Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  He felt the pressure building at the base of his spine as he grew close to release, and if she kept grinding against him, making him feel like he was the king of the world, it wouldn’t take long. Incapable of forming a coherent thought at the moment, he was pretty sure he’d lost a few brain cells from lack of oxygen, but he’d never felt so alive.

  Suddenly stiffening in his arms, she quickly pulled away and yanked her shirt back into place. She was mumbling something, but he couldn’t hear anything over the pounding in his ears.

  “What the…?” Noah blurted out at the stricken look on her face, as she hastily slid off his lap and shoved her hand up her shirt to adjust her bra.

  Wait a minute…he wasn’t done yet, he wanted to be the one with his hand up her shirt, plus all of his blood had pooled in his throbbing erection, which was mourning the loss of her softness rubbing against it.

  Still trying to catch his breath, he watched as she removed her hand and then ran it down the length of her top. The rise and fall of her chest mesmerized him as she settled her hand over her rapidly beating heart, trying to calm herself.

  Noah was so distracted by her sudden withdrawal that he hadn’t realized Lily and Josh had returned home and were now standing in front of them, looking quite amused at what they’d discovered.

  Emma’s flushed cheeks and plump lips were a dead giveaway as to what they’d been up to, not to mention her aroused nipples, which were clearly evident through the thin material of her shirt. He quickly pulled a pillow onto his lap to cover himself, knowing he wasn’t fooling anyone, but he had his pride and didn’t want them to see his erection straining against his zipper.

  “God, Lily. You scared the life out of me. I thought you were still at dinner,” Emma protested, still visibly stunned from their unexpected arrival.

  “I spoke to you over an hour ago.” Lily was trying not to laugh as she flicked a manicured finger at the obvious red bruise on Emma’s neck. “That…better be gone before my wedding.”

  “What?” Emma’s hands went to her neck, found the sensitive spot, and started poking at it, trying to figure out what could have caused it.

  Lily turned and pointed that same manicured finger at Noah. “You…keep your mouth off her neck. And any other body part that’ll be exposed on my wedding day. I will not…I repeat...I will not, have Emma covered in hickeys in my wedding pictures. Am I making myself clear, Noah?”

  “Crystal, Lily. Don’t worry. It’ll be gone in a few days.” He looked at Emma, still dazed from their explosive encounter, and made a mental note to leave another one on the side of her breast, maybe her hip too, if she’d let him get that far. He felt fairly confident that, if they’d been left on their own, she would have.

  Josh took particular pleasure in teasing Emma good-naturedly, but she took it in stride, as Noah placed a protective arm around her and curled her into his side, settling into a comfortable conversation about the wedding and the newlyweds’ upcoming honeymoon in Bora Bora.

  Long hours later, Emma tried to stifle a yawn, but Noah could see the exhaustion in her eyes. Reaching for her hand, he lifted her off the couch. “Time for bed.” He didn’t miss Emma’s startled eyes darting quickly to him and then to Lily.

  “I’m tired too,” Lily added as she got up. “Good night, and don’t forget we’re meeting my mum for brekkie. Hopefully, that will’ve faded by morning.”

  Emma’s hand automatically went back to her neck, worrying the spot once again. “Yeah, I know. Good night.”

  Noah sensed her unease and pulled her into his arms. “Hey…We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You know that, right?”

  “I know, and thanks. I think I may’ve gotten caught up in the moment before. Got a little carried away.” She smiled shyly at Noah through her dark lashes, and he felt the breath get caught in his windpipe. Did she have any idea that with just one look she could bring him to his knees?

  “Don’t worry, Emma. It’s fine. Can’t say that I’m not ready, because I’m totally ready to take you to bed straight away…especially, since I’ve gotten a wee peek at your goodies now, but I don’t want to push you.”

  Emma lifted onto her toes to give him a gentle kiss. “I’m not saying that you can’t touch me, because I want that, but do you think we could slow down a little? At least try to?”

  “Sure. Don’t worry about it, sweetheart.” Powerless to resist, he lifted his hands to cup her breasts. “Besides, I could get lost for a while…right here.”

  Emma arched her back, filling his hands as he caressed her. “Mmm…That feels really nice, but I still can’t believe we were here for an hour. It only felt like a few minutes.”

  “Time flies when you’re having fun, baby. I could have feasted on your luscious melons for hours.” His thumbs teased her budded nipples, and he hardened too.

  “My melons? That’s so cheesy,” she laughed, then gasped when he smoothly lowered his mouth to hers for a hungry kiss. Her hands scrambled to his hair and held him there, as he seductively sucked her tongue into his mouth. Not too rough, but not too sweet either, just right.

  “If we keep this up tonight, I’m going to push. Maybe even beg, Emma. I’m trying to be the man you need me to be, but it’s damn hard, especially when I’m sporting this.” He rubbed the length of him against her stomach, partially to prove his point, but also to gain some relief. Bloody hell, it was going to be a long night.

  The thought of spending the night with Noah was tempting…way too tempting actually. He was so cute and just the thought of his mouth devouring her again had her stomach doing flip-flops and her breasts aching for more of his attention.

  She’d been embarrassed when Lily and Josh came home, though, finding them in such a compromising position. She wasn’t a prude, but wasn’t an exhibitionist either; they needed to be more careful in the future.

  “I’m sorry, Noah. I don’t want you to think I’m a tease, but it’s just that everything is moving so fast and it scares me. I’m not sure about you, but I’m really not a casual kind of girl. I know a lot of women are these days, but I’m not made that way. I know it’s not very contemporary of me, but I can’t change how I feel. It’s not just sex for me,” she paused, looking over his shoulder at the wall, anywhere but him, feeling completely exposed by her confession, and afraid she might cry. “God, this is so embarrassing.”

  Noah placed two fingers under her chin, gently lifting it so that she had no choice but to look at him. “Emma, you never need to apologize to me for being who you are. In case you haven’t noticed, I think you’re pretty terrific. And for the record, I’m not looking for a casual relationship with you either. Sit down with me and let’s have a talk.”

  Leading her to the couch, he settled her next to him. Emma rested her head on his broad shoulder, drawing strength from him, and braced herself for the potentially uncomfortable conversation.

  After a prolonged silence, Noah finally spoke. “Look, I think you should know that I’m not looking for a fling or a hook up, or whatever it’s called these days. I’m not going to lie and say that I’ve never done that, because I have, more than I care to admit. I’m not sure where this thing between us will end up, but I’d like to find out. I really like you, Emma, and I think you feel the same way, or at least I hope you do.”

  When Emma looked into his eyes, she didn’t see arrogance or his usual confidence. She saw insecurity and a vulnerability that melted some of her own insecurities.

  “I really like you too, Noah. It’s just that…” She took a deep breath to steady herself before continuing. “It’s just that I get really attached. Not in a creepy, stalker kind of way,” she added with a wobbly laugh.

  “That’s good to know,” he smiled reassuringly.

  “But I don’t know how to do it any other way, and usually end up getting hurt. The pathetic thing is that I always think the other person feels the same way and never see it coming until they’re walking out the door.”

  �
�We’ve all been hurt at some point…thought something was more than it was. You’re not alone there. I think that’s how you can recognize when the right one comes along.”

  “I know. That wasn’t what I meant to say. I got sidetracked a little. My point was that I tend to become attached…too attached. I’m just afraid of getting hurt again when I have to leave. See, this is what I mean. I’m thinking about ten months from now and we’ve only had two dates. I’m completely dysfunctional. I probably don’t have to worry about it though, because right about now you’re wondering how fast you can get to the door.” She let out an anxious chuckle, feeling way too exposed.

  “It would take a lot more than that to scare me away from you. And we may have only had two official dates…glad to see you’re on board with me on that one, by the way, but we’ve probably spent more time together than most new couples do in months. I think Josh and Lily deliberately set it up that way, but I’m not complaining. You’re special, Emma. Anyone who didn’t recognize that and walked away from you voluntarily was a bloody fool.”

  Needing to lighten the mood, Emma cupped his face in her hands and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “You are the sweetest man. How are you still single? I can’t figure it out.”

  Noah laughed, a carefree grin spreading across his face that let her know everything was going to be alright. “I know, really. I have to beat them off with a stick. I’m a total catch. Why have you not dragged me to bed yet?”

  Emma let out a relieved giggle. “I have no idea. See. I must be crazy. Totally dysfunctional.”

  “But I’d like to point out that I’m not single.” At her distressed look, he quickly continued. “I’m with you. I’m not seeing anyone else and I don’t want to. And I don’t share, so I don’t want you to either.”

  Noah reached for a stray strand of hair that had escaped from her braid and twirled it around his finger, visions of his earlier fantasy flashing through his mind.

  “I don’t want to see anyone else, either,” she admitted earnestly, placing a hand on his chest.

  “Good. Got that sorted. Now can we go to bed?” Noah asked hopefully with a cheeky grin.

  “Nice try, Noah.”

  He let out a hearty laugh. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  A few days later, Emma asked Noah to go to the pool with her. Swimming was an important part of her life and she wanted to share that piece of herself with him.

  Slipping into the cold water always took her breath away, but when she added Noah’s chiseled body in a pair of wet board shorts, it left her heart pounding as if she’d already had her workout.

  Kicking off the side of the pool, the familiar rush of the water and the rhythm of her steady breathing relaxed her. After finishing her warm-up laps, Emma waited with her arms stretched along the edge of the pool, her legs lazily dangling in front of her, and watched as Noah approached.

  A satisfied grin spread across her face at the realization that she was better than he was. This was probably the only sport that she’d win if they competed and she basked in the glory of that small victory.

  With years spent as a summer swim instructor and even more participating in various stroke clinics, she evaluated his form as Noah finished the last few feet, gliding easily under the water to surface next to her, his long muscular physique leaving a small wake in the lap lane.

  “Why’re you so angry at the water? What did it ever do to you?” Emma couldn’t help but laugh at his confused expression, his mouth curving into a sexy pout.

  He shook his head quickly from side to side, shaking the water droplets loose, and scraped a hand over the planes of his face. “Huh? What’re you talking about?”

  Emma pushed off the edge of the pool and turned to stand in front of him as she mimicked his movement. “You slap the water with each stroke, like this.”

  “Okay,” he said slowly. “So, I’m guessing that that isn’t the right way.”

  “Well, it’ll get you from one side of the pool to the other, just not very efficiently. If you use the proper technique, you conserve energy and can swim longer and faster. This is how you do it the right way.” Emma showed him how to hold his hand to slice into the water and then pull back, rolling from side to side as she reached forward with each stroke. She then turned away from him and swam to about mid pool and swam back to him. “See the difference? Now show me your stroke.”

  Noah’s loud outburst of laughter settled into a mischievous grin as he reached out and snaked his arm around her waist, their bodies slipping against each other in the water, her legs instinctively wrapping around his hips. “I’ll show you my stroke if you show me yours.” One of his hands slid down to hold her bottom and she stifled a moan as his fingers settled dangerously close to her sweet spot.

  “Hardy har har, Noah. Get your mind out of the gutter, and anyway, I’ve already shown you mine. Now, come on, I’m serious, I want to see you do it. Please, Noah, it means a lot to me.” Placing a quick kiss on his still-grinning lips, she tried to stay focused. She wasn’t sure if he was doing it on purpose or not, but his fingers were inching lower, and with her legs still wrapped around him, she was spread wide open, making it next to impossible to think about anything other than the aching need to have him slip his fingers beneath her swimsuit.

  “Fine. You’ll have to show me again, though, because I was a little distracted by your tight togs. Your body’s bloody amazing and I never would’ve thought a swim cap and goggles could be such a turn on.” He gave her a devilish grin as he squeezed her bottom and then released her, positioning himself to push off the edge of the pool.

  Feeling chilled by the loss of his touch, Emma shook her head. “You’re such a guy.”

  “Guilty as.” He simply shrugged his shoulder, not ashamed by the accusation.

  “Well, it has to be tight so you have less resistance in the pool.”

  “I’m not complaining. Although I do prefer your teeny bikinis better.”

  She sliced her hand through the water, sending a wave of water in his direction. “You would.”

  Emma spent the next hour giving him a private swimming lesson and was pleased to see him pay attention, once he stopped goofing around and concentrated on what she was trying to teach him. She reveled in the fact that no matter how hard he tried, she would always be faster in the pool, and gave a silent thanks to her parents for providing all the years of swimming lessons.

  And with the heated looks Noah was giving her, she was also grateful for the body that went along with the hundreds of hours spent doing laps. When they climbed out of the pool, she could feel his eyes on her as they walked to the locker rooms, and there was no need to glance over her shoulder to see if he appreciated the view, because the agonized growl emanating from his chest spoke for itself.

  Chapter 13

  Waiting for her family to get through security, Emma could hardly contain her excitement as she stood with her Aunt Mary at the airport. Noah had suggested she use his Jeep to help chauffeur everyone, and also to earn him a few brownie points with her family she suspected, so she’d left him with Lily and Josh at her Aunt’s house.

  Emma’s mother, Dianne, walked in front of the group like a mother duck with a long string of ducklings following obediently behind her, everyone looking tired and rumpled after the long flight.

  Abby was the first one to spot Emma and immediately squealed and started to squirm in her mother’s arms to get down. Reaching for the irritable baby, Emma fought back tears as she settled her on her hip. Breathing in her little girl scent was like coming home after a long absence.

  After the gauntlet of hugs and kisses, and more than a few happy tears, they piled everyone, along with a mountain of luggage, into the waiting cars.

  Pulling into the driveway, Emma watched as Noah stepped aside, looking uncharacteristically anxious and fidgety. He patiently waited until everyone had finished with their greetings before inserting himself into the family reunion. Emma stood by his side, putting a
comforting arm around his waist, and smiled when he placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head as his hand came to rest along the small of her back, his thumb tracing nervous circles there.

  One by one, curious eyes fell on Emma as she stood with Noah, and ignoring the weight of their questioning glares and raised eyebrows, she stepped forward to introduce him to her father.

  Moving his arm to lace his fingers through hers, he held her hand tightly as if to ground himself, as he reached out his right hand to her father. She watched as her father’s confident gaze analyzed their joined hands, and was relieved to see her father’s familiar smile as he shook Noah’s hand.

  Her father was eyeing Noah suspiciously, but thankfully didn’t inquire about their relationship status or Noah’s intentions with his daughter, which would’ve been completely mortifying. If her father disapproved of Noah, he gave no indication, his face remaining neutral as they exchanged pleasantries.

  Meeting someone’s family usually took place in small increments, over time, not in one fell swoop, but Noah seemed to locate his wavering confidence and didn’t shy away from her father’s questions. Looking at him, she wondered if she’d ever find another man who’d measure up, or if that was even possible.

  Her heart twisted painfully when she thought about Noah’s future, which unfortunately didn’t include her. At least she wouldn’t have to see him with someone else, unless she looked him up on the internet or broke down and asked Lily, which she had no doubt she would at some point.

  Just the thought of him with another woman on his muscular arm made Emma’s stomach ache. Reality told her that he would eventually find someone else, get married, and go on to have adorable little Noahs running around, but it hurt more than it should to know that those children wouldn’t be hers being pushed in his heavenly tree swing.

  Pushing aside her aching heart and confusing thoughts, she went about the task of introducing him to the rest of her family. As expected, her brothers gave him the third degree, Ali was polite but noticeably wary, and Katie looked him over and then winked her approval.