Page 43 of The Beat of her Heart
Giselle had never imagined she’d find herself here, feeling so at ease, letting someone close enough to wear down the walls she’d built around herself. But with Addie, everything was different.
Addie shifted, her head resting against Giselle’s shoulder, her arm wrapped gently around her. The moments they’d just shared were still fresh in Giselle’s mind, eachmemory filled with a tenderness that filled her with something she couldn’t quite name.
It was rare—this closeness, this peace—and she felt it deep inside her in a way she couldn’t ignore.
Giselle looked down, watching as Addie’s face relaxed in the dim light. She reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Addie’s ear, her fingers brushing softly along her skin. Addie’s eyes opened slightly, catching Giselle’s gaze, a soft smile curving her lips.
“Comfortable?” Addie’s voice was a murmur, quiet and warm, her eyes bright with a gentle amusement.
“More than comfortable,” Giselle answered, her lips curling into a smile. “I haven’t done this with anyone in a long time.”
Addie’s smile widened, her fingers tracing light patterns along Giselle’s arm. “You’re doing just fine.”
Giselle chuckled softly, the sound surprising her with its ease. “Only because I have a good partner.”
They settled back into silence, with only the soft sounds of their breathing filling thespace. Giselle felt a freedom she hadn’t known she’d been missing until now.
She’d been so guarded, so focused on keeping everyone at a distance, but lying here with Addie, all of that faded into the background.
“What’s on your mind?” Addie’s hand brushed against hers, a simple gesture, but one that sent a shiver through her.
Giselle hesitated, her gaze softening as she met Addie’s eyes. “That I didn’t expect this. Any of it. You.”
Addie’s hand squeezed hers gently, but she said nothing. Giselle turned her head, her eyes meeting Addie’s, the quiet understanding between them more than words could express. At this moment, she wasn’t the person who kept everyone at arm’s length.
“Goodnight, Addie,” Giselle murmured, her eyes closing, a content smile on her face.
Addie’s fingers laced through hers, a small squeeze of reassurance. “Goodnight, Giselle.”
14
ADDIE
Addie stirred as the first light slipped through the curtains, bringing with it a warmth that wrapped around her like the memory of the night before.
She lay still, letting herself replay every detail. The memory was vivid, each touch and look feeling as fresh as if it had happened seconds ago.
Her gaze shifted, drawn to Giselle lying beside her, peaceful in sleep. Giselle’s hair fell softly against the pillow, and Addie’s eyes lingered on the gentle rise and fall of her chest and the smoothness of her skin catching the morning light.
There was something so vulnerableabout seeing her like this, her face free of its usual guarded expression.
Addie felt her breathing slow, quiet awe settling over her as she admired Giselle’s features—the subtle curve of her lips, the lines of her collarbone, her steady breathing. Last night had been unexpected, but as she looked at Giselle now, it felt more right than anything had in a long time. Addie’s eyes moved lower, noticing the soft curves of Giselle’s body and how it fit so perfectly beside her.
Then Giselle’s eyes opened slowly, and for a moment, they both just looked at each other. There was something unreadable in Giselle’s gaze, a flash of surprise that quickly turned guarded. Addie could see the quick shift as Giselle’s face grew distant.
She felt herself draw back slightly, watching as Giselle’s expression turned neutral, the softness of the morning slipping away.
“Good morning,” Giselle said.
Addie swallowed, surprised at the coldness in Giselle’s voice.
“Morning.” She tried to keep her tonelight, but the warmth from a moment ago had faded.
Giselle sat up, brushing back her hair and looking toward the window. “The weather cleared up.” Her words were flat, as if the night before hadn’t meant anything.
Addie sat up too, caught off guard by Giselle’s sudden detachment.
“Oh. That’s…good.” She watched as Giselle moved off the bed, not looking back as she grabbed a robe and headed toward the bathroom. The door closed quietly, leaving Addie sitting alone, trying to piece together what had just happened.
