"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.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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