The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 280

The kiss deepened intensely, stealing her breath away. Nora pushed against Maloney's shoulders, kicking her legs slightly, a soft whimper escaping her throat.

"Nora." Parting from her lips, Maloney brushed his thumb over her reddened mouth. His breathing was heavy, his voice laced with a restrained, husky edge. "We need to talk."

"Oh, right." Nora was still reeling from the dizzying lack of oxygen, her body practically melting into the cushions. Her mind was foggy, but she vaguely remembered her duties. "Wait, hold on. Let me tell the housekeeper to serve dinner first."

Saying that, she gripped his arm, trying to sit up.

"I'll tell her," Maloney said, pressing Nora gently back down onto the sofa.

He stood up, strode quickly toward the dining room, gave the instructions, and returned almost immediately.

Nora was still sprawled out, looking a little dazed.

Observing her now, she didn't seem to be acting out of the ordinary.

Maloney scooped her into his arms, helping her sit upright.

"Are you hiding something from me?"

"Yup," Nora admitted, leaning against him crookedly. She mumbled, "But I'm not telling you."

"Why not?" Maloney tucked a throw pillow behind her back so she could lean against the sofa comfortably. He gently wrapped his hands around her wrists, trapping her in his embrace. "Why won't you tell me?"

"Because it's a secret between me and my friends."

A secret between friends?

Maloney's mind spun, though he kept his tone casually light. "Which friends?"

"Not telling." Nora poked his thigh with her toe. "Are *you* hiding anything from me?"

"No." Maloney leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I have no secrets from you."

"Mhm," Nora hummed, continuing to poke his leg with her toes.

Even though she had stayed home all day, she had still dressed up for New Year's Eve. She was wearing a stunning, traditional crimson dress, and had done her makeup flawlessly. But her feet were bare, and she swung them back and forth playfully, looking exactly like a little girl trying to act like a grown woman.

Maloney found himself momentarily distracted by the striking contrast of her pale skin against the red dress.

A sudden thought crossed his mind. Maybe nothing was actually wrong. Maybe she was just pouting because he had come home so late.

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