Chapter 30
I couldn’t stop thinking about the heat of Declan’s touch. The thought kept popping up at random times–during staff meetings, while grading papers, at dinner–leaving me staring off into space with my fork in the air.
I could focus during class. But during breaks and after school, my thoughts immediately went back to him. The final bell rang. The students from my last class left. And I thought of him again.
After a moment, I realized not all the students had left–Daniel Gray
was hovering by my desk.
“Oh, Daniel. Sorry. I was lost in thought. What’s up p>
He handed me Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. “It was really
good. Thanks.” The quiet boy turned to leave.
“There are sequels!” I called after him.
He turned around. His expression was as flat as usual.
I spun around in my chair and pulled the next book off the shelf.
“It’s a whole series. Interested p>
He walked back to the desk. “Sure p>
I carefully hid my smile and told him, “Keep it as long as you like p>
“Thanks, Ms. Romano p>
He left. I packed up my things and walked out of the building, feeling happy. When I got back to the Spruce, my joy suddenly evaporated–Declan was back. His truck was parked in its spot in the
Chapter 30
garage.
As I walked into the building, I felt a sudden surge of nerves. When I saw the dining room was empty, I relaxed.
Halfway up the stairs to the third floor, I heard heavy footsteps coming toward me. My heart started pounding.
Could be Harlan. Could be Eric, I told myself.
But it wasn’t. Declan and I reached the landing at the same time.
The second he saw me, he stopped short–like I was contagious. Strangely, his reaction calmed me down. He backed away. I took control of the situation.
“Hi,” I said, a little breathless.
His expression didn’t change–but as he watched me, his energy sharpened. “Hey,” he said impatiently. He pointed at the stairs
behind me. “You planning to move p>
“No.” I took a step toward him and reached out to touch his
hand–just wanted to touch him briefly, to see if his body heat could
still warm me up.
Before I could make contact, Declan grabbed my wrist.
But it was enough–his rough, large fingers wrapped around my wrist bone. A wave of heat rushed under my skin. I gasped and looked up at him in a daze.
“Declan,” I said softly. “You’re so warm p>
His eyes flared. Suddenly, he stopped backing away. Stopped keeping his distance.
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He closed in on me, forcing me to back up across the landing until I was pressed against the wall, trapped by his body.
He looked down at me, his expression fierce. But when he reached out, he didn’t grab my throat–he gently cupped my chin. His touch was hot, seeping into me. I couldn’t help but let out a soft sound. His thumb traced my cheekbone. My lower lip.
When he spoke, his voice was low and rough. “Why do you keep playing with me p>
“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about,” I murmured. I covered his hand with mine, pressing his palm against my cheek,
savoring the fresh rush of heat under my skin.
Nothing could melt the ice inside me like Declan’s touch. Not
Natalia’s motherly care. Not Cynthia’s collegial friendship. Not the
easy, affectionate warmth of Jess and Elena. Only Declan. And this
uncontrollable, inexplicable pull I felt toward him.
His hand slid down my neck. I tilted my head back. Closed my eyes. He stroked my pulse with his thumb. “If it hadn’t been me coming downstairs–who would be touching you right now? Adam? Connor?
Harlan p>
(8)
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.