The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2010

In the dim light of the movie theater, Balfour’s eyes gleamed with an intensity that left Ivy tongue-tied, unable to muster the words of rejection.

If she did, she knew she’d feel as though she’d committed a grave error, shattering the hopeful anticipation in his heart.

“Look, how about this? I owe you one for today, and I’ll make it up to you with a gift tomorrow, okay?” Ivy offered, her voice tinged with hope for a compromise.

Balfour’s gaze dropped slightly, locking onto hers with a ripple of emotion, “No, after today it’s not my birthday anymore. Since you didn’t bring anything, why not improvise with what we have here?”

Ivy blinked, befuddled by his suggestion, “But we’re in a cinema. There’s nothing here.”

Before she could finish her sentence, Balfour’s hand reached out, cradling the back of her head, and he pressed a warm kiss. against her lips.

The heat of the contact sent Ivy’s eyes wide with shock, her whole body tensing.

She couldn’t fathom why Balfour had suddenly kissed her, but even more startling was the fact that she didn’t find herself repulsed by it.

the kiss, and he simply

sent Ivy’s heart

and it’s starting.”

each other along, and Balfour quickly released Ivy. They both

a single scene. Her mind kept replaying the moment Balfour had kissed

adjusting his tie as if

Sure, he had had a drink or two at

looked into Ivy’s eyes, he felt intoxicated, losing his reason

realized what he was doing, their

that kiss mean?

not in a position to chat, Ivy felt a mix of boredom and awkwardness.

glanced at the popcorn bucket beside her and reached for a piece, hoping to ease the discomfort.

for popcorn, and their hands brushed against