Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  Resting her head on her backpack, she closed her eyes, concentrating on the sound of Noah’s voice, letting it wash over her, as he began to recite the legend of Mauao. Emma loved the colorful stories of New Zealand’s history and listened raptly as Noah spoke.

  “Legend has it that in ancient times The Mount was a nameless hill that was a slave to the most prestigious mountain in Tauranga Moana, Otanewainuku. This nameless hill was in love with the beautiful Puwhenua, but she was in love with Otanewainuku. Well, he was so distraught that her heart belonged to another that he called upon the bush fairies, who possessed magical powers, and asked them to drag him to the ocean so he could drown himself. When night fell, they fastened him with ropes, and began the long journey. The Waimapu River, which means ‘weeping waters’ now flows through the valley that was created as the fairies pulled him towards the water.”

  Noah paused to take a long drink of water and then continued. “The problem was that the fairies were people of the night, and as they approached the ocean, morning was breaking. So they abandoned him here, where he still stands today, and fled back into the darkness of the forest. Before they left him, though, they gave him the name of Mauao, which means ‘caught by the dawn’. The Maori, who settled here, gave him the name Maunganui, which means ‘big mountain’, and he’s now the symbol of all the tribes of Tauranga Moana.” Noah gave Emma a satisfied smile, as he took another drink of water and shuffled closer to her on the large rock.

  “That’s such a beautiful story, Noah. It’s so sad, though,” Emma whispered wistfully, as she lifted onto her outstretched arms and turned her face upwards, towards the sun, enjoying the cool breeze that swept over the summit.

  Noah took a long drink of water, shrugging his shoulder indifferently. “Yeah, I suppose.”

  “You’re such a guy,” Emma balked, nudging him with her foot.

  Noah’s lips twitched into a sexy smile. “Glad of that. At least, I hope you think so.”

  “Well, since I like boys, I’m glad you are one.” And just because he was so sweet, and without thinking, she leaned in for a quick kiss.

  “You ready to head back down? I’m starving,” Josh stated, standing up as he offered a hand to Lily.

  “Sure. Let’s go,” Noah answered, pushing to his feet, and reaching for Emma’s hand to help her up, then continued to hold it as they set off down the trail.

  She gave him an appreciative smile as she wiped the dust from the back of her shorts with her free hand. “Thanks, Noah. I’m glad you suggested this. It’s been amazing. And the story of the mountain, well…I’ll never forget it.”

  Thankfully, walking down the mountain was a lot easier than walking up it, Emma thought, as they entered the parking lot. Approaching the car, Emma was surprised to find that people recognized Noah and Josh, and asked for pictures with them. It was unsettling to say the least, but she tried to take it in stride.

  Lily suggested they wait for them at the car, as Noah and Josh happily obliged the excited fans. Emma watched inquisitively as Noah interacted with them. He seemed relatively at ease with the attention, even stooping to eye level while speaking with the children.

  She was relieved to see that the majority of them were families with small children, who fidgeted nervously, their adoring eyes filled with awe as they posed for photos with their heroes.

  When a group of women approached, and proceeded to drape themselves around Noah like a set of cheap curtains, she felt her blood start to boil. Emma knew she had no right to stomp over there and physically remove them, but boy did she want to.

  Dammit.

  Emma was thankful that Noah just smiled graciously, not encouraging them in any way, only stood for the pictures before politely excusing himself. But the sight of another woman’s hands on him infuriated her.

  Noah made a beeline for her, placing his hands against the side of the Jeep on either side of her head, trapping her between his hard body and the cool steel of the car, as he leaned in to kiss the scowl off of her face. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a wee bit jealous, Emma,” Noah teased.

  “I…I don’t know about that. Well…maybe a little,” she reluctantly admitted. “But, in my defense, they weren’t being respectful of your personal space,” Emma declared, offended for him.

  The handsy women were still standing together, giggling as they viewed the photos, occasionally glancing over their shoulders to get another look at Noah and Josh.

  Eat your heart out ladies…he’s with me.

  “You’ll get used to it, Emma,” Lily commiserated, with a deep sigh. “It isn’t easy, especially when they’re pretty, but it comes with the territory, I guess. Just have to deal.”

  “Aw, babe. You know that no one can hold a candle to you. Right?” Josh assured her, pulling her to him for a sweet kiss.

  “I know. It’s just hard sometimes, to see you with another girl’s arms around you, is all,” she confessed.

  “Yeah, well I think someone forgot to teach them some manners, and maybe some boundaries, too. That one girl was about to round third base with you, Noah.” Emma had to laugh as Noah choked on the water he was drinking. “What? Her hand was right there. Just a few more inches south and she would’ve gotten a hell of a lot more than a picture with you,” Emma added disgustedly, the scowl returning to her face at the image in her head, as she possessively tucked her thumb into his belt loop, secretly hoping the overzealous fangirls noticed.

  Noah reached behind her, placing the empty water bottle on the roof of the car, the heady mixture of sweat and Noah invading her senses. “Third base, huh? That. Would. Not. Have. Happened,” Noah spoke precisely, adding a peck on her lips between each word. “Now, let’s forget about them and get some food, eh? Because I don’t know ‘bout you, but I’ve worked up an appetite. Need a good feed.”

  “I am kind of hungry. I don’t think I’ve ever hiked that fast before. When we go out back home, it’s a casual stroll compared to the pace that you set,” Emma admitted.

  “Well, good on ya for keeping up. I would’ve slowed down though, if you’d asked me to.”

  “No. It was fine. I needed the exercise, but I might not be able to walk tomorrow. Maybe I’ll take a hot bath tonight. That should take care of it,” Emma stated, stretching her tired legs out to the side one by one.

  “Can I watch?” Noah tested jokingly.

  “Um…yeah…that would be a…No.” Emma ducked under his arm and strolled around to the passenger side of the Jeep, an extra swing in her hips as she went, just because she knew he was watching her. Rounding the front of the Jeep, a quick glance over her shoulder confirmed her suspicion, and from the dumbfounded look on his face, as he stared at her ass, he was enjoying it.

  After a quick shower to wash the dirt and sweat off, they tucked into a hearty lunch alfresco, that Noah and Josh had prepared. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she sat down, but pushing away from the table after quickly devouring the cheeseburger and fries, her gluttonous appetite was more than satisfied.

  “I think I need a nap now, to sleep off my food baby,” Emma chuckled, rubbing her belly dramatically, walking inside with her empty plate and glass.

  “Food baby, eh?” Noah snickered, as he joined her in the kitchen.

  “Well, look at the size of my belly. I look pregnant. Maybe four or five months along, I’d say.” Emma turned her profile to him and lifted her top, exposing her distended abdomen.

  “Um…I don’t know. Have you felt him kick yet?” Noah asked, playing along with her.

  “She isn’t acting up yet. Maybe if I add a sugary dessert, that’ll get her really worked up,” she giggled, smoothing her shirt back into place.

  “Ah, ah, ah. Not so fast. I think I need to take some measurements. See for myself how far gone you are. Seeing as I’m the one responsible for your delicate condition.” Noah’s seductive words were ghosted against her skin, as he moved behind her. Snaking his hand around her waist, he let it rest against
her belly, drawing her back into his chest.

  Emma’s heart did a flip-flop in her chest and then a speedy swan dive into her tummy, as Noah settled her against the firmness of his body. She instantly felt tingly all over. He was warm and solid and smelled like sunshine and fresh air.

  His other hand slid her hair across her shoulder, exposing the sensitive skin of her neck. Needing more, Emma tilted her head to the side, giving him permission, then moaned as his lips made contact. Nipping her gently there, he quickly pacified the sting with a stroke of his tongue and a lingering kiss, and she forgot how to breathe.

  “Mmm. You smell really good,” he whispered in her ear. The feel of his warm breath caused a shudder to race down her spine. “What is it?”

  Emma tried to think, but her brain refused to cooperate as his mouth continued lightly suckling on her neck. “Honeysuckle. It’s…um…honeysuckle,” she somehow managed to say, her voice rough with arousal.

  “I like it…a lot,” Noah simply replied between kisses. When his large hand slid along her midsection, gripping her tighter, her stomach twisted into delightful knots of anticipation.

  “Thanks. It reminds me of home. It grows wild in the woods behind my parents’ house. And I’m having trouble thinking while you’re doing that, Noah. Oh…that feels…um…so good,” Emma sighed, then giggled as he nipped her again.

  “Well, it smells delicious. You smell delicious.” The tickle of his breath against her skin, as his lips trailed down the curve of her neck, left her fighting for air.

  “It tastes good too. We’d pick the flowers and then bite the tip off and suck the nectar out.” She gasped as he took the lobe of her ear between his teeth and bit down, then sucked it into his mouth to soothe it. The jolt of pain and pleasure rocked her, and she was thankful his strong arms were holding her up.

  “Like that?” he asked seductively, as he repeated the process. “I may have to practice some more so I’ll know how to do it. I’m sure it’s very delicate, and want to make sure I do it right, savor every drop.”

  Turning around to face him, Emma laced her fingers around his neck and pulled him down for a slow, wet kiss. “Are you sullying an innocent childhood memory?” She smiled against his lips when they finally parted.

  “Who me? I wouldn’t do such a thing. You’re the one with the dirty mind.” Laughing at her shocked expression, he dropped a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. “But, I like where you’re going with that. Gives me something to think about.”

  “Oh, please,” Emma hooted sarcastically.

  When he kissed her again, Emma’s mind drifted to thoughts of his soft lips discovering other, more sensitive, parts of her body. Then her mind went completely blank as he stroked his tongue against hers, making love to her mouth.

  Her world was reduced to the feel of his hard body pressed against hers, and the feel of his hands moving over her, gently caressing as they explored. Knowing how much he liked it, she sucked on his tongue and heard his answering growl in response.

  Listening to the sound of the ocean waves as they collided with the shoreline, Emma realized that, like the rise and fall of the tide, being with Noah was inevitable.

  “Ah, if you keep doing that. I’m not going to be able to stop. Already half way there,” he murmured into the crook of her neck, as he sprinkled kisses along her heated skin.

  “You’re right,” she sighed. Placing her hands on his firm chest, Emma felt the rapid beat of his heart through his shirt and gulped in a deep breath, trying to rein in her own runaway libido before she allowed things to progress further than she was comfortable with. “I’m not quite ready for that. Yet.”

  Noah was so ready he was prepared to beg, which is something he’d never done before. But he needed to slow down, to do it right. She’d be worth the wait, he told himself, over and over again, while pressing his lips to the smooth skin on her neck.

  “I am. Couldn’t be more ready.” He pressed the hard length of his growing erection against her, wanting to toss her over his shoulder and take her to his bedroom, straight away. “But, no worries. No rush. Just need a minute,” he confessed, as he folded his arms around her shoulders, then tucked her head under his chin.

  He didn’t want to let her go yet, still needed the contact. When she wrapped her arms around his waist and let out a happy little moan, he wondered if he’d ever grow tired of the way she felt in his arms.

  After long minutes holding each other quietly, Noah was finally able to speak. “Why don’t you get your togs on, and we’ll take a walk on the beach. I’ll hold your hand, maybe put my arm around you. And even if you want to, I won’t let you get to third base with me,” he broke off, with a soft chuckle. “Wait, who am I kidding? If you want to, I won’t be saying no.” He tried to remain serious, he really did, but the sound of Emma’s laughter drew a matching response from him.

  “I know my manners. Don’t you worry, I’ll be on my best behavior, Mr. Parker,” Emma drawled in an exaggerated southern accent.

  Noah let out a hearty laugh. “My own little southern belle. Who knew? You barely sound like you’re from the south, though.”

  “Hey. I’m American by birth, but Southern by the grace of God. Born and raised, baby. But my parents are Yankees, so that’s probably why. They met at Duke University, and stayed in North Carolina while my dad was in medical school, then never left. Thank God for that, because I can’t imagine growing up anyplace else.”

  “Yeah, well clearly they raised you right, anyone can see that. Now rattle your dags and let’s go on that walk.” He reluctantly released her, nudging her towards the hall. Instantly missing her warmth, he almost reached out and pulled her back. Watching her go, he wondered how in such a short period of time she’d become so important to him.

  Walking along the beach twenty minutes later, they spotted a pod of dolphins a few meters from the shoreline. Emma quickly pulled the phone from her shorts’ pocket, recording the animated creatures as they frolicked in the surf.

  “They’re amazing. Aren’t they? I got to swim with a dolphin once, on vacation in Florida. It was the most incredible experience,” she reminisced excitedly, as she slipped the phone back into her pocket, then took his hand and started walking again.

  “Never done that, but I’d like to one day,” he confessed, squeezing her hand gently, looking out at the expanse of water and then back to her. A wild mass of blonde hair floated around her face as the wind kicked up, and turning her face towards it, the cool breeze provided a semblance of order to the unruly locks.

  “You should definitely do it. You won’t regret it. It was so much fun.” Her voice was full of enthusiasm, practically vibrating with excitement. She had the cutest smile he’d ever seen, the infectious kind that you couldn’t help but return.

  Noah was surprised when they reached the inlet where the Kaituna River emptied into the Bay of Plenty. He hadn’t realized they’d walked that far along the beach. Their easy companionship had the time slipping away from him.

  Sinking into the sand to rest for a minute, Noah slid his arm over her shoulder, pulling her close to him, and felt her relax against his side. The ebb and flow of the waves, as they gently crested along the shoreline, was as comforting as the conversation.

  “It’s so pretty here. Quiet,” she observed, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “Yeah, not many people venture this far down. Reckon it’s too far of a walk.” He placed a kiss on top of her head, breathing in the scent of salty air and Emma. “We should be heading back now, though, don’t you think?”

  “I guess so. We’ve been gone a while,” she frowned, assessing how far down the beach they’d traveled, as she stood to her feet. “Probably shouldn’t have walked this far; my legs are tired after the hike this morning. Not used to this much exertion,” she chuckled, brushing the sand from the back of her shorts.

  Noah stopped and crouched down in front of her. “Get on. I’ll carry you for a while.”

  “What? No. I co
uldn’t. Your legs must be tired too, Noah.”

  “You forget that I’m a professional, Emma. A highly trained, fine-tuned machine. Now saddle up baby, before this horse trots off without you. It’s a long way back from here. I’ll carry you for a bit, then you can carry me if you want,” he teased, trying to reassure her that he was more than capable of carrying her.

  Just the thought of having her nearly naked body pressed against his was worth any additional burden. Looking at her lean figure, he guessed she didn’t weigh more than the weights he normally trained with anyway.

  “Are you sure?” She hesitated, then jumped onto his back at his nod of approval. Noah held her legs against his side as she draped her arms loosely around his neck. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she tilted her head and kissed him there; the whisper of her warm breath sent delicious shivers across his skin. “Thanks, Noah. The air is much fresher up here at your altitude,” she joked.

  He reveled in the feel of her long legs wrapped around his waist, her breasts pressed against his naked back, only the thin triangles of her top separating them. The touch of her skin against his made it hard to concentrate, especially when she gently caressed his chest with her fingertips.

  Carrying her on his back along the deserted beach, Noah was struck by her gentle nature. She enjoyed the simple things in life, a slow walk along the beach holding hands, laughing as she swayed on a swing, or watching the sunrise. Or riding piggy back, with her chin propped on his shoulder, he added to the list.

  Finally putting her down after she insisted he’d carried her long enough, he slipped his arm around her shoulder and mindlessly caressed her skin there. When Emma hooked her thumb into the waistband of his shorts, her soft hand settling on his hip as they strolled back to the house, he let out a contented sigh. This is what he’d been waiting his entire life for.

  Once again, he was overcome with a feeling of rightness.

  He hadn’t felt this happy in a long, long time, and he realized that she was a big part of it.