Chapter 36

Charlotte's heart continued to beat loudly as she felt Ethan's warm breath against her lips. She wanted to pull away, but her body refused to listen.

Ethan, too, seemed rooted to the spot, his intense gaze locked on her even as their lips remained pressed together.

Suddenly, Ethan's lips moved first.

It was gentle, tentative, as though testing the waters. Charlotte's breath hitched, and her hands instinctively gripped his shoulders.

His kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, sending a shiver down her spine.

Charlotte instantly closed her eyes, her body surrendering to the moment as her hands slid to the back of his head, her fingers threading through his hair.

Ethan pulled her closer, one arm wrapped firmly around her waist, the other cupping her cheek.

The kiss grew more intense, his lips melding perfectly with hers as they lost themselves in each other.