving slowly to admire the graffiti murals along the outside wall of Riverbend Zoo.
He made a full circuit before finally stopping in front of one–a playful painting of a panda munching on bamboo.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.