by Alexa Powers
Not knowing what else to say, Emma stated the one thing she knew for certain. “I love you.”
Letting out a deep breath, Ali flashed a shaky smile. “I love you, too.”
The day had finally come to take Emma’s family to the airport for their flight home to North Carolina. Cringing at his selfishness, for secretly rejoicing that they were leaving so he’d have more time with Emma, Noah grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
After a tearful send off, he stood by Emma’s side as the large group headed through security and finally disappeared from view. When Emma turned to him, her lip trembling as she tried to bite back the tears, he reached for her and encircled her in his arms. Once he had her snuggled against him, she broke down, burying her face in his chest as she fell apart.
Noah shook his head in stern rejection as two fans approached. He was thankful at first, when they kept their distance, but when they raised their phones, obviously taking photos or a video, he wanted to put his fist through something. Noah loved his career, he really did, but sometimes, in times like these, he hated everything about it.
As soon as she lifted her watery eyes to his, he released his hold on her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, turning her towards the door. “Let’s get you home.”
Emma was quiet on the drive from the airport, staring blindly out the window, watching the scenery go by, and Noah wasn’t sure if she actually saw any of it or not. It was killing him to just sit there and not be able to comfort her, to take her in his arms and make it better. He settled instead for holding her hand as he maneuvered his Jeep through the city streets to her flat in the CBD.
Finally back home, he sat on the couch and pulled her onto his lap, then enveloped her in his arms and held her for a long while as she cried. Not knowing what to say, he gently stroked her back, up and down in a soothing rhythm. He remembered his mum doing that when he needed comfort, and how it always made him feel better.
“Thank you,” she finally said, releasing the death grip from his now-aching neck.
“You’re welcome, but for what?” he asked, leaning back a few inches from her. Just the sight of her red and swollen eyes completely undid him.
“For being here. For driving to the airport. I don’t think I’d have been able to drive home,” she replied, still shaky from her bout of tears.
“Aw, babe. I’m glad I was able to be there for you. I want to be the one whose shoulder you cry on. Now, you sit here and I’ll make us a cuppa.” Easing her off of his lap, onto the couch, he lifted himself up and went to the kitchen.
Returning a few minutes later, he found Emma asleep, curled up like a kitten, with her head resting on the armrest. He stood and watched over her for a few moments, her cheeks still damp with tears, her face blotchy.
He must have it bad, he thought to himself, because she was still the most beautiful girl in the world. Setting the cups down on the end table, he carefully lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bedroom.
Pulling back the duvet, he settled her on the bed, and when she let out a sexy whimper and towed him down with her, it took every ounce of self-control he could muster not to curl up next to her. Knowing she needed a good night’s sleep, he unclasped her hands from around his neck, gave her a peck on the forehead, whispered good night, and turned out the light.
Standing in the doorway, he took one last look at her before shutting the door.
Resting his head against the wooden barrier between them, he tried to remember his life before Emma smiled at him from across the table, but couldn’t. One smile, one brilliantly sweet smile, from a pretty girl from North Carolina had changed everything.
Another night on the couch wouldn’t kill him, he thought, as he stretched out his long legs. Staring at the ceiling, he hoped Emma was in better spirits in the morning. Making a plan to take her to the waterfront café in Takapuna for breakfast and then, hopefully, to his house, he pulled the blanket off the back of the couch, covering himself.
Noah fell asleep thinking about his sweet Emma…in his house…in his bed.
Chapter 15
It turned out that a day at the beach was just what the doctor ordered. Emma loved the beach, and the feel of the soft sand between her toes always cured what ailed her. They’d spent the day playing in the surf and lounging in the sand, and after a long walk along the water’s edge, enjoying each other’s company and the view, it started to rain, resulting in a mad dash for Noah’s comfortably dry home.
Trying to hide her disappointment when Noah merely pointed her to his bathroom instead of joining her, she dropped her sodden clothes and stepped into the large shower. Inhaling the familiar scent of his shampoo before washing her hair, Emma delighted herself in the thought of having his scent on her, while letting the warm water wash away the salt and sand.
The roomy shower was large enough for two, maybe even four people. Not that she would ever want to share the space with anyone but Noah. Just the two of them, doing wonderfully naughty things to each other, as their curious hands explored every nook and cranny of their slippery bodies.
After drying off with a plush towel, she dug through her overnight bag, looking for the sexy bra and panties she’d packed. Stepping into the lacey thong, Emma was taken aback by her lack of nerves. Practically living in a bathing suit, she was comfortable in her own skin, but having sex with someone for the first time was cause for a few butterflies in the tummy.
And without a doubt, she was having sex with Noah…tonight. Maybe even in the next few minutes. They’d circled each other long enough and even though it was her decision to wait until now, she was more than ready. Giving herself one last look in the mirror, Emma combed her fingers through her hair, then set off down the hall to join Noah in the kitchen.
Dressed in a pair of faded jeans, which hung low on his narrow hips, and a crisp white T-shirt, he was the epitome of casual cool. His feet were bare, which was surprisingly sexy, and she stood in the doorway, watching him for just a minute, taking in the view. He hadn’t noticed her yet, and she felt the familiar flush and quickening of her heartbeat, as he busied himself gathering the makings for their dinner.
Noah was everything she’d ever wanted in a man. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it, but was still humble enough not to expect it to come easy. But he was also sweet and tender and not embarrassed to show his emotions. And he was undoubtedly the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on.
Joining him in the kitchen, Emma picked up a knife and started slicing the carrots for their salad. Working in tandem, they prepared their meal as if they’d been doing it for years, and their comfortable banter continued as they sat at the table to consume their meal.
When Noah stepped behind her, as she finished wiping down the counter, Emma felt the now-familiar tingle at the back of her neck. A rush of heat spread across her chest as he slid his warm hand along her shoulder, exposing her neck.
Shuddering as his lips gently caressed the sensitive skin below her ear, she sucked in a shaky breath. Needing something to hold onto, she wrapped her fingers around the edge of the counter as his fingers skated slowly down the length of her spine, finding the waistband of her shorts, before dipping slightly inside, and teasing her there.
“Breathe, Emma,” he whispered against her ear, sending another wave of tingles over her heated skin.
“I’m trying.” It was next to impossible to speak or breathe as his hands moved up the length of her ribcage, his callused fingertips brushing the side of her breasts before slowly sliding back down again, in a deliberate seduction.
Leaning back, Emma rested her head against his chest, soaking up the warmth of his body. Two strong hands circled around to her front, covering her stomach, causing the muscles to quiver beneath his touch as his tongue left a moist trail along the length of her neck, the dual sensations overwhelming her.
Gripping her tightly, he pulled her against him, and there was no mistaking how badly he wanted her. He was hard ev
erywhere.
Without letting up the pressure, he slipped his fingers beneath the hem of her shirt, slowly lifting it. She held her breath as he traced the outline of her ribs, until finally reaching the underside of her breast. Teasing her for an agonizing minute before closing over her soft flesh, his large hand kneaded and squeezed her through the lace cups of her bra, caressing her hardened nipples.
She felt the loss of his touch as he withdrew his hand, turning her to face him. Ghosting her hands along the hard planes of his chest, he pressed his erection against her belly, and the yearning in his eyes as he gazed lovingly into hers was nearly her undoing, leaving her all hot and bothered.
Slipping her hands around his neck, she pulled him down for a kiss that started off gentle and then wasn’t. Their tongues danced together as they explored every tantalizing corner. Emma heard herself moan as Noah nipped at her lower lip, then sucked it into his mouth before leaving a scorching trail of kisses along her jaw and down her neck.
It was Emma’s turn to tease as she kissed her way from his delicious mouth to the sensitive spot behind his ear. When she bit down on his earlobe, then flicked it with her tongue, she smiled at his answering growl. Turnabout was fair play, and she knew he loved it as much as she did.
Gasping as he suddenly lifted her, she landed on the center island, the granite shockingly cold against her heated skin. Stepping between her legs, his hands gripped the backs of her knees, dragging her to the edge of the counter, where his hard cradled her soft. As if they had a mind of their own, her legs wrapped themselves around his waist, and as he rocked his hips into her, she squeezed him tighter, pulling him even closer.
Noah tilted his head back, separating them, and seductively looked her up and down appreciatively. From anyone else she would’ve been insulted, but as the wicked grin spread across his face, promising delightful things, she didn’t mind at all, and visibly shuddered beneath his heated gaze.
“Are you okay with this, baby?” Before they went any further, Noah needed to make sure she wanted this as much as he did. “Because if we go much further, I’m not going to want to stop.”
“More than okay. Please, Noah, don’t make me beg.” Her flustered plea had him grinning from ear to ear.
“Oh, you’ll be begging, sweetheart. I promise you that.” Finally, there was nothing to stop them now.
His mouth claimed hers again as he picked her up. Holding onto him, with her legs still enfolded around his hips and her arms securely draped around his neck, he carried her down the hall toward his bedroom. Unable to resist the need to kiss her again, he pressed her against the wall and spent a long minute devouring her mouth before continuing the rest of the way.
Leaning over, he placed her on his big bed before following her down, propping himself up on his forearms, hovering above her pretty face. Her expressive green eyes, which had turned dark with arousal, were the window to her soul and he wanted to reach in there and brand her. He needed her in every way, and when he outlined her sexy cupid’s bow with a swipe of his tongue, she tasted so sweet he couldn’t get enough; he wanted to taste every inch of her.
Suddenly feeling nervous, he took a deep breath to calm himself, breathing in the sweet scent of her. Wanting to take his time, to do it right, but desperately needing her more than his next breath, he mentally counted to ten and placed a calming kiss on her lips.
Emma couldn’t wait to get her hands on him, but when she reached for his shirt, Noah clasped her hands between his fingers, and lifted them over her head. Holding her there, he kissed her again. “Not yet,” he commanded, between teasingly-slow kisses.
With one hand securing her wrists, the other toyed with the hem of her shirt. Lifting it inch by glorious inch, exposing her bare midriff, as he placed his knee between her legs, spreading them slightly.
“Please, Noah. I need to see you,” Emma pleaded breathlessly. She wasn’t sure how she was going to survive the night with Noah if she was begging already, and they were both still fully clothed.
“Patience, love,” he smiled, releasing her hands.
Slipping her shirt up and over her shoulders, he tossed it onto the floor behind him, and with a look that could melt steel, he traced the lacy edge of her bra. The tender touch of his fingertips as they lovingly caressed her skin had her back arching into his palm, needing to feel his hands fully on her.
Emma’s eyes fluttered shut as he circled the firm tip of her pebbled nipple, teasing her there, before pinching it. She cried out as his mouth closed over the hardened peak through her bra, gently biting down, before soothing it with hot strokes of his tongue. He was driving her crazy with his mouth, but when his hand closed over her other breast, she nearly levitated off of the bed.
Needing more, she reached for his shirt, tugging at the hem, pulling it over his head. Lifting up onto her elbows she kissed along the column of his neck and continued lower. He hissed in a breath between clenched teeth as she licked his nipple and then sucked it into her mouth.
Her hands desperately traveled the span of his smooth bare skin. Unable to get enough, they greedily traveled the length of his back, then across his broad shoulders, before clutching his biceps, needing to feel the flex of his powerful muscles as he held himself above her.
Pressing her into the bed as he left a blazing trail of hot wet kisses along her collarbone, her body ached for more. Lowering the cups of her bra, exposing her to his ravenous gaze, he teased her there before taking her into his mouth. As he kissed his way from one hardened peak to the other, Emma fisted her hands in his hair, holding him to her. The feel of his teeth nibbling her sensitive flesh left her gasping for air. He proved adept at multitasking, when he unclasped her bra without skipping a beat, and the lacy scrap of fabric quickly followed the same path as her shirt, landing on the floor.
Just when she thought her heart was going to burst forth from her heaving chest, he sat back and reverently dragged his fingers down the length of her belly, to the waistband of her shorts, leaving a trail of quivering muscles in their path. She almost leapt off the bed when he bent down and flicked his tongue in her belly button, but then he surprised her by sweetly resting his cheek against her tummy, closing his eyes for a moment before inhaling deeply.
Fumbling with shaking hands to undo the button, Emma was relieved to see that he was just as affected as she was. Lifting her hips to help him, Noah slowly slid her shorts down her legs, along with her lace panties, leaving her naked and wanting him more with each passing second. He stood back and took a long look at her, lying supine on his bed, exposed to him, and she resisted the urge to cover herself as his eyes devoured her. She’d never felt more beautiful.
“God, you’re exquisite, Emma. Even better than I’d imagined. And what I imagined was pretty spectacular.”
Lifting onto her knees she slid her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. Pulling him to the edge of the bed, she kissed him again as she unbuttoned his pants. “Thank you, Noah. And you’re wearing too many clothes.” She felt her heart pounding violently as she slid his pants over his hips, then watched as they fell to the floor.
When he stepped out of his jeans and boxer briefs, she leaned back and finally got a good look at him. Being a swimmer, she’d seen plenty of nearly-naked men with extremely fit bodies, but none of them compared to the Adonis that stood before her in all his glory. And glory, glory, halleluiah. From his broad shoulders to his long powerful legs, and everything in between, he was magnificent.
She swallowed hard as her eyes settled on the full length of him, he was much bigger than anyone she’d been with before, and she wanted to lick every delicious inch of him. “I must say that you’re pretty spectacular yourself. Wow…you’re perfect.”
As her eyes traveled back to his, he stepped forward, invading her senses with his larger than life presence.
“Lay down, baby,” Noah said, in a sweetly seductive voice.
Lifting her leg, he slowly kissed, nibbled and licked his way up the length
of her thigh, until finally reaching where she ached for him most.
“Please, Noah. I need…”
“Shh, baby…I know what you need,” he whispered, his breath tickling her delicate skin.
Without saying another word, he covered her with his mouth. Her pulse was beating loudly in her ears, and needing something to hold onto, her hands found his hair as she bucked against him. She was groaning and uttering unintelligible words as his lips and tongue teased her mercilessly, the sweet torture driving her right up to the edge, as she cried out his name, again and again.
It was too much and not enough and she heard herself begging and pleading for him to stop and then to never stop. When he added his fingers, he drove her to an explosive release that left her soaring amongst the stars. Her body shook as her muscles contracted around him. Struggling to breathe, her chest heaved as she tried to fill her lungs with air. She was going to die, but what a way to go.
Taking care to make sure she returned safely to earth, he then kissed his way from her hips to her breasts, paying extra attention to them, before moving over her. She opened her eyes to find him watching her as he hovered inches from her face, with the crooked smile she’d grown to love.
With a satisfied smirk, he leaned in and kissed her. Wiping the sweat-dampened hair from her brow, he tucked it behind her ear.
“That was beautiful. You’re beautiful,” he whispered reverently, as he sweetly kissed her once again.
Emma took a long look at his handsome face, his lips turned up at the corners, forming a confident grin that had her body purring in all the right places. His blue eyes, lined with dark lashes, contained a hint of mischief, promising her everything. She couldn’t resist the urge to touch him, running her fingers along his chest and then up to cradle his face.
When he tilted his head and placed a tender kiss on the palm of her hand, she actually swooned. He was such a physically powerful man, but at the same time he was the gentlest of lovers, and the contrast was an incredible aphrodisiac.
