Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Nora slow-dances with Shepherd but pulls back before a kiss, realizing Charlie still dominates her thoughts. At Goode Books, jealousy flares when Nora overhears Charlie making plans with Amaya, and their chemistry spikes before Charlie retreats. Libby remains evasive about her errands. Ultimately, Nora confronts the tension and insists on an in-person Frigid discussion, and she and Charlie schedule a library meeting.
Summary
Nora slow-dances with Shepherd at sunset, enjoying the moment until memories of Charlie and her old life intrude. When her phone chimes and her thoughts spiral to Charlie, she abruptly ends the near-kiss. Shepherd gives her his number, and Nora leaves unsettled.
Back at Goode Books, Charlie teases Nora about her outing with Shepherd, prompting charged banter that exposes mutual attraction. Nora struggles to focus on work and frets over Libby’s recent secretive errands. When Amaya stops by and confirms plans with Charlie, Nora’s jealousy spikes, and she tries to drown it out with headphones.
Later, in the children’s room, Nora and Charlie collide into an intensely close moment, but Charlie withdraws, citing the need to go. The next day, new Frigid pages arrive; Nora drafts notes while Libby appears briefly, remains evasive, and departs with a promised surprise for Nora that evening.
Lonely and tired of avoidance, Nora seeks Charlie in the office. She pushes for an in-person meeting to discuss the next hundred pages of Frigid. After sparring, Charlie agrees to reserve a study room at the library for a late-morning session, formalizing their need to face both the work and their unresolved tension.
Who Appears
- Nora StephensProtagonist; aborts a near-kiss with Shepherd, feels jealous over Amaya, confronts Charlie to schedule an in-person Frigid meeting.
- Charlie LastraEditor; exchanges charged banter with Nora, seen making plans with Amaya, retreats from intimacy, agrees to a library meeting.
- LibbyNora’s pregnant sister; assigns tasks at Goode Books, remains secretive about errands, promises another surprise.
- ShepherdLocal architect-carpenter; slow-dances with Nora, nearly kisses her, gives her his number.
- AmayaCharlie’s ex; visits the shop, confirms Friday plans with Charlie, triggering Nora’s jealousy.