Madly Yours (Nora Reed) novel Chapter 423

The steam from the hot spring curled upward, blurring the space between them.

The collar of Nora's shirt had slipped open slightly, exposing her delicate collarbone and a patch of luminous shoulder. The steam gathered on her skin, making it glow with a soft radiance.

Her long hair cascaded over the mat like dark silk, making the smooth nape of her neck look even more striking.

Hudson's gaze locked onto her neck, his Adam's apple bobbing sharply.

His fingers slid slowly from her nape, tracing the ridge of her spine all the way down until he paused at her waist.

Nora let out another soft hum, the sound light and airy, brushing against his ears like a feather.

Hudson's hands stopped completely.

His gaze turned entirely predatory.

Without him realizing, his breathing grew heavy and ragged, his heart hammering against his ribs as if something wild was trying to break free...

Hudson drew in a sharp, unsteady breath.

After a brief internal war, his restraint crumbled. His hands were still resting on her waist, her skin warm and impossibly soft beneath his fingertips.

"Nora..."

He called her name, his voice impossibly hoarse.

He waited a moment, but there was no response.

Frowning slightly, Hudson leaned down to check on her.

She was sprawled on the mat, her cheeks flushed, lips slightly parted, her breathing soft and even. She was completely fast asleep.

"..."

Hudson glanced down at himself and bit out a muffled curse, feeling like he was about to explode.

But Nora was sleeping so deeply. She was clearly exhausted, and he couldn't bear to wake her.

Taking a deep breath, Hudson forcefully shoved down the surging rush of desire. He grabbed a nearby towel and draped it gently over her.

Nora murmured in her sleep, rolling over and burying her face into the soft fabric before settling back into a deep slumber.

Hudson stared at her for a few seconds before shaking his head with a helpless laugh. He turned and walked into the outdoor shower.

Soon, the sound of running water echoed through the gazebo.

A long time passed, but no steam ever rose from the showerhead.

...

When Nora woke up the next morning, she found herself tucked into the massive bed in the master bedroom.

"If the shoe fits."

Amused, Nora padded down the stairs in her slippers.

In the living room, Grant Hamilton and Sebastian Caldwell were bickering on the sofa. Two cups of tea and a fruit platter sat on the coffee table, making it obvious they had been there for a while.

"Grant. Sebastian."

Grant immediately jumped up, his eyes crinkling with a charming smile. "Nora! Haven't seen you in a few days, and you're looking even more gorgeous!"

Sebastian rolled his eyes beside him. "Is that your only line?"

"What? I'm just telling the truth! Is there a day she doesn't look stunning?"

Nora laughed. "What brings you two here? Where's Hudson?"

"The Boss is in the kitchen," Sebastian said, lifting his chin. "Said he was making soup for you, told us to shut up and wait."

Right on cue, Hudson walked out of the kitchen carrying a small saucepan.

Grant and Sebastian immediately rushed over with empty bowls, eager to get in on the action.

Good lord!