Carnival Pleasures

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…