Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  As they toured the rolling hills and dales of Hobbiton, strolling hand in hand, Noah reveled in the joy radiating in excited waves off of Emma. He knew she’d like it, but her reaction was exceeding his wildest expectations.

  Bouncing from Hobbit Hole to Hobbit Hole, she spiritedly explained to him who each one belonged to, and he couldn’t hold back his laughter when she started skipping down the path in front of Bag End animatedly singing, “I’m going on an adventure. I’m going on an adventure.” She really was a geek. An adorable geek, but a geek nonetheless.

  She took picture after picture of them in front of the various underground homes, built into the hillside, overlooking the bucolic New Zealand countryside. Colorful round doors greeted visitors and endless flower beds exploded with blooms in every shade of the rainbow. You’d have to be dead not to be cheerful in such a happy place, Noah thought to himself. He’d heard it said that Disneyland was the happiest place on earth, and maybe that was true, but as far as Middle Earth was concerned, that honor clearly belonged to The Shire.

  The transformation of the typical New Zealand farm into one of literature’s most beloved and iconic locations was astounding. From the overflowing vegetable gardens, to the neatly stacked firewood in front of the little houses, and the tiny Hobbit trousers hanging from clotheslines, it really was remarkable how real the little village felt.

  Their tour guide happily indulged all of Emma’s questions, but was a little too enamored with her for his liking. Noah hadn’t missed the glances that held for a beat too long, or the way he sidled up next to her, pointing out something of interest. He couldn’t really blame the bloke, she was alluring on her worst of days, but as she danced her way through the green grass, unable to contain her excitement, she was simply irresistible.

  Leaning her head against the passenger seat of Noah’s car, Emma let out a deep breath and looked over her shoulder, he really was beautiful, she thought to herself. He’d promised her a day she’d never forget, and so far he’d delivered on every count.

  Thick dark hair fell in windblown waves, and a stray curl flopped against his forehead. She resisted the urge to brush it back into place, and instead leaned over the center console and ghosted her lips over his in a chaste kiss, which quickly heated into a fire that rivaled the molten lava of Mt. Doom as he pulled her onto his lap, settling her against him with her legs straddling his hips.

  Ignoring the fact that they were in a public parking lot and that her knee was painfully wedged between the seat and the door, Noah’s hand cradled her head, holding her there as their tongues mated in a seductive dance, guaranteed to shatter any doubts of how badly he wanted her.

  Out of breath, she finally pulled away, placing her shaking hands against his chest, fisting his shirt between her fingers. “Thank you, Noah. At the risk of sounding like a total nerd, today’s been one of the highlights of my entire life. I first saw The Lord of the Rings movies in middle school and dreamed of walking in the footsteps of Hobbits ever since. I will honestly never forget today, so thank you.” She was desperate for him to know, to somehow convey, how much it meant to her.

  “And I’m not through with you yet. Still have to wine and dine you. But I’m glad you got to check something off your bucket list…with me.” He smiled that perfect smile that left nothing to the imagination, as his eyes gleamed with a desire that at once frightened and delighted her.

  “I did, and I’m glad you were with me, too. It was even more special sharing it with you, even if you weren’t as excited to see a little corner of Middle Earth as I was.” She poked him playfully in the chest and then left her hand there, enjoying the feel of his wildly beating heart, rubbing circles with her thumb as his gaze lowered to watch the hypnotic motion.

  “I’m finding that if you’re happy then so am I, sweetheart. I had a lot of fun today, too. It’s funny how, growing up here you forget how beautiful it is, until seeing it through someone else’s eyes. You tend to go about your business, not looking around to enjoy the view,” he admitted.

  “And what a spectacular view it is.” Stroking his soft cheek, Emma tenderly gazed into his eyes, hoping he understood the true meaning of her statement.

  “You’re going to make me blush, Emma,” Noah laughed, leaning in for another kiss, this one slow and sweet.

  Closing her eyes, Emma focused on the feel of his tongue gently stroking hers as he made love to her mouth. And the steadiness of his hands ghosting up and down her ribcage, his thumbs brushing against the outer swell of her breasts, lingering there before dropping to her waist, and dipping inside the edge of her jeans, before slowly returning to her breasts, left her aching for more.

  Emma was left in stunned silence when Noah finally ended the kiss. There were no words that needed to be spoken. Even though it lacked the explosive passion of their earlier kiss, this one conveyed a deeper connection, one not lost on Emma.

  The sting of tears burned the backs of her eyes as the full impact hit her, and an inexplicable calm settled over her. She was safe with Noah. Her heart was safe with Noah.

  Inhaling a shaky breath, Noah appeared to be as affected as she was, as he searched her eyes for reassurance. Drawing her snugly against his chest, his fingers burrowed into her skin, as if needing something to hold on to. Knowing exactly how he felt, she clung to him for dear life, wishing they weren’t sitting in the middle of a parking lot.

  They stayed like that for a long while, quietly enjoying the feel of each other’s touch.

  Finally settling her into the passenger seat, he reached for her hand once he put the car in drive. “We have reservations to keep, and as much as I’d love to sit here devouring that luscious mouth of yours, we need to get a move on.”

  Chapter 12

  The drive back to Auckland was filled with comfortable conversation and, at times, a comfortable silence, as the music from Emma’s phone played in the background. She was relieved when Noah didn’t retreat like most men would at the first sign of things getting serious, but she didn’t want to read too much into the significance of one kiss either, no matter how magnificent it was.

  She’d seen the dumbfounded expression on Noah’s face in the aftermath, so she was pretty sure it wasn’t one-sided, but only time would tell if it was lust or something special on his part.

  The restaurant lobby was crowded with patrons waiting to be seated and Emma was glad he’d thought ahead to make a reservation. Knowing she had the tendency to turn into an ogre when she got too hungry, she hoped they were served quickly, because after the long day she was so famished her stomach was cannibalizing itself.

  They followed the hostess to a secluded table in the back and Emma would’ve had to be blind to miss the predatory glances from some of the female diners as they watched Noah stroll by. She also didn’t miss the ugly sneers directed her way when they noticed he had company.

  Live piano music subtly filled the room, allowing for quiet conversation without the threat of being overheard by the neighboring tables, and candlelight provided a flatteringly warm glow. Even though the dimly-lit room hummed with quiet conversations, Emma felt as if it was just the two of them.

  When their food was delivered, her delighted tummy let out a rumble, and she raised her glass in a toast. “Here’s to good company, good food, and good beer.”

  Noah lifted his glass to Emma’s. “To a lovely day, spent with an even lovelier woman. Cheers.”

  “Thanks again, for everything. Today’s been one that I’ll never forget.”

  “So, I was wondering when your family was arriving for the wedding.” Noah was looking forward to meeting her family. For years he’d heard Lily and Josh rave about them. He also knew how much Emma missed them, since she’d arrived in Auckland.

  “They’ll be here Monday and I can’t wait for everyone to get here. We weren’t sure if Mark was going to make it, since he came home for Christmas, but when I spoke to my mother yesterday, she told me he’s coming.” The smile on her face reminded Noah o
f a child on Christmas morning. “He can’t stay as long as everyone else. Has to leave right after the wedding, but at least he’ll be here. I know how much it means to Lily.”

  “I’m sure…I’m sure you’re glad he’ll be here, too, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of them.”

  “I can’t wait for you to meet them either. I know I’m not objective or anything, but I think my family’s pretty terrific.” She spoke with such certainty, that it left Noah utterly conflicted. He loved that Emma was close to her family, but if this thing with her was what he thought it might be, she’d have to choose between them one day, and he was terrified that he’d be on the losing end of that tug of war.

  Emma continued with such exuberance that her long braid danced across her shoulder, and he longed to run his fingers through it as he released the tie, watching as it fell in silken waves over her bare chest. The length of it would cover the tips of her naked breasts, her budded nipples teasing him through the veil of long blonde hair, begging his fingers to slowly pull back the curtain…exposing her.

  “Hello…hello. Noah.” Emma’s laugh roused him from his fantasy. “I asked you a question. I thought I’d lost you for a minute there,” she giggled, looking at him with perceptive eyes. His stomach stirred and he felt the swell of his arousal pressing uncomfortably against his zipper.

  “I’m sorry, Emma. I was distracted for a minute.” He felt the temperature in his face heating at his embarrassment. “What did you ask me?”

  Her brows knitted together as she eyed him shrewdly. “Well, first off, if you were thinking of someone other than me just now, I’m going to be very upset. And second, I asked you what day you were free next week so I can introduce you to my family. But if that look on your face was for someone else…forget number two.” Her blunt reply shocked him, but her apparent jealousy pleased him immensely.

  Reaching for her hand, he laced their fingers together across the table, then caressed her wrist with his thumb. Her eyes followed the movement, then slowly climbed back to his, and he took comfort in her response as he continued to hold onto her hand. “To answer your first statement. That was all you, baby. And I’ve pretty much cleared my schedule until the wedding. Other than a few workouts, I’m free. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

  “Okay. Good…and good,” Emma sighed, releasing a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.

  Not normally the jealous type, she felt the sting of it.

  If she was being honest with herself, Noah’s attention still rattled her a bit. And as if being judged and found wanting by the other women in the restaurant wasn’t bad enough, the thought of him fantasizing about another woman made her sick to her stomach.

  “Hey,” Noah stated softly, tugging on her hand to get her attention. Once she dragged her gaze back to his, he continued. “I meant what I said. I was thinking about you. Only. You. Trust me, Emma.”

  His tender smile eased the tension building in her shoulders. “I do. I trust you. I’m not normally prone to bouts of jealousy, and I’m not really sure why I feel that way now.” Honesty seemed to be her best option when it came to Noah. They didn’t have much time together, so playing games would be a waste of his time and hers. “Will you tell me what you were thinking about?”

  “Not here. But maybe later I’ll show you, if you’re a good girl and invite me in when I take you home. Well maybe not a good girl.” He had to smile at the naughty look on her face, but when her eyes locked onto his, their color changing from emerald green to nearly black, he became painfully hard.

  “Well, I’m full. How ‘bout you?” Emma stated abruptly, tucking her napkin under the edge of her plate.

  “Um…I’m not in a position to get up right now.” Discerning eyes skimmed down the length of his torso until reaching the top of the table, lingering there as a sassy smile spread across her beautiful face. “I need a few minutes.”

  After picturing his granddad in his budgie smuggler…and involuntarily shuddering at the image, he grabbed his wallet and tossed more than enough money on the table, then took her hand and quickly exited the building. He couldn’t wait to get her into the privacy of his car so he could get his hands and mouth on her again.

  Noah pinned her between the cool steel of his car and the hot steel of his body. Leaving a trail of wet kisses along her jaw, he slowly made his way down her neck. Her breathy sounds and soft whimpers of encouragement sent a jolt of electricity through him, as she tunneled her fingers through his hair. Nipping and licking his way back up to the sensitive spot behind her ear, and without thinking, he lifted his hand to cup her breast and felt her shiver beneath his touch.

  Realizing they were still standing in the car park, he reluctantly stepped away and opened her door. “We need to take this somewhere a little more private,” he stammered, trying to get himself under control.

  “Oh, yeah. Probably a good idea.” Her chest was heaving as she caught her breath and he had to fight the urge to put his mouth over the tight peaks protruding through her shirt. Forcing his eyes off the little buds, he watched as she settled herself in the car.

  Slamming the door with more force than necessary, he quickly jogged around the front of his car to join her, claiming her mouth again as soon as he shut his door. “Damn, woman, you’re killing me. Are Lily and Josh home?”

  “They’re meeting Josh’s parents for dinner, but I’m not sure when they’ll be home.”

  Dammit. “Okay. Then we’ll go to my place.” It was further away but at least they wouldn’t be interrupted.

  “I can’t. I’m having breakfast with my Aunt and Lily, and then we have our final fittings and a meeting with the florist.”

  Noah mumbled a string of expletives under his breath, shaking his head, trying to come up with a solution to the problem, when he heard Emma speaking on the phone.

  “They’re still at dinner. I got the impression that they’ll be a while,” she stated with obvious relief after ending the call.

  It only took a few minutes to get to Emma’s, but it felt like an eternity. Surprisingly, he’d held it together long enough to get them home, barely resisting the need to take her against the wall in the lift. Waiting for Emma to open the door was torture, as she clumsily fumbled with the key. His heart pounded violently within his chest as he finally took the key from her trembling fingers and unlocked the door.

  Kicking the door shut as he lifted Emma into his arms, his greedy mouth found hers as he carried her to the couch, and he almost lost it when she wrapped her long legs around his waist.

  Looking into her eyes, he settled her on his lap, with her long legs straddling his thighs. It was quickly becoming his favorite position to have her in. He couldn’t contain the growl as she slowly ran her fingers along the contours of his chest, captivated by her touch.

  How he summoned the strength to hold still as she explored every inch of him, he wasn’t sure, but when she wound her hand around the back of his neck, holding him to her as she plundered his mouth, his hands started to do some exploring of their own.

  Tracing the length of her spine, he settled his hands on her bum, pulling her tightly against him. In the back of his mind, he heard what sounded like a begging groan, not entirely sure who it came from. And not really caring either.

  Pressing open-mouthed kisses along the long column of her neck, he slowly ran his thumb under the hem of her shirt. Emma arched her back and rocked her hips along his erection, and whatever control he had left snapped.

  He bit down, then sucked hard on her neck, wanting to leave his mark on her, and the feel of her racing pulse beneath his mouth ratcheted up his own need. Running both hands under her shirt, he slid a finger along the waistband of her pants, secretly loving her sexy little whimpers, as he circled her bellybutton with his thumb. Finding her lips again, he slowly lifted her top, exposing her tanned abdomen.

  “Oh, Noah. Please don’t make me wait. Please. I can’t…wait…please,” Emma breathlessly pleaded.

&nb
sp; “Oh, babe. You’re so beautiful.”

  Finally answering her plea, he lifted her shirt the rest of the way. She may have been the one pleading, but as he stared at the flawless pair of breasts in front of him, covered only by a thin layer of lace, the breath escaped from his lungs and he couldn’t think straight.

  God, she was exquisite. Hardened nipples teased him through the lace of her bra as he reverently ghosted the tips of his fingers along the edge of the light blue material covering her. She watched as he skillfully explored the swell of her breasts, and he wondered if she realized how sexy it was when the tip of her tongue seductively peeked out from her kiss-swollen lips.

  Emma’s bronzed skin was like satin, just as he’d imagined it would be. Her chest heaved as she panted with excitement, the motion lifting her breasts mere inches from his lips with each inhalation. His mouth went dry as he ran his thumbs across her nipples, pinching them, and the little breathy sounds she made in response to his touch made him even harder. Needing to taste her, he lowered the lace cups and licked one hardened peak before sucking it into his mouth.

  Not forgetting about her other nipple, he lovingly kissed, nibbled, and licked his way from one soft mound to the other, as she held his head to her, driving them both to the brink.

  Lifting his gaze to find her eyes on his mouth, watching as he teased the sharp little point with his tongue, her flushed cheeks and hooded lids made him want to beat his chest with the satisfaction of knowing that he’d put that look on her face.

  And when she bit down on her plump lip and the corners of her mouth lifted into a saucy grin, his only thought was how amazing it was going to feel when he was finally buried deep inside of her. She cried out as he grazed his teeth over the taut peak, holding it between his teeth, before soothing it with his tongue as he sucked it into his mouth.