by Alexa Powers
“Oh yes…it’s definitely a good thing, Emma. A very good thing. I, for one, think you’re perfect for each other.”
“I can’t help but worry, though. Half my brain is telling me to run away as fast as I can, and the other half is wanting to wrap myself around him and never let go. But I shouldn’t try to convince myself that we have a future together, when we don’t. I’m leaving, and he’s staying. It’s pretty simple. If I let myself get too attached, which as you know, I’m prone to do, then I’m setting myself up for one hell of a heartbreak. Right?”
“Right. But…” Lily raised a finger and pressed it to Emma’s lips to prevent her protest. “Isn’t every relationship a risk in some way?”
Unable to speak, Emma simply nodded her head.
“And you never know how long it will last.”
With Lily’s finger still pressed against her lips, she could only nod once again.
“So, how is this one any different? You may not even want to date him by November.”
Highly unlikely. Lily finally removed her finger from Emma’s lips so she could speak. “I keep telling myself to just go with it and see what happens, but it’s hard when you know there’s an expiration date on it. I’ve never been with a guy that I’ve known up front that on this date in time, we’re breaking up.”
“I know, it’s not ideal. But better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Isn’t that the old saying?” she stated, almost apologetically. “I still think you should go for it. I don’t think you really want to walk away anyway. As much as he can’t keep his eyes off of you…you’re just as bad.”
“Is it that obvious?” She already knew the answer, and Lily’s unladylike snort confirmed it.
“Uh…yeah. You’d have to be blind not to see you two ogling each other. It’s quite cute, actually. I don’t want to see you hurt, though, or him either, for that matter. Just whatever you do, use protection. Your parents will never let any of you come here again unsupervised if you come home pregnant too.” Lily’s expression reflected the mixed emotions that Ali’s unexpected pregnancy always caused. Abby’s entry into this world may not have been how Ali envisioned starting her family, but the little angel brought so much joy to everyone’s lives that she could never be looked at as a mistake.
“You’re right about that. No little Parkers for me,” Emma winced, her heart painfully twisting as she felt the full impact of the statement…uttered so carelessly, but surprisingly powerful nonetheless.
Chapter 11
Emma woke bright and early after a fidgety night’s sleep, practically pulsating with the anticipation of seeing a little slice of Middle Earth…and Noah. She didn’t feel tired, but she didn’t feel refreshed either, as her restless brain replayed the conversation with Noah from the previous night, over and over again.
Deciding on a long bath to calm her growing anxiousness, she slid her legs over the edge of the bed and headed for the bathroom.
Sinking into the hot water, the fragrant bubbles filled the air with the scent of honeysuckle. The sweet perfume tickled her senses, as her mind drifted back to a simpler time, of carefree afternoons spent traipsing through the wooded common area behind her childhood home, following the overgrown path along the small creek, and listening to the whispered sounds of the water as it washed over the river stones.
Visions of endless days spent exploring with her siblings and a few neighborhood friends, searching for tadpoles, or sitting beside the small pond deep in the forest, flittered through her mind as if watching a home movie. It was an ideal childhood, and one she hoped to provide for her own children one day.
Once she’d entered her teenage years, the sanctuary in the woods became a secluded place to go with friends, with its tree-stump seats encircling the stone-ringed fire pit; it was the perfect hiding spot to escape the ever-watchful eyes of their parents.
Lily softly knocked on the door, then poked her head into the bathroom, bringing Emma back to the present, to let her know they were leaving for their final meeting with the photographer.
Goosebumps spread across Emma’s skin as she lifted out of the bathtub and into the cooler air. Reaching into the shower, she turned on the water, and stepped inside the roomy enclosure. The steady drumbeat from the showerhead relaxed her further, as she dipped her head under the spray to wash her hair.
With the constant threat of rain and the ever-present breeze, Emma decided a fishtail braid was the safest bet, as it would carry her through Middle Earth and onto dinner.
Like clockwork, Noah arrived at nine, looking handsome as ever in a pair of comfortably worn jeans and a navy blue T-shirt that stretched tightly across his broad shoulders. His fingers combed through his dark hair as it fell in soft waves, framing his face. It was her favorite look for him, other than shirtless Noah, or maybe naked Noah. She’d bet her life savings, which granted, wasn’t very much, that naked Noah was something to behold.
“You look lovely, Emma,” Noah stated appreciatively, as she walked into the lounge. She’d dressed in a purple V-neck T-shirt, and a pair of jeans tucked into black riding boots.
“Thanks, Noah. And you don’t look so bad yourself.” She tried to appear unaffected as she checked him out, but couldn’t stop the goofy smile from spreading across her face as she crossed the room, coming to a stop in front of him.
“Glad to see you’re wearing boots, as it might be a bit muddy there,” he said, with an approving nod towards her choice of footwear.
“That’s what I figured. You ready to go? Lily and Josh had an early appointment with the photographer, so they left about thirty minutes ago.”
Noah slid his arms around her waist, and she was acutely aware of the feel of his fingers pinching her side as he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were soft and tasted like mint with a hint of sexy man. “There. Now that’s a proper hello. So we’re alone, eh? Sure you want to go after all?”
He could see the internal debate playing out on her expressive face as she considered his proposal. She was adorable when she was deep in thought. “I don’t know. As tempting as that is…really tempting actually,” she smiled. “But, I really, really want to do this. I’ve been looking forward to it since you mentioned it yesterday. So…yeah, we better go.”
Gripping her waist, he pressed his lips to hers for another slow kiss, then pulled away with a knowing smile. “Now I’m ready to go…on our first official date,” he chuckled, patting her bottom and then giving it a little squeeze, letting his hand linger there. It fit perfectly beneath his palm, as if it was made just for him.
“Oh, I see what you’re doing, Noah,” she laughed, walking past him and out the door. “Just to let you know, it’s going to take more than one date.”
“How many are we talking about, exactly?” he asked, suddenly sounding breathless as he jogged after her.
“I’m not sure, but you’ll be the first to know,” she teased, pressing the button for the lift.
Placing his joined hands over his heart, a pleading frown spread across his face. “Ballpark, and please be kind to me, Emma.”
“My guess would be anywhere from two to ten.” He loved the cheeky grin and playful glint in her eyes, a soft giggle escaping from the lips he desperately wanted to lose himself in. It really didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things; he was just teasing her, and he’d wait as long as she needed.
“Oi. Ten,” he groaned incredulously. “I might spontaneously combust if I have to wait that long,” he pronounced, pulling her against him.
She felt so good in his arms and her sassy smile had his heart doing flips and about to burst from his chest, as he leaned in for another kiss.
“Yeah, me too,” she chuckled, as they stepped into the lift for the ride down to Noah’s waiting car. “So, I guess it’s safe to say that ten is definitely out of the question.”
“Taking a Lord of the Rings fan to the hallowed ground of The Shire has to rank up there, as far as a first date is concerned. Although,
technically, we had our first date on New Year’s, but I might be persuaded to let that slide, even though I did ask you to go with me, and we shared a pretty spectacular kiss that night, yeah? I think it should qualify as a date. Don’t you think?” Noah nudged her shoulder, amused by the thoughtful look on her face. He could see the gears turning in that gorgeous head of hers.
“I don’t know, Noah. At the time, I didn’t think it was a date, date. I thought it was just two friends going to a party together because they didn’t have anyone else to go with.”
He huffed out a breath. “I promise you, Emma. If I wanted a different date for the party, I could’ve gotten one.” The moment the words spilled from his lips, he wished he could take them back. A tidal wave of panic engulfed him and he held his hands up in surrender at the livid look marring her pretty face. “Hold up, Emma. That didn’t come out quite right.”
“I should hope not. I never took you for being so…arrogant,” she scoffed, and Noah was thankful they were trapped in the lift, because if the offended look on her face was anything to go by, she probably would have bolted. He needed to do some damage control…quickly.
“Oi. What I’m trying to say is that if I wanted to go with someone else, I probably could’ve found a date. But honestly, Emma, the only person I wanted to go with was you,” he admitted, as he put his arm around her shoulder and tugged her into his side, then gave her his best smile as they stepped into the lobby, thankful that she didn’t push him away.
“Oh, I’m sure you could have.” Her sarcastic tone let him know she was still annoyed, as he opened the car door for her, but her features had softened a bit, so all wasn’t lost.
Noah jogged around the front of his Jeep nervously, grateful she hadn’t gone back upstairs. That was a good sign, he told himself, trying not to worry.
Settling into the driver’s seat, Noah turned to Emma and took a deep breath, calming himself. “Okay…let’s get one thing straight, Emma. I wanted to spend New Year’s with you, and only you. I wanted to take you out from the minute I laid eyes on you in the pub that night. I can’t stop thinking about you, if I’m being completely honest.” He didn’t want to push her, but needed her to know how he felt, all the same. He reached for her hand, and when he laced their fingers together, squeezing them tenderly, he was relieved when she held on just as tightly.
She twisted in her seat so that she was facing him; her expression was unreadable and he tried to quell his growing anxiety. “Um…”
“You don’t need to say anything,” Noah interrupted, not wanting to hear the words if she didn’t return his affections.
“No. Let me finish, please.” The worrisome crease between her brows softened and Noah was able to breathe again. “Since we’re being honest, and baring our souls, so to speak. You should know that I feel the same way, and it scares the crap out of me, that it’s all happening so quickly.” She shook her head and released a nervous laugh, but then turned and confidently fixed her eyes on him.
It was reassuring to know that Emma felt the same way…that he wasn’t in this alone. When he gazed into her emerald green eyes, and saw the same need reflected in their bottomless depths, she gave him a glimpse into her very soul. And he wanted to make himself at home there, cuddled under a blanket by the fire that burned inside of her.
At that moment, he didn’t wonder if they’d still be together in November, he wondered how he’d survive the rest of his life without her. No matter how many times he told himself that it was crazy to feel this way already, it really didn’t matter, because as she sat next to him, he realized he was falling for Emma. Hard.
Noah brought their joined hands to his lips and brushed a gentle kiss across her knuckles.
“Well, it looks like we’re on the same page then, and for the record, it scares me too, but it also feels…right,” he paused, with a sigh of relief. “So let’s enjoy our second date, which will include a walk about the countryside, a nice tea for two, and if all goes well…a lot of kissing of that pretty mouth of yours.” He leaned over the console and pressed his lips to hers for a quick kiss before starting the car and pulling out onto the busy street.
Emma couldn’t believe she was actually having lunch at The Green Dragon. It was a dream come true, and as she gazed at the gorgeous man sitting across from her, she was glad to be experiencing it with him. Trying to concentrate, she absorbed every detail, not wanting to forget anything.
She took in the cozy dining area, with its oversized stone fireplace and thick wooden beams, which framed the walls as well as the ceiling. The elaborate woodwork was impressive and reminded her of a pub she’d gone to in Buckinghamshire, while on vacation in England.
The likeness to the movie set was remarkable. She could see Sam and Frodo celebrating with Merry and Pippen…a pint of ale in hand, while Rosie Cotton served drinks from behind the bar as happy Hobbits danced about.
Rounded windows overlooked a small lake and a quaint stone foot bridge, leading to a thatched roof cottage, which had a colorful blue door and working water mill. Impossibly green fields of gently rolling countryside melted into a bright blue sky, and completed the picturesque image that looked more like it belonged in a storybook or was painted by one of the masters, than real life.
Emma couldn’t contain her glee as the pint of Girdley Ale settled nicely in her empty stomach. Even the waitress openly flirting with Noah couldn’t dampen her spirits, as he ordered two servings of the Stockbrook, without giving the waitress a second look, and she ordered the Green Hill.
“Mmm…This is so good,” Emma moaned, as she tucked into her meal, then almost fumbled her utensils at the naughty grin engulfing Noah’s face. His pale blue eyes had turned a dark sapphire, revealing a very different type of hunger.
Leaning over the table, he stealthily glanced over both shoulders, making sure no one was eavesdropping. “Please don’t do that in public, and maybe not even in private, unless it’s me giving you that much pleasure.”
Emma felt the sudden spike in her blood pressure as she evaluated the gist of his words, letting them settle over her. She bet he knew how to do it too, or at least she hoped so. What a pity that would be, she thought, if he was all show and no go. “Promises, promises,” she seductively replied, taking another bite.
“Oh, trust me. You’ll do more than moan when I finally get my hands…and other parts…on you.”
Emma went to laugh, but choked on her roast beef instead; she quickly took a drink of ale to rinse down the offending piece of meat, and to catch her breath. Knowing her face was an unnatural shade of red, she hoped he thought it was from her food going down the wrong way, and not his comment, which wasn’t necessarily unwelcome, just unexpected.
Of course, the waitress chose that moment to come by, as Noah reclined in his chair, a smug grin spreading across his too-handsome face.
“That was not nice. Are you trying to kill me?” Emma complained, once the waitress had left their table.
“Oh, trust me, sweetheart, killing you is the last thing I’d want to do. There are far too many things I’d like to do to you…and with you, and they require you to be amongst the living.”
Two could play this game, she told herself, as she looked around the small dining room. “Someone is very confident in his abilities.” Ignoring the heat rising in her cheeks and the cocky smirk on Noah’s face, she straightened her back and looked him in the eye. “And I’ll have you know that you may feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven when I get my hands…and um…other parts…on you, too.” The stunned look on his face was priceless, and she let out an amused chuckle as she watched him squirming in his chair.
“Touché, sweetheart. Now, we need to change the subject before I either embarrass myself, or take you in one of those little Hobbit Holes you’re so fond of.”
Her eyes opened wide as she released a startled laugh. “You’re funny. A Hobbit Hole? But fine. There’s enough wood in this room already, no need to add any more.” She smiled mischi
evously, closing her eyes and taking another bite, teasing him with a breathy moan, wanting to push him just a little.
“You’re playing with fire, baby. I’m warning you…unless you want to skip the tour, you need to stop that. We can grab a room back in town, but I don’t suspect you want to do that…unfortunately, so you need to behave yourself.” He shrugged his shoulder disappointedly, and took another bite, trying for nonchalance, but failing miserably. What he really wanted to do was spread her out on the table and feast on her. The food was delicious and he was hungry, he just wasn’t sure if he’d ever be able to satisfy his hunger for the beautiful woman sitting in front of him.
“You’re right, I’m sorry. I’ll behave, but it wasn’t just me, you know. You’re just as guilty as I am, so you need to behave, too,” Emma stated, pointing her fork at him, a playful sparkle lighting up her face.
“Good as gold. And I will. I know how chuffed you were about coming here today, and I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”
“Trust me, Noah. You could take me to lunch in your garage and I wouldn’t be disappointed,” she stated honestly. “But I’m not going to lie, being here is a dream come true.”
“You should set your standards a wee bit higher than a garage, but it’s good to know that anything above that will impress you.”
“It should be noted that your garage is attached to a very impressive beach house, so they aren’t that low,” she clarified, lifting her right shoulder to her ear.
“Duly noted.” He’d worked hard to be able to afford that house, staying focused on his goals, and taking care of his money. He planned to share it with a wife and children one day, and looking across the table at Emma, he wanted to share it with her, to build a life with her.
