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.

that Nolan’s intentions weren’t just about catching up as old school pals. However, regardless of the motive, she wasn’t about to give him any encouragement.

the sound of a car pulling up diverted her attention.

enough, Balfour was

if he had seen

probably still in the living room, waiting for him. Who knew what she might

Ivy considered heading downstairs.

wait

rest all day, entered the house looking

“Balfour.”

hearing the noise, stood up in the living room and called out

work. Grandma, why are you still up this late?”

him, Alyssa caught a whiff

clearly not from Ivy –