Carnival Pleasures

A kiss in the dark. A love that's been waiting for the light.

Jacob

I came back to London for my family-to mourn, to remember, to be there for my parents on the anniversary of my sister's passing. But when my friends drag me to the Notting Hill Carnival, I can't say no. Not when there's a chance I'll see her.

Maddie. My best friend. The woman I've loved for as long as I can remember.

I've spent years locked in the friend zone, convinced she'll never see me the way I see her. But then, under the cover of masks and moonlight, fate hands me an opportunity I never saw coming.

One kiss. One moment. One chance to finally show Maddie what she means to me.

And I'll be damned if I don't take it.

Maddie

As a nurse, my life is a never-ending cycle of long shifts and exhaustion. So when my roommate convinces me to dress up and lose myself in the magic of the Notting Hill Carnival, I give in. A few hours of fun. No responsibilities. No stress.

What I don't expect? A stolen kiss with a mysterious stranger who makes my heart race and my world tilt.

But just as the crowd pulls us apart, realization hits me like a bolt of lightning-my mystery man isn't a stranger at all. He's Jacob. My best friend. The man who's been by my side through my darkest moments.

I've spent years convincing myself our friendship was enough. That I couldn't risk losing him.

But after one unforgettable kiss, I don't know if I can pretend anymore...