The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1954

Lounging on the couch, Ivy rubbed her temples – they were throbbing mercilessly. She closed her eyes, intending to take a brief respite, when suddenly, the chime of a text message pierced the silence.

Thinking it might be Balfour replying, she slowly opened her eyes and reached for her phone.

[Ivy, are you resting now?]

The message wasn’t from Balfour; it was Nolan who had sent it.

Ivy replied with a mix of feelings.

[Yeah, about to catch some z’s. Thanks for the lift home today, Nolan.]

[Don’t mention it. Let’s keep in touch often, and if you need anything, just holler.]

Ivy stared at her phone for a moment before sending back a polite emoji. Then she switched off her phone and set it aside.

weren’t just about catching up as old school pals. However, regardless of the

up diverted her attention. Ivy rose and drifted

enough, Balfour was back.

had seen

in the living room, waiting for him. Who knew what

might slip up, Ivy considered heading downstairs. Her

to wait

house looking worn out. He changed

“Balfour.”

room and

caught up with some last-minute stuff at work. Grandma, why are you still up this late?” Balfour paused, turning to

Alyssa caught a whiff of a

clearly not from Ivy