by Blue Saffire
I close my eyes. I know Aria was another victim of Noah never picking anyone over me. I feel like shit. I feel sick. Noah wasn’t drunk that night; he didn’t have a girlfriend and he just didn’t give a fuck about Josh. So, Noah Black.
“I have to go,” I murmur. “If you talk to Noah, please don’t tell him about this.” Aria cringes and winces. “Ah, what did you do,” I whine.
“I texted him. I thought you needed him,” Aria says sheepishly.
“Shit,” I mutter and rush into the locker room. I leave her standing there looking guilty.
I collect my things without even changing. I do not want to be here when Noah arrives. He is going to be like a raging bull. Josh better run for it. He put his hands on me. There is no way I’m going to be able to talk Noah down from that. Crap.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Come to Me
Noah
Pissed is not the word. I’m livid. I should be getting ready to go off the grid for two weeks on a mission and I get a text that that piece of shit put his hands on my woman. Bean maybe be running from me, but she is mine.
She was mine the minute I stuck my tongue down her throat. This assignment we’re going on needed a lot more of my focus than I would have liked, so I gave Rebecca the space she seemed to have needed. It’s been four long months, but it was necessary. I won’t put my brothers lives at stake for my and Bean’s shit.
Yet, here I am having to deal with this shit or else my head is going to be all fucked up for the next two weeks. I can’t have that. I need to put a big ass band aid on this now.
When I got to the gym last night, Bean was gone, but Aria was there. She told me everything that she saw. I nearly destroyed that fucking gym. Bean wouldn’t answer my calls last night, so I’m going directly to the source in person. I walk into Halo’s, the bar and Grill Rebecca works at. The first thing I note is that prick’s little bitch ass friend seated at the bar watching Rebecca.
I know it is just before the end of Bean’s shift. I timed it that way. I want to make some things clear to everyone. Rebecca belongs to me.
Bean is talking with one of her co-workers when I walk up behind her. She’s rolling the last pieces of silverware in front of her. The blonde behind the bar, Pepper, I think her name is, stops midsentence to look up at me.
Bean turns to see what she is staring at and locks eyes with me. Damn, she is gorgeous and I miss her like crazy. I cup her face and run my thumb over her full bottom lip. Her big brown eyes search my face.
“Wh-what are you doing here,” she stammers.
“You let him put his hand on you,” I bite out.
“Noah, it’s over. I just want to forget about it,” Bean sighs.
I step in closer, crowding her space. “It’s not over. He touched you. I’m going to beat his fucking ass,” I growl.
“Let it go, Noah,” Bean pleads.
“You want me to ignore that some douchebag put his hands on my woman,” I hiss.
Bean’s eyes widen in her pretty brown face. “What,” she whispers.
“I wasn’t drunk, Rebecca. I know I kissed you. I meant what I said. You’re mine,” I reply.
“You can’t just tell me I’m yours. Come on, Noah. Where is this coming from? I’m not even your type,” she says with pain in her eyes.
My head whips back and I pull my hand from her face, like I’ve just been scolded. “Are you fucking serious?” I look at her incredulously. “Not my type? You are the prototype for my type. Open your eyes, Rebecca. Every one of my girls have been a sorry excuse for you. I have picked the same girl over and over, just to realize in some way they were you.
“You are my perfect type,” I look her over from head to toe and lick my lips. She looks adorable with her messy ponytail, Halo’s t-shirt and jean skirt. Her long legs are on display, begging for my attention.
“You really don’t know how gorgeous you are. You have no idea that I’ve been in love with you for years. I was an idiot. I didn’t see it then; I wasn’t sure if you would want me. I was too blind, but that night I saw it in your eyes before I kissed you. You want me just as much as I want you.”
I cup both sides of her face, placing my thumbs under her chin to tip her head back, and I bend to kiss her sweet lips. I know that asshole is watching so I give a good show. I devour her mouth. If I could kiss the soul out of her body, I would. I groan as Rebecca’s fingers clinch the front of my t-shirt.
“I love you, Baby,” I say against her lips. “You belong to me, Rebecca.” I put my forehead to hers and stick my hands in her back pockets. “My cards are on the table, Baby. Now the ball is in your court. You come to me when you know what you want. I’m done playing.”
I squeeze her ass through her pockets and lift her into my erection. “Don’t make me wait too long. I need you,” I whisper and capture her lips once more for good measure. “I leave in the morning. We’ll talk when I get back. Get your stuff, I’ll drop you at home.”
Bean nods as she looks up at me. I know I kissed her speechless. Her fingers reach for my beard and run through it. She goes to open her mouth, but I shake my head. “No, we’re not doing that now. Save all of that for when you come to me.”
She nods again and turns to get her things. Pepper places Bean’s purse on the bar and Bean takes it in slow motion. She holds it to her chest like it alone will hold her together. I chuckle to myself as I wrap my arm around her waist. This feels so right.
I wink at her ex’s red faced friend as we walk pass. Just to rub it in, I grab Bean’s ass as we walk out the door. Rebecca just melts into my side, the perfect fit. I bend and kiss the top of her head.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
If I have To
Bean
I look through my cabinets for the hundredth time. I can’t believe I have let my house go on E. I have no food. I should have gone food shopping the other day after work, but I was in too much of a daze to do anything once Noah kissed me. I am still trying to convince myself it wasn’t all a dream.
I woke up from a nap later that night to a slew of text messages from Pepper that assured me it indeed was not a dream. Noah mauled me at my job right in front of Joshua’s buddy, Dean. His buddy that by the way, I’m still trying to figure out his purpose in being at my job in the first place. Joshua and his little friends can kiss my ass.
Dean tried to explain to me that Josh was just upset at the gym and that he loves me. Ha! I blocked Joshua’s number as soon as I got home the other night. I tolerated Josh’s other shit, but he has gone too far.
Besides, Joshua doesn’t stand a chance in hell now. I had mixed feelings when Noah walked into Halo’s. I was excited to see him, but nervous about what he had planned to do. What I didn’t expect him to do was kiss the sense out of me and confess that he is in love with me.
Noah, loves me. I beam at the thought as I grab a piece of paper and start to make a grocery list. I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I think of the goodbye kiss Noah planted on me after walking me to my apartment door when he dropped me off.
Noah took my keys from my trembling fingers to unlock my front door. Before opening the door for me, he placed the keys back in my palm and pulled me to him by my hand. Noah’s other hand cupped my neck and the side of my face.
Without a word, he dipped his head to take my lips in a slow searing kiss. He started out with gentle nibbles, sucking my lips into his mouth one by one. When I stuck my tongue out to taste his lips, he groaned, taking the kiss deeper.
I think we kissed for a whole ten minutes, - at least it seemed that way, - before Noah pulled away, placing a kiss to my forehead and then placing his chin on top my head. “I need to get back to work,” Noah sighed. “I’ll call you later to check in before I go off the grid. Make sure you take this time to think, Rebecca. Remember, I know what I want.”
With those words, he pecked my lips and pushed the door open to my apartment. I stepped inside as the butterflies in my belly tried to eat me alive. I know I had a goofy gr
in on my face as I turned to close the door.
I wanted to watch him leave, but Noah wouldn’t take his golden eyes off of me until I closed that door. I closed to the door and pressed my forehead to it. Yes, I squealed like a little girl once my brain rejoined my body.
I touch my lips that are still tingling a whole four days later. I think I get a buzz from his beard tickling my skin whenever he kisses me. I finish off my list, because I want to hurry up and get done, so I can call Nellie and Heather to see if they want to have a girls’ night.
I’ve taken a few days off from work to get my thoughts in order. I’ve been job hunting and looking at some courses I may consider taking in the fall. I suddenly feel optimistic about all aspects of my life.
I want to get this whole Noah thing off my chest with the girls. I think if I hear it out loud it will sink into my brain that it is real. I have no doubts of my decision when Noah returns. This has already started off as the longest two weeks of my life. The timing for all of this couldn’t be any worse. I miss Noah already.
I bite my lips as I think of his words. He knows what he wants. I can’t help wondering what that is. I know Noah said he loves me, but is that, I love you as a friend that I want to have benefits with or I love you and want to be in a relationship?
My thoughts feel silly. Noah called me his, that should be answer enough, but I’m going to be real and say I still haven’t come to grips with the fact that Noah wants me at all. He called me the prototype for his type, but I’m still having a hard time seeing that.
I smirk wider, because the way Noah kissed me…I shouldn’t have any doubts at all. I shake my head at my thoughts as my body hums with the memory of Noah’s hands on my body. Even the simple act of him placing his hands in my back pockets, has me clinching my thighs wanting so much more. I’ve never felt this way with anyone before.
I sigh, I need to get moving. With a smile on my face I grab my purse, my phone, and my list. As I reach the door my phone chimes with a text. I look down at the phone as I pull the door open and smile. It’s Heather, she beat me to the punch.
I need a drink. Your place, mine, or Nellie’s. I would love to lounge in Wyatt’s pool.
I chuckle to myself. I think we all pretty much see Wyatt’s place as Nellie’s now. From what I hear she never goes home to her own apartment. I smirk at the idea of Wyatt’s pool and agree it’ll be Nellie’s place.
I go to respond as I step out the door, but I feel myself being pushed back and look up. Joshua has a blank look on his face as he walks me backwards into my place. I frown and stumble back a few more steps as he closes and locks the door behind him.
“We need to talk,” Joshua starts.
“There is nothing to talk about,” I grumble as my shoulders sag. I’ve been in such a good mood. I don’t want to deal with this.
It has been five days since that debacle at the gym. I was hoping he’d taken the clue and moved on. I should have known it was not going to be that easy. Something about the emotionless vibe he is giving off is creeping me out.
“Yes, there is,” Joshua says still not showing any type of emotion. That doesn’t keep me from seeing the anger that lies beneath the surface. This is going to be a problem.
I look around the room weighing my options. Josh is blocking the front door. That leaves the small hallway to my bedroom and small office. Both the bedroom and bathroom inside have locks on the doors. My last option would be to stand and fight. I groan inwardly. That really is the last thing I want to do.
I hate fighting. I just hate violence. If I can avoid it, I will at all costs. Joshua is not going to make me become that other person. Oh, she is in there. I just don’t like to let her out. I learned to keep my crazy under wraps a long time ago. My temper can get me in a heap of trouble if I let it. I get it honestly from my mom and dad.
Those two really caused me to see how much I don’t like to go there. I hate it even more when I’m forced to. I opt for making my way to the bathroom as my course of action. I can wait Josh out in there.
“What exactly would you like to talk about,” I say calmly.
I’m going to try to tame him, then make a break for it. My phone chimes with another text and Josh’s face turns red with anger. I bite the inside of my cheek as my grip tightens on my phone.
“Turn that shit off,” Josh commands. “I want to talk about you thinking it’s okay for another man to kiss my girl. Not just kiss you, Bean. From the way I hear it, he inhaled you and had his hands all over you. I knew that motherfucker was after you.”
I fight the frown that tries to surface. He has lost it. What doesn’t he get. We are over. I nod my head and lick my dry lips.
“Okay, fine,” I say softly. “We’ll talk.”
Josh’s eyes soften and he steps forward. He brushes a curl from out of my face. “Good, I’ve missed you, Baby. I know you were mad at me. I fucked up and that fucker took advantage,” Josh says as he smiles at me.
I think, I’m going to be sick when he leans in to try to kiss me. I pull away and start to dance from foot to foot. “Babe, hold that thought. I have to go to the bathroom. I think I have beer in the kitchen. Help yourself,” I say as I scoot by and head to the bathroom like a bat out of hell.
I move too quickly for Josh to stop me. Once in the bedroom, I don’t stop to lock the door, I just rush into the bathroom. I lock the bathroom door and lean against. I bite my lip and try to figure out my next move. Josh is not going to be fooled for long. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is on the other side of the door now. I jump as I hear his voice, not even moments after the thought.
“Bean, there ain’t shit in that kitchen. Where were you going when you opened the door,” he growls.
Just then my phone rings, startling me once again. I press the answer button instead of the reject button and groan. My nerves are shot right now. As I put my ear to the phone, Josh full out loses it on the other side of the door.
“I can’t fucking believe this shit. You’re trying to play games with me,” he snarls and bangs on the door. He jingles the doorknob and I jump away, moving across the room.
“Hello,” I rush into the phone over Josh’s shouting.
“Bitch, I told you to turn that fucking phone off. We’re going to talk about this shit. Unlock this fucking door,” he roars.
“Nellie, can I please call you back,” I say as my voice quivers.
“Rebecca, don’t you hang up on me,” Nellie snaps and I roll my eyes. I know she is not just going to let this go. Nellie has always had my back, even though she is half my height. If you mess with me, you’re messing with us both.
I jump again as the door rattles under Josh’s fists. My idea to trap myself in here doesn’t seem like the greatest anymore. I feel like a cornered rat. “Nellie, I need to get out of here,” I sob.
“I know and I am on my way to make that happen. Where are you? Are you home,” Nellie demands.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Wyatt will kill me if he finds out you got in the middle of this. I can handle him.”
As I think about having to face a pissed off Wyatt, I’d rather beat the snot out of Josh. I’m not in the least bit pleased with where this is going. I can feel my temper simmering just beneath the panic.
“Bean, are you safe for now,” Nellie asks. I can hear that she is in motion. She has been since she first heard my distress. One thing to know about Nellie and I. We are a lot alike. We don’t like to fight and as long as someone is just bothering one of us directly, we may not. However, as soon as someone we love is in danger we blackout.
“Yeah, I locked myself in my bathroom.” I tell Nellie as I stare at the bathroom door. Josh has no idea the shit I can do to him. I just want him to leave.
“Fine, stay there,” Nellie says and I debate on whether or not to follow her instructions. I don’t want her involved. I should just handle this before she arrives. The door rattles hard and I have flashes of when I was younger. “Don’t hang up, okay?”
&nbs
p; “Okay,” I whisper as my mind drifts.
I’m taken back to my old home. Mom is yelling at the top of her lungs to be heard over my dad’s own ranting. He has been drinking again. It’s become the norm. I hate living here. I wish mom would just pack us up and leave. I have become so nervous all the time.
I met a new friend at school. Her name is Nellie. She is small, a lot smaller than me, but I like her. Her parents are getting a divorce. I wish I could say the same. My bedroom door shakes with the force of the door daddy just slammed. I hear my mother right behind him yelling.
I close my eyes and think of my friend. “We have to stick together, Bean. These kids suck, but we’ll stick together. You’ll always have me,” Nellie said fiercely as we stood in the playground the first week we met. She has been true to her word ever since.
I can even talk to her about this stuff. Nellie is the sister I never had. I cling to that little piece of happiness as I curl up on my bed. Things will get better.
I’m brought back to the present by Nellie asking if I’m still okay. Josh continues to bang on the door as he calls me out of my name. I grit my teeth and narrow my eyes at the door.
“Bean, Sweets, just hold on I’m getting another call,” Nellie says into the phone. I nod as if she can see me. All of my focus is on the door. “I’m almost to you so don’t hang up.”
“Okay,” I reply absently before I hear the line go quiet.
I start to pace my bathroom still weighing my options. I think of Noah. He is going to lose it. Noah was protective of me when I was just his friend. I can only imagine what he is going to do now that I am his…I don’t know what I am, but it’s not going to go well for Josh either way.
I am so deep in thought about Noah’s reaction. I am startled when the bathroom door caves under Josh’s foot. I scream in surprise and fumble with my phone.
“I told you to open the fucking door,” Josh growls as he storms into the bathroom.
“Just leave, Joshua,” I yell at him. “Get out of my house.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I told you we’re going to work this shit out,” Josh snarls. “Stop being a fucking bitch.”
