by Alexa Powers
“You must be exhausted,” she finally spoke. “Did you sleep at all?”
“I don’t think so. I think you fell asleep about an hour or so ago. Although, I might’ve nodded off for a few minutes here or there and not realized it,” he thoughtfully replied.
“Thanks for staying up with me, and for not letting me miss the sunrise. I really appreciate it.” Noah was such a considerate man. A gentle man, she was quickly learning.
He had every reason to be big-headed. Model good looks, the successful career, women throwing themselves at him, and an amazing beach house. But he wasn’t arrogant at all. The opposite really. Noah was a humble man who appreciated everything he had. Took pride in it. Worked hard for it.
“You’re welcome. It was nice to watch the sunrise with you.” It really was, he thought, as he watched her. She was smart and funny and he was enjoying her company immensely. His first impression of her was based on her physical appearance, but as he got to know her better, he found that there was much more to her than just a pretty face. So much more.
Noah hadn’t always made the best decisions when choosing his relationships in the past. He wasn’t proud of it, but at times he’d been willing to overlook the personality flaws of the person he was dating if they looked good enough.
And when he wasn’t in a relationship, it was always a boost for the ego to be able to go out to a club and go home with whomever he chose. But, he was also old enough to realize that it was an empty existence. He was tired of being lonely, and meaningless sex was no longer as satisfying as it once was. He wanted more.
He wanted Emma.
“I had a lot of fun last night, and this morning. Is it possible that the sunrise looks prettier in the Southern Hemisphere? Because that was the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen.” Emma turned to face him once again with a dazzling smile that felt like a kick to the gut.
Trying to maintain his composure at the sudden flood of emotions stirring in his belly, he looked away from her, his gaze drifting to the swell of the surf as it lazily rolled ashore. “I’m not an expert, but any good Kiwi will tell you that everything is better here. Including the sunrise. Maybe it’s because we’re the first to see it. By the time it makes its way to other places, it’s lost some of its sparkle,” he answered, pushing off with his foot, causing the hammock to gently sway back and forth beneath him.
“That must be it. It leaves a little of its beauty along the way.” Emma’s sleepy smile faded with disappointment as she shrugged her shoulder.
“Well, for what it’s worth. It was spectacularly beautiful this morning. I can’t honestly say when I last saw one though, so I might not be the best judge. I’m usually in bed, snoring.”
“Oh really? You’re a snorer?” she laughed, that intoxicating laugh that left him wanting to hear more of it.
“I’ve had my nose broken a fair few times by now. So, yes, I’ve been told on a few occasions that I snore,” he stated sheepishly.
Ignoring the sudden burn of jealousy ripping through her at the thought of him in bed with another woman, Emma used the opening he gave to observe his handsome face up close.
Faint laugh lines fanned out from the corners of the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, which were lined with a thick fringe of dark lashes. And with an ease that came naturally to him, Noah smiled the smile that made her insides stand at attention.
He really should come with a warning sign, she thought. A smile like that was a threat to even the most jaded of females.
Taking a step closer, she noticed that his nose hooked slightly to the left. He also had a jagged scar on his chin and one on his forehead, above his right eyebrow. A hazard of the job, she supposed. Instead of detracting from his looks, the imperfections made him even more attractive. He wasn’t a pretty boy. He was rugged. Real men had scars.
How the players were able to walk away at the end of the game was a mystery to her. She’d be curled up in the fetal position, crying for her mommy after one hit, but they took the constant punishment with glee.
She shook her head. “Did it hurt? Getting your nose broken?” After she uttered the words she instantly wanted to take them back. Of course it hurt, why would she ask such a thing?
He let out a loud laugh. “Like a bitch.”
“I’m sure.” Still a little embarrassed, she gave him a shaky smile.
Noah stood and reached for her as they strolled back into the house, the feel of her hand warm against his. He needed some sleep. He was too old for an all-nighter and his body ached from the long hours in the hammock. Wishing she’d join him in his bed, as he’d happily forgo the rest, was just that…wishful thinking.
Emma wasn’t the type of girl to jump into bed with someone she’d just met, and he was happy for that. But the thought of her cuddled up against his side while they slept, just about brought him to his knees.
Chapter 8
After a few hours’ sleep and a brief stop at Lily’s to pack, they embarked on the three-hour drive to Papamoa Beach, on the Bay of Plenty. As they turned into the driveway, Emma’s mouth gaped open at the sight of the stately beach house.
Noah pulled his Jeep to a stop in front of a covered walkway that led to the front door. Stacked stone pillars stood sentinel on each side of the slate footpath, with colorful flower beds surrounding them and extending down the length of the walkway, filling the air with a soft fragrance.
Standing in the large foyer, Emma hoped she didn’t look as anxious as she felt. With a slight nod of his head, Noah motioned for her to follow him, and as he lifted her suitcase, she dutifully obeyed.
“This is my room, but you can have it. It has a better view than the guest room, and I’ll take my parents’ room.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out. I can take another room. I really don’t mind,” she insisted.
Noah exhaled an impatient breath, clearly irritable from the lack of sleep. “I know you don’t, Emma, but the other guest room doesn’t have much of a view and I didn’t think you’d be comfortable sleeping in my parents’ room.”
“I guess you’re right. And the view is lovely from here.” Having three older brothers who were cranky beasts when they didn’t get enough sleep, Emma knew to just let it go and move on.
“The bathroom is right down the hall, and since Lily and Josh are staying downstairs, you’ll have it to yourself.” A lock of hair fell across his forehead, when he tilted his head in the direction of the bathroom, and as she brushed it aside with a gentle stroke of her fingertip, he visibly relaxed.
“Okay, thanks. What’s the plan for the day? Do you know?” she asked in a hushed, soothing tone.
“Not sure. Why don’t you put your things away and we’ll find Josh and Lily and get it sorted.”
Shifting through her suitcase, Emma smiled when her fingers landed on her string bikini decorated with the American flag. Feeling slightly homesick, it provided a semblance of comfort. It was also one of her most flattering swimsuits, and if Noah liked the way she looked in it, all the better.
Lily let out a low wolf whistle as Emma entered the lounge. “Damn, girl. You look dead sexy in that. You have to let me borrow it for my honeymoon. It’ll honor my mum’s heritage.”
“Thanks, Lil. Of course you can borrow it,” Emma replied, walking out onto the deck overlooking a small grassy area and the beach. Inhaling a deep breath of salty air, she lowered her sunglasses from the top of her head onto the bridge of her nose.
Following the well-worn path leading to the beach, she watched as Noah made his way towards the house, wearing only a pair of aqua board shorts that hung teasingly low on his hips, the color highlighting his deep tan. His easy swagger oozed confidence, Emma mused, as she took in the view.
Noah stopped and eyed Emma appreciatively, his lips curling into a sexy smile, and if she wasn’t mistaken, a blush bloomed across his cheeks. “Would you mind helping me for a minute, Emma?” he requested.
“Sure. I’ll meet you down on t
he beach, Lil.”
Emma wiped her bare feet on the mat and followed Noah into the kitchen. Leaning against the counter, she watched as he filled a cooler with bottled water and beer, then covered the drinks with a bag of ice. Bending over, his muscular back and arms flexed deliciously as he spread the ice with his large hands. The motion tightened his shorts against his perfect backside, and Emma held back a sigh. He was absolutely yummy.
Bloody hell, trying to stay focused on filling the chilly bin was becoming harder and harder by the minute. He was only human after all, and just knowing that Emma was standing right behind him, practically naked, was wreaking havoc on his nervous system…and his libido.
He’d almost fallen on his knees to thank the heavens for creating such a perfect creature, when he first got a squiz at Emma in her bikini, and had to turn away before she noticed how aroused he’d become. One look at her, in little more than scraps of nothing, held precariously together by a hope and a prayer, and his brain short-circuited.
“Do you think you could take your eyes off my bum long enough to help me carry this?” Noah teased, eyeing her over his shoulder.
Reminding himself to breathe, Noah twisted to face her. He was barely holding it together, and when she started chewing on her lush bottom lip, visions of her pretty mouth kissing its way down to where he ached for her flashed through his mind.
Standing before him was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and the urge to lay her down on the bench and devour her from tip to toe, was completely overwhelming. As a man, he loved and appreciated the soft curves of a woman’s body, and Emma’s softness was gloriously on full display…other than the three tiny triangles scantily covering her naughty bits.
“Um…I…I wasn’t doing that. I was just looking at the cooler,” Emma stuttered, her face flushing a bright red. “You wish,” she added with a halfhearted chuckle.
“If you say so, Emma. Here, let me get that for you,” he smirked, brushing his thumb along the corner of her bottom lip.
“What are you doing? Do I have something on my face?” she startled, snapping her head back and swatting at his hand.
“Just a wee bit of drool,” he laughed, trying to keep his eyes on her face, and not on the swell of her round breasts, looking way too tempting for any red blooded man to ignore.
“Liar. I was not drooling. Are you always so incorrigible?” she demanded, reaching for the handle and lifting her side of the chilly bin. He didn’t miss the slight giggle as she turned her back towards him and began walking.
Not wanting to push her too far, he silently followed her down the path to the waiting umbrella. Watching the muscles in her shoulders and back flex under the heavy burden was dead sexy, and her bum looked choice in her tiny togs, he thought, enjoying the sway of her hips as they twitched back and forth.
Within minutes of settling on the beach, Emma stretched out on a towel in the sand and closed her eyes and, much to his dismay, was fast asleep.
Wanting to take a walk, but wanting her company even more, Noah waited patiently for Emma to wake up. Sipping his water, while quietly listening to music on his iPhone, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes, letting the sun warm his face.
Turning onto her back when she finally woke from her slumber, her suit slipped sideways. Watching intently as she adjusted the little triangles, she lifted her hips into the air, and lifted his heart rate to an unhealthy level in the process. When she settled her cute little bum against the towel once again, her stomach sunk inward, leaving a mouthwateringly sexy gap between her tanned skin and the barely-there bottoms of her suit.
Mesmerized by the tantalizing view, he was powerless to look away. He knew it was wrong of him, felt a bit pervy even, but he wanted to see what was hidden under there. He wanted to run his fingers along the edge of her suit, then slip them inside, touching her there, in her most private place.
“Where’d Lily and Josh go?” Emma asked, turning her face towards his. Dark sunglasses shaded her eyes as she waited for his reply. “Hello. Earth to Noah,” she laughed.
Slowly shifting his focus from her bikini bottom up to her face, he was thankful for his own darkly-tinted sunglasses. She would probably slap him and storm away if she knew the wicked desires her body inspired, if she could see the way he was looking at her.
“Um…they went inside a while ago,” he answered shakily, and couldn’t stop his eyes from sliding down the length of her toned body, returning to the apex of her thighs once again. It would only take one tug of the thin string to reveal her secret, he thought.
“Now who’s drooling?” She shook her head and laughed as she stood to her feet and grabbed a bottle of water, taking a long drink. “Should I get you a bib, Noah?”
“Hey, a sexy woman, in a teeny little bikini…what can I say? I have a new appreciation for the stars and stripes,” he smiled, before adding, “I was going to go for a walk. Care to join me?”
“Awe…You think I’m sexy?” she asked demurely, as if shocked by the notion, then quickly continued before he could answer. “Sure, I could use the exercise. I feel like I’ve either been sitting down or sleeping all day,” she grimaced, raising her arms and stretching her long torso.
“I’d have to be blind and stupid to not find you sexy, Emma. And I can assure you that I’m neither of those things,” he paused, letting his words sink in. “And I think you may have actually slept the entire day,” he chuckled, as they walked, hand in hand, towards the shoreline.
“Thanks, then. And, well, that’s what I do when I stay up all night. I sleep all day.” She angled her head to look at him. “I’m curious about something. Why do you have this house when you already live on the beach? Why not have one in the mountains or on a lake somewhere?” she hesitated, trying to gauge his reaction, then quickly added, in case he took offense, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful. It’s just that you leave one beautiful beach to vacation at another.”
“Oh, I don’t own this house. It’s my parents’. They let us use it whenever we want, though. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made right here. We spent most of our holidays in this house.” He exhaled deeply, taking in his surroundings, then continued. “I love visiting other places in En Zed, but I’m happiest at the beach. I bought my home in Takapuna for the same reason. I get to wake up every morning and look out on the water. It’s a great way to start…and end the day. Honestly, though, if I were to purchase my own bach, it would probably be on a beach. Maybe up northland, where it’s warmer during the winter,” he concluded, after some reflection.
They strolled side by side along the shoreline, the gentle waves lapping around their ankles, and Emma couldn’t remember a more perfect day.
“Tell me about your childhood,” Emma asked sincerely.
“Not much to tell, really. I grew up in Hamilton, about an hour south of Auckland. My dad’s a professor of engineering at the university there, and my mum stayed home and kept us in line.” A mischievous smile crossed his lips. “I was a perfect child. Never gave her any trouble,” he grinned, drumming his fingers on his lips.
“Yeah right. I’m sure you didn’t,” she laughed, shoving his shoulder with her hand.
He stumbled, but quickly regained his footing at the unexpected push from Emma. “Hey, now. That wasn’t nice.”
“Who said I was nice? Certainly not me. Nope, never said I was nice,” she joked, giving him a light shove once again.
He was prepared for it the second time and didn’t budge. “You aren’t fooling me, Emma. You have nice girl written all over you, although…your togs don’t leave much to the imagination, so maybe you’re not so nice after all. Maybe a little naughty,” he grinned hopefully. He wasn’t necessarily into bad girls, but wasn’t opposed to a little mischief in the bedroom now and again, and he had a few naughty fantasies he’d like to fulfill with Emma.
“Hey…This is a very patriotic bathing suit, Noah, I’ll have you know. And I was trying to get some sun today while the
weather was nice. It wouldn’t make sense to wear a matronly cover up,” Emma objected, tilting her head to the side, and taking in his playful smile.
“You’ll get no complaints from me. I like you in your togs,” he admitted, holding his hands up in protest.
“Well, thanks…I guess. Now, tell me something about yourself. I know you were the perfect child and never gave your mother any headaches,” she mocked him sassily. “But I want to know something significant.” When she smiled, that perfect smile, he would’ve given her the world if she asked for it.
“I really wasn’t a bad kid, but what would you like to know?” he dared to ask.
“I don’t know, how about your…best day ever. Stuff like that,” she suggested.
He gave her the sweet smile that Emma was starting to fall in love with. “My best day ever isn’t really a childhood memory, but it would have to be when I was selected to represent my country, on the All Blacks. I actually shed a few tears when I put the jersey on for the first time. Dreamed about it my whole life, and to have it finally happen was an honor. Something I’ll never forget.” He looked out onto the water for a long minute and Emma could tell his mind had taken him back to that moment in time. “Now, it’s your turn.” He nudged her shoulder with his.
“I’m sure it’s quite an honor to be chosen. Even I know the All Blacks are the best rugby team in the world. You should be very proud,” she smiled, squeezing his hand gently. “Now, let’s see… My best day ever would have to be when a few of us went hiking on a trail we hadn’t been on before, and after about a mile or so we found this enormous clearing, filled with wildflowers and a massive oak tree in the middle of it. There was a bench under the tree and the view was amazing. You could see forever and the sky was that special shade of Carolina Blue with just a few wispy clouds. It was like we’d stumbled upon Narnia, or someplace magical. I don’t know how else to describe it; it was almost too pretty to be real, like your eyes were playing tricks on you.”
