Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 118

“Hasn't made it yet. Said he was stuck in traffic, but he should be close,” Grant replied, throwing himself back onto the plush sofa and crossing his legs. His suit jacket fell open further, teasing the hard ridges of his abs.

Hudson set his cup down, immediately standing and extending his hand to Nora. “Come on. Let me show you the backyard.”

Grant quirked an eyebrow. “What's in the backyard?”

Hudson didn't even bother looking back. “Fish.”

“What's so interesting about fish?” Grant muttered under his breath, turning a confused look toward Sebastian. “Since when does he care about koi ponds?”

Sebastian took a slow, deliberate sip of his tea. “Why does a permanently single bachelor care what a happy couple does with their free time?”

Grant, the perpetually single bachelor, was rendered entirely speechless.

The Hamilton's backyard was a multi-tiered architectural marvel built seamlessly into the mountainside, a sprawling labyrinth of pristine landscaping that easily dwarfed the front courtyard.

At the very edge of the property lay an incredibly serene, custom-built pond. It wasn't massive, but its design was flawless.

Smooth slate stones lined the banks, framing delicate lily pads floating gently on the surface. Beneath the crystal-clear water, flashes of brilliant gold and crimson koi swam lazily through the currents.

A massive, weathered decorative boulder sat prominently at the edge, blanketed in moss and exuding a deep sense of history.

Hudson led Nora right to the edge and pointed into the depths. “Look.”

Nora peered closely. The sunlight caught something submerged at the very bottom, emitting a surreal, glowing blue luminescence.

She squinted for a few seconds before she finally registered what she was looking at.

“Are those...”

“Bioluminescent stones. They glow at night, turning the entire pond into a glowing, ethereal blue.”

“Wow!” she breathed, utterly mesmerized.

Hudson gave her hand a gentle, affectionate squeeze. “Do you like it?”

Nora nodded eagerly, her eyes shining bright with pure, unadulterated wonder.

“If you like it, I'll have the contractors build an exact replica at Cloudwater Estate.”

Nora quickly shook her head. “No, no, that's way too much trouble.”

“It's not. If it puts a smile on your face, it's worth it.”

Nora's heart skipped a dangerous beat.

Nora shook her head slightly. “Nothing, I just... you're too good to me.”

“You think this is good?”

Hudson pulled her tight against his chest, resting his chin on the top of her head. He let out a low, deeply affectionate chuckle. “Sweetheart, I haven't even started spoiling you yet.”

Nora looked up, immediately locking onto his intense, piercing gaze.

The air crackled with tension as Hudson slowly tilted his head down.

He brushed his nose against hers, their breaths mingling. The intoxicating, rugged scent of cedarwood washed over her senses.

Nora's eyes fluttered shut, her dark lashes trembling in anticipation.

She could feel the searing heat of his mouth hovering mere millimeters away. She was entirely engulfed in his commanding presence.

All it would take was the slightest fraction of an inch to close the gap completely.

But right at that very second, a furious shout shattered the tranquility—

“Jade Reed! What the hell do you think you're doing!”