Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  “Good. I don’t think Lily would be too happy if you did. No woman wants her man to have another woman’s tatas in his face.” And neither would she, he suspected. He quite liked her possessive side.

  “Probably not.”

  “And, I don’t think Josh would like it if some oiled-up guy was wiggling his package in Lily’s face either.” Oh, hell no, he wanted to yell. The only wedding tackle that would be wiggled, dangled, or otherwise in Emma’s face would belong to him.

  “Yeah, I don’t think that would go over too well,” he snickered.

  After a prolonged silence, thinking about getting naked and wiggling with a certain leggy blonde, he asked. “Are you alone?”

  “Right now I am. Katie’s helping Ali with the baby. Her sleep schedule’s all off and Ali’s having a hard time getting her to go to bed.”

  “Oh. Is she going to be a while?”

  “I don’t know, why?” she questioned with a sexy giggle.

  “I was just wondering how long we had to talk.”

  “To talk? Is that what you call it?” Her soft laugh left his body humming.

  He let out a hearty laugh. “Are you propositioning me, Emma?”

  “No,” she chuckled. “I just thought you wanted to have phone sex or something. I was waiting for you to ask me what I’m wearing.”

  God, he loved her laugh.

  “Would you? If I asked?” His blood pressure spiked and he was instantly as hard as a rock at the thought of Emma pleasuring herself while he listened, giving her instructions.

  “I don’t know. Definitely not right now, but I’ve never done that before. Have you?” she whispered into the phone, and he could hear the subtle shifting of the sheets as she moved.

  “No, me neither. But there’s always a first time for everything.” He rolled over and stared at the ceiling, wishing she was there with him, wrapped around him, whispering in his ear.

  “I suppose,” she paused, sighing deeply. “Noah?” The breathless way she said his name sent a thrill straight to his heart and left his arms aching to hold her.

  “Yes,” he choked out, feeling the tickle of her breath against his skin through the phone.

  “I miss you. Is it horrible of me to wish my family didn’t take up all my time?” He could hear the guilt-ridden tone of her voice as she made her confession.

  “Maybe. Is it selfish of me to wish they didn’t either?” He missed her touch. He missed her laugh. He missed her smile. He missed her everything.

  “Maybe,” she laughed. “I guess we’re horrible and selfish people then. We make quite a pair. Don’t we?”

  “Yes. We do.”

  “Well, I better go. Katie just came back in the room. Good night, Noah.”

  “Good night, Emma.”

  Ending the call, he rolled over and placed the photo back on the night table and fell asleep with his arms wrapped around her pillow, surrounded by the sweet scent of honeysuckle and Emma.

  Chapter 14

  Lily and Josh’s wedding was taking place on a bluff overlooking the cerulean waters of the Hauraki Gulf, and eighty guests were waiting patiently in their seats for the ceremony to begin. A harpist sat off to the side, providing soft background music, and a welcomed breeze offered relief from the summer sun.

  With a quick hug and a dubious promise to try not to cry, Emma left Lily and followed precisely five seconds after her sister Ali, towards the arbor decorated with pink and white roses and the man who would always make her think of colorful fireworks, breathtaking sunrises, and slow sensual kisses under a moonlit sky.

  Seeing Noah dressed in a black tuxedo standing at the end of the aisle, it was easy to imagine him excitedly waiting just for her on their wedding day. She knew it was silly, to let her mind wander in that direction, but he looked so handsome standing next to Josh and the other groomsmen that she couldn’t help herself. They were all good looking men, but none of them made her heart go pitter-patter…except for Noah.

  Emma took a moment to fully appreciate the sight of him; he really was the most beautiful man she’d ever known. His dark hair fell in loose waves, making her want to run her fingers through it, and his piercing blue eyes were like a beacon in the night, calling her home.

  Noah’s intense gaze made her feel beautiful and sexy, as he watched her slowly approaching the arbor at the end of the carpeted aisle. Emma loved the way he made her feel like she was the only girl in the room, or in this case, on the crowded bluff.

  She felt so pretty in her sleeveless floor length periwinkle gown, with her hair pulled up into a chic bun, as she carried a small bouquet of wildflowers. The afternoon sun warmed her skin and Noah’s crooked smile warmed her in other, more private places.

  Giving her a quick wink, Noah mouthed ‘you look beautiful’, as she reached the arbor, and when the wedding march began to play, everyone turned to watch Lily stroll down the aisle on her father’s arm.

  The bride carried a colorful bouquet of forget-me-nots, and her dress was romantic and feminine with cap sleeves, an empire waist, and delicate beading. The A-line silhouette was flattering on her lean figure and the lace detail on the dress was timeless…elegant…Lily.

  As the happy couple recited their vows to love, honor, and cherish each other, Emma felt a tear slide down her cheek. She was so thrilled for Lily, that she’d found her happily ever after. And true to form, once they were pronounced man and wife, Josh laid a kiss on his blushing bride that was completely inappropriate for mixed company.

  Rowdy cheers erupted from the small gathering of loved ones as the newlyweds practically floated down the aisle arm in arm, laughing and grinning from ear to ear.

  The photographer led them away from the ceremony so pictures could be taken of the wedding party and immediate family members, and after an hour of smiling so much their cheeks ached, they finally joined the rest of the guests for the reception.

  After Lily and Josh were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Josh Thornton, they danced to ‘Someone Like You’ by Van Morrison. Watching Josh sing the sentimental song to his new wife, as Lily buried her face in the crook of his neck, Emma shed another batch of tears.

  When the rest of the bridal party were instructed to join the newlyweds, Noah held out his hand and led Emma to the center of the dance floor. Folding his arms around her waist as they slowly swayed to the music, he was struck once more by how right she felt in his arms.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you look?” he asked, giving her a little twirl before settling her against his chest once again.

  The moment she emerged from the clubhouse would be etched on his memory forever, and as she made her way down the aisle, he forgot to breathe. She literally took his breath away.

  “Um…yeah,” she chuckled, then hastened to add. “But I’ll never get tired of hearing it from you. And I have to say that you look way too good in this tux. I’m going to have to beat the ladies off with a stick.”

  “Just stick with me, babe, and we’ll be fine…together.” When she looked into his eyes through her smoky lids and long dark lashes, he was reminded of the night they met. He’d wanted to kiss her so badly that night, but resisted, not wanting to scare her off.

  Tonight, however, was completely different. Tilting his head slightly, he claimed her lips with his and lost himself in the taste of her. God, he loved her mouth. Her lips were soft and supple and when his tongue found hers, he found a little slice of heaven.

  After long hours dancing the night away, Emma dragged Noah from the crowded dance floor, and finding an abandoned table in the corner, she looked at him with an amused smile on her face. “I have a joke for you.”

  She was more than a little tipsy and her slightly slurred speech was adorable. “Oh, really?”

  “Why are brides unlucky?” she asked, trying to stifle a giggle as she placed two fingers over her lips.

  “I don’t know. Why are brides unlucky?”

  “Because they don’t get to marry the best man.�
�� Unable to hold back any longer, she rewarded him with a loud laugh, and settled her cute little bum on his lap.

  Noah couldn’t help but join in, laughing at the delightfully satisfied expression on her pretty face…and the joke, of course. “Very cute, baby.”

  Long strands of blonde hair hung loosely around Emma’s face and down the back of her neck, giving her an ‘I was just thoroughly shagged’ look, and Noah couldn’t resist pulling out the remaining pins, which were still valiantly trying to hold up her thick head of hair after the long night. Finally releasing it from its bonds, he combed his fingers though the silky length of golden sunshine as it fell along her shoulders and down her back.

  Burying his face in the warmth of her neck, Noah breathed in the floral scent of her shampoo, kissing her there as she shuddered beneath his touch. He reveled in the feel of her fingers digging into his shoulders, grounding him, as she tipped her head back, allowing him better access to her throat.

  When he landed on the sensitive spot behind her ear, she whimpered and gripped him tighter. And utterly incapable of resisting her, he shifted to her full lips and kissed her there, before begrudgingly backing away. It physically hurt to stop, and her squirming in his lap wasn’t helping the automatic response his body always had to hers, which left his trousers feeling decidedly uncomfortable.

  All he wanted to do was unzip her dress…slowly…watching as it fell in a pool at her feet, to get a squiz at what she was hiding under there. He’d already had a peek at the most spectacular pair of breasts he’d ever seen, with dusky pink nipples that pebbled at his touch, but he longed to see the rest of her. He ached to taste every inch of her soft skin and, after satisfying his hunger, to bury himself inside of her.

  Knowing that she wasn’t coming home with him was killing him. He wanted her so badly he couldn’t sleep at night, longing to hold her in his arms and make love to her until they were both spent and satiated, only to wake up in the morning and start all over again.

  Just the thought of Emma crying out his name as she came undone for him, had his hand slipping lower, caressing the round globe of her bum as he claimed her mouth once more, his tongue tangling with hers in a slow seductive dance.

  As if they could read his mind, he felt the eyes of at least one of her brothers burning a hole in the back of his head. Happy with the progress he’d made with the male members of her family so far, and preferring to keep his man parts in working order, Noah knew not to take it any further. They were extremely protective of their sisters, and seeing someone groping one of them in public probably wasn’t going over too well.

  Reluctantly, he lifted Emma off his lap and set her on her feet in front of him, letting his hands come to rest on her hips, enjoying the feel of the soft fabric of her dress and the softness of her body underneath it even more.

  He groaned as she stepped between his thighs and raked her fingers back and forth through his hair. Each swipe of her nails against his scalp stoked the fire that was burning for her. Only for her. Needing a moment to gather his strength, to resist tossing her over his shoulder and having his way with her in the nearest closet, he rested his forehead against her soft belly, breathing her in.

  Knowing only a thin layer of material stood between his lips and the Promised Land, only increased his suffering. Oi, her brothers were going to kick his ass before the night was through, he was sure of it.

  At brunch the following morning, Emma was happy to hear that Ali had finally spoken to Evan and they’d made plans to meet at the local domain. So after strapping Abby into her stroller with visibly shaking hands, Ali set off for the short walk to the park.

  A tortuous few hours later, Ali finally returned with a combination of relief, sadness, and happiness tinging her face. After getting Abby settled, Ali collapsed onto the couch with a loud grunt.

  “Well, come on now. Let’s hear it,” Emma’s mother finally chimed in, breaking the deafening silence.

  “I don’t know where to start,” Ali replied after a few moments.

  “How ‘bout from the beginning,” their mother stated in her most comforting voice.

  “Well…Abby loved him. And I’m pretty sure the feeling was mutual. You know how she’s becoming shy around strangers? Well, as soon as he reached for her, she went right to him, didn’t even hesitate. It was the damnedest thing. I could see that he was reluctant at first, nervous even, but once he held her…I don’t know…everything changed. I should be happy, right?” Ali looked to her mother, desperate for advice.

  “It’s perfectly normal to be hesitant of change, sweetheart. But sometimes, change is a good thing. Especially if the change is that a father wants to be a part of his daughter’s life,” her mother said, resting a soothing hand on Ali’s knee.

  “He wants to see us again before we leave, but should he get off so easily?”

  “Be careful about seeking to punish Evan, sweet pea. You need to stay focused on what’s best for Abby. And I think him wanting to spend time with her is definitely a step in the right direction,” her father added. “As much as I want to throttle the man, maybe he’s finally realizing what he’s been missing out on. I mean, just look at that angel.” Her father’s gaze fell to Abby playing contentedly with her toys, oblivious to the turmoil surrounding her, as he wrapped his arms around Ali, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Now, how could anyone not fall in love with her, or not want be a part of her life?”

  Emma didn’t miss the veiled message in her father’s words. He wasn’t just speaking of Abby. Their mother may have been the one who always gave them a reassuring hug when they needed it, but the security they found in their father’s arms was unparalleled. His warm embrace was where they’d weathered the storms of life.

  “He gave her that stuffed animal.” All nine pairs of eyes looked to Abby, who was currently chewing on Pooh Bear’s ear. “And me this.” Ali raised her arm to display a stunning ruby and diamond tennis bracelet dangling from her wrist.

  After a noticeable gasp from Aunt Mary, everyone spoke at once. Their reactions ran the gamut from a few choice curse words, swiftly followed by a harsh reminder from their mother that there was a baby in the room, to declarations of admiration for his taste in jewelry. The sudden outburst startled Abby, causing her to cry out for her mommy.

  Lifting the fussy baby onto her lap, Ali continued, once the noise level returned to normal. “He told me it represents mine and Abby’s birthstones. I tried to give it back to him. Told him I didn’t want it, but he wouldn’t take it, said to keep it for Abby. For when she’s older.”

  “I hope he doesn’t think that thing makes up for bailing on the first six months of her life,” Luke added angrily, his face looking like he just drank spoilt milk.

  “I’m sure there was some guilt involved,” Steven observed.

  “Is it real?” Katie questioned, twirling the gems around Ali’s wrist.

  “It definitely doesn’t make up for it, and you’re probably right, Steven. But he was always generous with me when we were together. So, I don’t think it was only guilt. And based on the fact that it came in a pretty blue box with a white ribbon, I’m pretty sure it’s real.”

  Later when they were alone, Emma finally asked the question that was on everyone’s mind, but no one dared to ask.

  “So…Abby was fine…but how are you?” she inquired, joining Ali on the porch swing.

  “I don’t know, Em. I’m so confused,” she exhaled, propping her head up with the palm of her hands. “I’m sad for what might’ve been. I’m mad because he let me go. He should’ve come for me to make us a family. I’m scared because my heart ached when I saw him again. It physically hurt, Emma. I knew seeing him would be hard, but I didn’t expect this. Maybe it’s being back here that’s churning up all these old feelings and reminding me of when we were together…and happy. God, I’m a mess. What am I going to do, Em?” She looked so lost, her eyes brightening with unshed tears.

  “I wish I knew. I think the way you feel is perf
ectly normal, though. You loved him and he let you down. Big time. Did he ask about seeing Abby after you go home?”

  “No. He only asked if he could see us again before we leave. Once we leave, I’ll probably never hear from him again anyway, so I don’t know why I’m wasting my time, getting so worked up over nothing.” Emma didn’t miss the way Ali’s expression morphed from one of bitterness, to sadness, to acceptance, in the blink of an eye, steeling herself for another round of rejection from the man that clearly still owned her heart.

  “Well, if that’s the case, then you’ll pick up the pieces and move on.”

  “It’s so hard to move on, though, when every time I look at her…I see him. In a strange way, it’s comforting. Like I still have him with me,” she paused, her lips forming a flat line. “I can’t believe I just said that out loud. It’s so twisted. Not to mention completely delusional and unhealthy.” Ali let out an audible sigh as she picked the polish off her fingernails.

  Emma slid her arm over Ali’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring hug. “I think you’ve been holding onto the dream of being a family, which is perfectly normal by the way.”

  “I know.” Ali was quiet for a long time, just staring at her shoes, before whispering so quietly Emma almost missed it. “I’m such a fool, Emma. If he really loved me, he would’ve come for me, or at least asked me to come back. I would have, you know.” She shook her head in resignation. “In a heartbeat. Especially when I found out I was pregnant. But he didn’t.”

  “Aw, Ali. It’ll be alright. You never know what the future holds, but whatever happens, you’re going to be okay. Let’s see what happens when you see him again and then once you get home.” Emma lovingly dried the tears that were now streaming down Ali’s cheeks, then folded her arms around her, as she cried once more over Evan Thompson.

  Finally getting herself under control, Ali lifted her eyes to Emma’s. “You’re right. I know that, but saying it and believing it are two different things.”