"They were stars aligned in the vast cosmos of shared existence."
She gasped, her eyes widening, and her breath hitching.
The guy who rescued her started gently rubbing circles on her back, helping her settle. Clueless, she realized she was clutching onto his black jacket, wrapped in the arms of a complete stranger.
Suddenly, she pulled away, making a safe distance and then meeting a pair of mesmerizing green eyes. Half of his face was hidden behind a black mask, sparking her curiosity.
Tousled dark brown hair covered his forehead, complemented by dark eyebrows and thick lashes framing those now glowing golden eyes. From his mask to his well-built physique and down to the black woolen gloves, her eyes roamed, taking in every detail.
It was HIM.
She couldn't believe her eyes, the last person she expected to find in that place. Yet, he was the one she longed to see more than anyone else in the world.
But, why?
She didn't know, but whenever he was close, it felt like she knew him, like she knew him. As if he was the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle of her life, as if they were meant to be.
Without even knowing him, without ever seeing his face, without even listening to any of his reasons, she trusted him!
It happened in a surprising moment when he unexpectedly lit her sparkler, and as the flames caught, she was taken aback, her gaze shifted from his face to the sparkler in her hand.
"Chloe." He spoke, demanding her attention.
It wasn't the first time he spoke to her, but whenever he did, a warm swirl fluttered in her belly.
Under the flickering firelight, he seemed almost devilish, with the flames dancing over his half-covered face against the backdrop of the night's darkness.
Saving her life once again, she couldn't help but feel an undying pull between them.
"Thank you," she said, shivering as she felt the sudden contrast between the warmth of the flames and the chilly air.
When she turned away from the fire, the air turned icy. Without saying a word, he took off his maroon scarf and gently wrapped it around her. The fabric was soft, light, and warm, offering a comforting embrace against the cold surroundings.
Before Chloe could react, a voice chimed in from the side. "Sorry it took so long; Mum gave me some work." It was Cara, Gina's elder daughter, appearing with a hint of breathlessness.
Chloe turned toward her, then glanced back to find him gone.
Vanished.
Her eyes darted around, attempting to locate him among the dimly lit surroundings. The shadows played tricks, making it impossible to spot anyone in the crowd.
"Who are you looking for?" Cara asked, her eyes scanning the area as well.
Chloe's sparkler had just died out, and she sighed. "No one..."
"You sure? You look like you've seen a ghost," Cara remarked, noticing Chloe's perplexed expression.
Where had he vanished so quickly? Doubt crept in, but she reached for her neck, where she felt the scarf.
His scarf.
It was a tangible reminder that she wasn't imagining things.
Cara handed her a cup of cider.
"A ghost from the past," Chloe murmured, shaking her head as she accepted the cup.
"Are you sure, you're okay?" Cara inquired; concern etched on her face.
"I'm good, Cara, really," Chloe reassured her.
"If you say so," Cara replied, still eyeing her with a hint of skepticism.
As the sky burst into a dazzling display of colors, the fireworks lit up the night. Cara's excitement bubbled over.
"Come on! The lake gives the best reflection! Let's go!" Cara grabbed Chloe's hand, but in the bustling crowd, their connection slipped, and Cara got lost.
Despite not knowing why, Chloe hesitated, deciding not to follow Cara. The view across the lake was superior, but she lingered alone.
Standing there, Chloe felt two sturdy arms encircle her waist from behind. A powerful body drew her in against a solid chest, and she resisted the urge to turn around.
He was back.
She closed her eyes for a few seconds, opening them at the next explosion of color. It was warmer with him holding her, though her whole body felt shivery in a different way.
"Why do you hide?" She inquired.
"You didn't read the journal," He remarked, ignoring her question. "If you had, you would've known."
"I didn't," sighing, she closed her eyes, "At least tell me your name."
Under the starlit sky, painted with bursts of golden showers and dazzling fireworks, he pressed his lips against her hair, gently parting it and revealing the tender skin behind her ear.
"Neil," his voice murmured, the subtle roughness of his stubble sending shivers down her spine, eliciting a surprised gasp.
Without a mask to conceal his identity, she could easily turn and gaze upon his face. Yet, his firm embrace held her captive. His hand delicately swept her hair aside, exposing her neck as he boldly removed her scarf.
A moment of chilly air caressed her neck, causing a shiver, only to be swiftly replaced by the warmth of his mouth.
His lips found her skin, igniting a gasp and sending tingles coursing through her entire body, leaving her legs unsteady. He suckled and nibbled, his teeth grazing lightly—a sensation that bordered on pain, yet a pleasurable one.
She craved more.
"Neil," whispering, she tasted his name on her lips.
He pulled her closer. "You are far, far too young for me," he whispered, his voice dripping with allure.
Was she? Thought Chloe.
A soft whimper escaped her lips as he found a tender spot, and she hoped he didn't catch the vulnerability. Standing there was getting increasingly difficult.
She knew her breathing was increasing.
She wanted to twist around and see his face properly. She longed for him, for his touch.
Never before had she felt anything like this. She never even had a guy friend, let alone a boyfriend who could make her body feel so alive.
And she sensed he was doing this deliberately.
After all, he hadn't tried turning her around. He was playing a game with her and so far, he was winning.
The fireworks reached their climax and died away, but she was left on edge. She wanted them to go on forever because as soon as they stopped, she knew he would pull away.
"Don't lose your footing again," His voice, near her ear, was husky.
Chloe swiveled around then to look directly at him. But he once more melted away into the darkness.
Lost in her thoughts, she finally ended up strolling into a run-down part of town. Eventually, stopping in front of a shabby building with a worn-out sign that read 'Jo & Jon's Victorian Brew Haven.'
Despite its slightly dirty windows, the place appeared welcoming and homely, clearly a small, family-owned business.
Just as she was about to enter, someone unexpectedly grabbed her hand and gruffly asked, "What are you doing here, Chloe Sinclair?"
This caught her off guard.
She never expected to encounter this person here in Florida.
It felt like one of those moments when you reunite with someone after a long time, and they rush to give you a warm hug. However, in this case, there was no warmth exchanged; instead, it was a tense standoff with questions and glares.
Pulling her hand away from the tight grip, Chloe glared back and retorted, "You don't get to question me after three months..."