"Emma!"
Stella let out a startled cry. Even though she was wearing her seatbelt, the sudden swerve of the bus sent her tumbling right into Cedric Clarke's side-
Cedric's reflexes kicked in, and his hand shot out to steady Stella. In that instant, he felt something soft brush against his cheek.
Stella had accidentally kissed Cedric on the face...
"Sorry!"
She jerked back immediately, about to stammer out an explanation when the bus lurched again.
Thrown backward by the motion, Stella's eyes widened in alarm!
"Watch out!"
Cedric reached for her just in time, but the bus swayed again—
Stella landed right back in Cedric's arms!
And then, before either of them could react, their lips met-firmly, unmistakably.
Their eyes locked, both of them staring in disbelief, each more stunned than the other.
Stella: "..."
Cedric: ""
Honk, honk-
The bus's horn echoed through the winding mountain roads.
tossed about,
road twisted and turned, forcing the
to the seatback in front of her, not daring to glance
she found herself leaning helplessly toward him. This time, though, she was smarter-she turned her head to the window, so even if she
when Stella ended up very close to Cedric. Strands of her hair, carrying
only a heartbeat, but Cedric couldn't ignore the wild
then, she would have seen the famously composed Dr. Clarke, cheeks
in Silveridge at eight
Northborough, Silveridge was dry and pleasant, the air crisp
Carney
"Professor, Mrs. Winslow!"

and Gwendolyn hurried
must be starving," Gwendolyn said, taking Briony's suitcase and handing
smiled warmly, accepting the luggage without
alright," Briony replied with a smile, then
said cheerfully. "But I had the
linking her arm through Gwendolyn's as they walked
immediately, his attention caught by Stewart standing nearby. James had called a few days
was dragging his feet, refusing to
she could move to Silveridge and prepare for the baby in peace.
was formidable-Briony would have a
doubted he had enough sway to make Stewart budge, but
when he
"Professor Winslow."
"Mr. Wentworth."
They shook hands.
into a faint, unreadable smile.
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