Chapter 389 Chapternoveldrama

389

"If I really left the way Beatrice planned, wouldn't that be betraying you twice over?" Noelle asked. "And Nathan is still keeping an eye on you. I can't just walk away and leave you to handle all of this alone. So, even if I have to go, it won't be now."

She got it all out in one breath, her gaze steady on Hendrix. Her eyes weren't filled with burning intensity. Rather, they held a quiet resolve and sincerity.

Hendrix held her gaze for a beat before suddenly smiling. This time, it was real. His lips curled upward, drawing his cheeks and eyes into a brilliant expression that made his face even more striking. Noelle's eyes flickered involuntarily at the sight.

Without warning, Hendrix cupped her chin and leaned in to kiss her. In the closed space of the car, his gentle, lingering kiss made the winter air feel warm and comforting. He meant to kiss her fully.

Though they had been on good terms lately, there had been no further intimacy. Noelle's words echoed in

his mind, swelling inside him like a balloon expanding in his chest, filling every inch of his heart.

He knew she might still be deceiving him, but that no longer held any significance. When she decided to stay, it didn't matter if it was because she didn't want him to face everything alone.

Hendrix had always been convinced that the outcome was the only thing that counted, and the outcome was that she stayed. That was all he needed.

The more he dwelled on it, the more his emotions spiraled out of control.

Noelle's breathing turned shallow. A faint crease formed between her brows as she pressed a hand to his chest, urging him back.

Hendrix got the message and slowly pulled away-but he stayed close. His forehead came to rest against hers, their faces inches apart. The heat of his presence made her glance down.

Then, unexpectedly, his fingers brushed her cheek. The gentle contact sent a shiver down her spine.

She quickly turned away, saying, "I'm hungry."

"Okay. Let's grab some food," Hendrix replied immediately

He pulled back and started the car.

"About Beatrice..." Noelle began, but her words faltered.

"I'll have someone look into it," Hendrix said.

Noelle gave a small hum in reply.

"Want some cake?" Hendrix asked.

"No."

"Why not? You don't like it anymore?"

"I liked it every now and then. Nobody eats cake every day," Noelle said with a frown.

That was when it seemed to click for Hendrix.

Smiling, he said, "I see. I never noticed. So, what would you like instead? Barbecue? Mac and cheese?" 1/2

"Maybe something lighter. I was thinking-

11

Before she could finish, Hendrix's phone rang. The car was so quiet that the ringtone seemed to blare, and it startled Noelle.

Hendrix's face soured as he answered, the conversation hidden behind his wireless earpiece. Suddenly, he slammed the brakes, his expression hardening into something grim.