NovelEnglish
Estelle sighed in mock exasperation, “Even Jonathan have surrendered!”
Norah threw her head back in laughter, standing up to circle Estelle playfully. “Well, I can’t blame him for waving
the white flag this time—look at you, absolutely stunning!”
Estelle’s eyes caught a glimpse of a men’s razor tucked away in the corner of Norah’s table. She asked with a
gentle smile, “Henson mentioned you’ve been off lately, caught the love bug have you?”
Norah’s eyes darted away, a shadow passing over her usually bright gaze as she looked down. “Off? He’s one to
talk, always overthinking things! No love life to speak of—if there were, I’d definitely spill the beans to you guys.”
“Still working at Xavier’s barbecue joint?” Estelle inquired.
Norah nodded, “Skipped this week—swamped with stuff to do!”
“It’s been ages since I’ve been there too. How’s Xavier doing?” Estelle prodded.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNorah’s lips curled into a faint smile. “He’s the same old Xavier.”
Estelle’s phone buzzed. She fished it out of her purse—it was as if by mentioning him, Xavier had appeared, a
message from him lighting up her screen: [Swing by the shop when you’re free!]
Estelle arched an eyebrow, typing back a quick [Sure.] before pocketing her phone again.
“I’m going upstairs to find Jonathan. Catch you later, Norah,” Estelle said with a grin.
“Yeah, see you!” Norah replied with a delicate laugh.
Once Estelle had left, Norah’s smile faded and she slumped onto the table, her mood turning somber.
Estelle climbed up to the third floor and knocked on the door. The study was empty, so she walked straight through
to the large French windows overlooking the garden, noting a figure moving on the lawn.
She thought it was Jonathan and was about to take a closer look when suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her
from behind, pulling her close. The man’s lips found her cheek in a tender kiss.
Estelle tilted her head back, “Jonathan.”
“Mhm?” He responded in a low hum.
Turning in his embrace, Jonathan reached up to remove the hairpin from her hair, letting her hair cascade down.
His gaze deepened, his kisses growing more insistent.
Pressed against the glass, Estelle murmured, “I won’t stay for lunch. Xavier needs me for something.”
Kissing her, Jonathan seemed only half there. “What does he want?”
“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “But if Xavier’s reaching out, it must be important.”
“I’ll go with you,” Jonathan said, his hands framing her waist as he lost himself in her eyes.
Bathed in sunlight, her skin was flawless. “No need. You’ve got the company this afternoon, and I’ll head to Xavier’s.
We’ll catch up tonight.”
“I could drop you off after lunch,” he suggested, reluctant to part so soon on a weekend they could’ve spent
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmtogether.
“I’d rather go now,” Estelle said, gently pushing him away. “I need to change.”
Jonathan accompanied her back to the bedroom, where she had clothes in his closet. He chose a cozy sweater and
a coat for her, dressing her with care, then helped tidy her hair.
Estelle picked up the dress she had been wearing, “Hold on, I should return this to your mother.”
“Don’t bother,” Jonathan said, his voice low and intense. “Wear it again for me tonight.”
Estelle, not immediately catching his meaning, blushed furiously when she met his smoldering gaze. She turned and
walked out, “I’m off then!”
Jonathan chuckled softly, following her. “Take my car. I’ll have Millard pick me up later.”
“Sure,” Estelle agreed.
As they descended the stairs, Jonathan’s mother, Cathrine, frowned upon hearing Estelle couldn’t stay for lunch. “I
had so many outfits I wanted Estelle to try on.”
Jonathan smirked, “Which is exactly why you scared her off!”
Estelle shot him a look and explained to Cathrine, “I really do have something important!”
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