All Chapters of Holding you close: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

CHAPTER TWO IAN'S POV My voice was cut short as I swallowed a mouthful of water, sinking deeper into the icy pool. My limbs grew heavy, and the muffled silence of the deep began to pull me under. Just as everything went dark, a loud splash broke through the surface, followed by strong arms wrapping around me.That was the last thing I felt before the world faded out completely.“Hey, can you hear me?”The voice was faint, accompanied by the sudden press of lips against mine. I snapped awake, coughing up water and gasping for air.When my vision cleared, I was staring up at a tall, handsome guy with ocean-blue eyes. Drops of water dripped from his wet hair onto his soft, pink lips—lips so captivating I found myself momentarily transfixed.A single drop slid down his defined jawline as he let out a soft, relieved breath, his dark, clinging strands of wet hair framing a face that looked endearingly boyish despite his sharp features.His chest rose and fell rapidly beneath his soaked sh

CHAPTER FOUR CALLUM’S POVThe drive home was effortless, the car gliding along empty, deserted streets that felt entirely foreign compared to the world I came from.My world was an avenue that breathed quiet wealth, where the silence was deliberate and heavily guarded. Smooth, jet-black asphalt rolled out beneath the tires without a single seam or bump, flanked by pristine stone curbing and wide sidewalks of polished slate.Two hours ago, I was still nursing a drink in the dim heat of The Velvet Lounge, driven there purely to burn off my rage. Yet even through my anger, I couldn’t help but notice him—a gorgeous, clearly intoxicated guy whose face caught the light through the blinds separating the VIP section from the main floor.Can't believe people like that still exist. I always thought of Kai, but the stranger's charm and radiance intoxicated me, making me forget about him entirely.Was it the encounter by the poolside, or the CPR I performed on him? Oh my, his lips were succulent

CHAPTER SIXCALLUM’S POVThis granny's got to be kidding me, how is she calling now? I groaned, my smile vanishing instantly. I didn't even know when I'd uttered, "She wasn't calling me, Ian... she was calling you."He picked up the phone, debating whether to answer or let it ring out, pacing the floor as if searching for the right words.Getting furious, I spoke in a sharp whisper, "Just pick up, dude."He glared at me, his knuckles white, before finally swiping to answer. "Hello?" he managed, his voice tight.A shrill voice pierced through the room, loud enough to hear snippets reminding him his 30 minutes were up and that he needed to get home to prepare for his book study and his deliveries at the restaurant.Ian's face drained of all color, his eyes widening in panic. He couldn't even manage a goodbye before the phone dropped from his hand and clattered to the floor. Slowly, he turned to face me, his mouth agape, unable to utter a single word."What's wrong, dude?" I asked, unabl

CHAPTER EIGHT IAN'S POV "This is..." Cal swallowed, looking up at her with pure appreciation. "This is easily the best thing I've eaten all year."A proud grin broke across Nonnie's face. "See? That's real food. Your grandmother always said I made the best gravy in town, and it looks like she was right. Eat up, both of you.”I sat down quietly opposite him, consuming my food instantly. But the look on his face made me pause—his eyes were fixed on his plate, a mixture of wonder and quiet disbelief softening his usual guarded expression."What? What's wrong?" I asked him, setting my fork down."I thought you said she was strict," he murmured, looking up from his plate with a light, almost emotional smile. "How come she’s so kind and lovely around me? And... if I'm being completely honest, this is the first hearty meal I’ve ever had in my life."I blinked, taking in his tone. "I always thought I'd like to be in your shoes, you know? Multi-course delicacies, planned gourmet meals... I a