The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2014

“Yes, I do have something to talk to you about, but let’s eat first.”

The prospect of paying off her debts had Ivy bursting with unspoken joy. She instinctively looped her arm through Balfour’s, tugging him toward the dining room.

Balfour glanced at his arm, now linked with hers, and felt a curious stir in his heart.

As they entered the dining room and saw the feast on the table, Balfour became more convinced that something was up. “You didn’t invite me over just to chat about something small, did you?”

“Let’s talk after dinner,” Ivy said with a playful grin, nudging him into a seat and scooping out a bowl of soup for him. “I’ve been simmering this beef stew for hours. The meat’s falling off the bones.”

Since she was not ready to spill the beans, Balfour did not press and took the bowl from her, savoring the soup.

As she said, the flavors melded together from long hours of cooking, clearly a labor of love.

a few spoonfuls, Balfour looked up to meet her gaze, which was filled

eager for someone’s approval. She was

such hopeful eyes, Balfour nodded.

him for dinner. “Grandpa and Grandma mentioned they had an old friends reunion tonight, so they won’t be

Balfour; he had grown accustomed to not being

was nearly done with his meal. “Um… I got a call today. It was a job

fork, giving her a measured look. “Didn’t I tell you you don’t need to work?”

and insisted, “I need to gain

job?” Before marrying her, Balfour had Kevin investigate her background. Since graduating, Ivy had

job to just fall

director saw it. His name is Colton. He wants

held up

thanks to his sister Giselle, he knew a few prominent directors.

had indeed produced some acclaimed works, and his