The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2029

“The driver? What about you?” Ivy eyed him curiously as he seemed to have no intention of leaving. “You’re not seriously considering taking the bus with me, are you?”

Balfour turned to her with a nod, “Is that a problem?”

“It’s not that,” Ivy said, scanning their surroundings before leaning in to whisper, “You’re Balfour Howard, for crying out loud. Taking the bus doesn’t exactly fit the image, does it?”

He squinted at her as she spoke in hushed tones. “Is there a sign on the bus saying people like me can’t ride it?”

“Of course not,” Ivy straightened up, dropping the subject of his uncharacteristic transportation choice.

Deep down, Ivy felt a surge of happiness. His being there meant, at least, he was not as preoccupied with Giselle as she had feared.

After a fifteen-minute wait, the bus arrived, and they boarded.

the bus was packed at this hour, and they were practically squeezed

against the window, Ivy glanced at Balfour

replaced with a frown deeply etched

“Bet you never knew us common folk had it so

he had not anticipated the crush of bodies, leaving him no room to even plant his feet.

someone pushed her from behind, falling into Balfour’s

be pushed again, trapped against him,

of embarrassment, a faint smile

steadied her with his hands, suddenly finding the

his chest, Ivy could hear his steady heartbeat, and

ágainst her. Every time she tried to pull away, another shove kept her in Balfour’s embrace. His hands remained gently on