*Claire*

I pull away from our kiss after what feels like nearly an hour. I enjoy every second of that kiss right up until the moment when we part. I gaze into Nathaniel’s eyes and feel his powerful arms around me, sure as a stone and just as immovable too.

It is only now that sound registers in my ears.

I glance over my shoulder and see everyone’s eyes on Nathaniel and me. For a moment, I feel self-conscious. Were they all watching as I kissed him? How long ...