Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  Lara had pulled her aside to let her know she hoped she stayed and would be thrilled to have her in the family. Emma was stunned when Lara confided in her that when Noah had visited her back in January, he’d gushed about the girl he’d only just met, but could see himself marrying one day. Emma remembered the trip he’d made to Hamilton when she was busy with her family during their stay, but had no idea at the time that he’d felt so strongly about her and their future together.

  Now that they were back home, she was finally done with exams and on break from school and Noah didn’t have another test match with the All Blacks for two months. Having made up her mind, she couldn’t wait for him to wake up so she could give him the news. Emma still had some questions and felt she needed some guidance from him as to what he saw as her role, what he expected of her. But as she watched him sleep, his features soft and relaxed, she knew she’d never leave him. He was her other half, the part of her that had been missing all along.

  Her mother had read her a quote after one of her nastier breakups that said, ‘Once you meet the right one, you’ll realize why it never worked out with anyone else’ and as she looked back now, she knew it was true. There would never be anyone else for her, and she couldn’t stop the sappy grin from spreading across her face at the thought of waking up in his arms every morning for the rest of her life.

  Giving Noah a gentle nudge to coax him out of his deep slumber, she almost trembled with excitement as he started to stir. Pressing her lips to his chest, she watched as the corners of his mouth twitched up into a smile. Noah’s eyes fluttered opened as he rested his hand on her arm; the smooth motion of his thumb as it caressed her was intoxicating as he turned to face her. She lifted her head and rested it on her hand and he did the same as they faced each other.

  Unable to resist touching him, she reached out and ghosted her fingers along the arm that was now draped lazily around her waist. “Ask me again,” she stated with certainty, looking him in the eyes.

  “Excuse me?” His confused expression left her feeling a bit frustrated, but she held his steady gaze before asking him once more.

  “Ask me again.” She gave him a cheeky grin as she watched him, knowingly.

  As realization dawned on him, he shook off the last remnants of sleep and gave her a satisfied smile as he leaned over and caged her beneath him. “Stay with me, Emma. Will you come back and stay with me?” He brushed a chaste kiss against her lips and it wasn’t enough. She needed more, but first he deserved an answer.

  “Yes, Noah. I’ll come…”

  She didn’t get the chance to finish as his mouth came against hers in a kiss so possessive, it curled her toes.

  “Oh, trust me, you’ll come…repeatedly. And you’ll like it.” She shuddered at his promise as he traced his lips along the length of her neck and kept going.

  She arched her back as Noah lifted the hem of her tank top, slowly uncovering her breasts, before slipping it over her head. His eyes darkened to a deep sapphire as he licked his lips at the sight of her hardened nipples.

  Emma cried out as his teeth grazed the sensitive peaks before suckling one and then the other. His teasing nibbles were driving her mad with need as she writhed beneath him. Each press of his lips was a bolt of lightning straight to her core.

  “Noah, I need you now,” she begged wantonly. Unable to resist the need to touch him, she reached between his legs and stroked the length of him.

  “Don’t worry, sweetness, I know what you need.” He hissed in a breath at her touch and his mouth came against hers, their tongues mating in rhythm with the stroke of her hand.

  She needed more, as she left a trail of kisses along the curve of his neck. His groan of approval left her feeling powerful as she kissed her way down the length of his chest to her intended destination. She felt his strong hands tangle within the strands of her hair, holding her head as she took him into her mouth.

  Glancing up at him, she loved giving him so much pleasure as he watched her move up and down over him. The blissful look on his handsome face turned serious as his fingers twisted around her hair, tugging her gently, then pushing her back down. She knew he was getting close and the strained look on his face indicated he was doing his level best to hold back.

  Finally bringing him to the brink, he gave her hair a tug and lifted her up and over his body before crushing his mouth to hers and entering her in one swift thrust. Her muffled moan was replaced with the cries of frenzied lovemaking, every touch branding her as he made her his in every way. At once gentle and rough, he worshipped every inch of her body before finally taking his own release with a loud growl against her neck as he bit her there.

  After the most thorough shower she’d ever taken, Emma cuddled against his chest, loving the feel of his arms holding her snugly. Noah had reverently washed every inch of her, before making love to her until the water ran cold. She could still feel his lips against her sensitive skin as she screamed out her climax, and without letting her come back down, he drove her to another before taking her against the wall. All the while, he whispered professions of love and forever that left her heart spilling over with pure unadulterated pleasure.

  Chapter 24

  Emma’s family was coming to Auckland to celebrate Emma’s and Abby’s birthdays in two weeks’ time, and Noah wanted to take her away to celebrate her birthday privately, just the two of them.

  Looking for any excuse to get Emma back into her swimming costume again, he’d booked a private villa in Bora Bora for the week, and couldn’t wait to give her the surprise. Remembering that it was on her bucket list, he wanted to tick the box with her. The villa was perched over a pristine lagoon with a private plunge pool on the terrace and an unobstructed view of the mountainside. And he’d arranged for a couples massage and a romantic candlelit dinner for two on the terrace of their bungalow, knowing she’d love them both.

  The resort offered an assortment of excursions and water sports, but he hadn’t wanted to over-plan their time. If she wanted to spend the day in bed or relaxing in the villa, that would suit him just fine. He did want to do some paddle boarding and snorkeling in the lagoon while they were there, but other than that, he was game for just about anything she wanted to do, or not do.

  Handing her the birthday card with the brochure tucked inside, he was bursting with anticipation. “Happy Birthday, baby. I wanted to give you your pressie early.”

  Watching as she sat up, the sheet slipped from her breasts, leaving her bare as she sat cross- legged facing him. Her breasts, perfectly rounded with tight nipples, drew his attention, and knowing she was naked under the sheet that draped lazily over her legs distracted him for a moment before he dragged his gaze up her long torso, finally reaching her eyes.

  The look on Emma’s gorgeous face was worth the price of the trip as her eyes opened wide and her mouth hung open. He was beaming with pride as she turned the brochure over and over, as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. “I booked us for five days in that villa…right there,” he said, pointing to the location at the end of the row on the cover of the brochure. “And we leave tomorrow. So get your bags packed, baby, because we’re headed for some fun in the sun.”

  “Oh, Noah, I want to say you shouldn’t have because it’s too much, which it is, but I love it, so I won’t. Thank you, baby. It’s the best birthday present ever. I love you. I love you. I love you.”

  Throwing herself at him, she banded her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. The motion left the sheet that was covering her in a puddle at her knees, and his mind in the gutter.

  Unconsciously lifting his hand to the back of her thigh, he enjoyed the feel of her soft skin. Tilting his head, he deepened the kiss as his hand traced up and down the length of her leg, before settling on the round globe of her perfect backside.

  Her soft chuckle against his lips as he squeezed her bum left him hungry for more. Sitting up and rolling her onto her back, he proceeded to get the birthday celebration off on the right foo
t.

  Standing in the arrivals area of Auckland International Airport, Noah could feel the excitement radiating off Emma so strongly he could almost reach out and touch it. She was literally trembling in his arms. Her parents were staying with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob, while Steven, Katie, Ali, and Abby were staying with them.

  They’d stocked the fridge with food and beer, and Emma had baby-proofed the entire house, including baby gates to block the staircase. Looking at the purchases as investments in the future children they’d have, he even went with her to pick them out and they’d spent the day installing them. Abby was walking now, and they wanted her to be free to explore, safely.

  Emma’s excited squeal signaled their arrival, and once the hugs and kisses were taken care of, they loaded the luggage into the waiting vehicles and headed to Noah’s home in Takapuna.

  Noah was apprehensive, knowing they’d be informing her family of Emma’s decision to come back to live with him permanently after she finished school. Emma had assured him they wouldn’t throw him to the sharks, and that her happiness was of utmost importance to them, but a little niggle of doubt still lingered. Knowing how close they were worried him. He wanted to be welcomed into the family fold, not looked upon as the man who stole away a beloved piece of the family puzzle.

  Once everyone was settled in the lounge, Noah followed Emma into the kitchen to help set out the food she’d prepared for brunch. Standing in the doorway, he surveyed the room. He had no idea the kitchen was capable of producing so much food at one time.

  She was pulling food from every nook and cranny, arranging each dish precisely, so that everything fit and had the proper flow. He wasn’t sure what the ‘flow’ meant exactly, but Emma assured him that she knew what she was doing, so he didn’t question it.

  As Emma stood back to examine the smorgasbord of platters and casserole dishes she’d laid out buffet style on the kitchen island, Noah stepped up behind her and wound his arms around her waist. Having her securely enveloped in his arms, his shoulders relaxed as she leaned into his chest. He loved the way she felt in his arms. Bending down to bury his face in the curve of her neck, he inhaled the familiar scent of honeysuckle and his sweet, sweet Emma.

  “Everything looks great, baby. You’ve outdone yourself,” he said, resting his chin on her shoulder, taking in the display of mouthwatering food.

  Twisting in his arms so she was facing him, Emma let her hands come to rest on his hips. “Thanks. And thanks for letting everyone stay here. It means a lot to me.”

  “Emma…this is your home, too. There’s no need to thank me. Of course your family’s welcome to stay with us. And it’ll give me a chance to get to know them better too.” Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he pressed his lips to hers for a quick kiss.

  She gave him a sweet smile as her eyes found his. “I was thinking that, after brunch, before my parent’s leave, we should talk to them about me moving here, to get it out of the way so we can enjoy the rest of their visit.” He knew she was nervous about telling her parents, and the slight uptick in her voice confirmed it.

  “Sounds good to me. The sooner the better. Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be fine.” Giving her a gentle squeeze, Noah hoped he sounded more confident than he felt.

  “I know. I just don’t like upsetting my parents. And I’m warning you now…my mother’s a crier. She’s very sentimental. The woman gets broken up over television commercials. So when her baby girl tells her she’s moving to the other side of the earth…well, it’s not going to be pretty.” Worry lines formed between her brows, as she frowned.

  He couldn’t resist the need to kiss away her troubles, and the thought of her mum breaking down in tears worried him too. Like most men, he never handled it well when women cried, and it was usually his cue to exit the building. “I’m sure that, after the initial shock wears off, she’ll be fine.”

  “From your lips to God’s ears,” she laughed, and gave his bum a sharp pinch.

  “Ouch…That hurt,” he chuckled.

  “Should I kiss it and make it better?” Emma playfully teased, as she soothed the sore spot with the palm of her hand, and he instantly felt the stir of arousal.

  Noah pressed his hips against hers to express his discomfort and gain some relief. “You’re seriously going to do this to me with your family in the next room?”

  “I’m sorry,” she giggled. “That wasn’t nice of me.”

  “No, it wasn’t,” he said, leaning down for a kiss that would have to hold him over until they could be alone.

  “Break it up, you two. I’m starving and the food’s getting cold,” Steven bellowed, as he walked into the kitchen and picked up a cinnamon bun before taking a large bite.

  After everyone had been given a tour of the house and were settled in their respective rooms, Emma and Noah asked her parents to join them on the terrace. The weather was chilly, but the sun was shining and it would give them the privacy they needed to have the potentially-uncomfortable conversation.

  Noah could feel the watchful eyes of Lily, Josh, and Emma’s aunt and uncle upon them as they anxiously waited in the lounge. They’d already heard the news and were thrilled that Emma was staying in New Zealand, but also knew how hard the revelation would hit Emma’s parents.

  Walking onto the field for the first time with the All Blacks was nothing compared to facing Emma’s parents as they sat across the table from them with curious expressions. Having their blessing meant a lot to Emma, and he wanted to get it right. He’d imagined the conversation many times, but the reality of them sitting across from him was nerve-racking. Noah’s heart was pounding a mile a minute and his palms were clammy as he tried to organize his thoughts.

  Taking a deep fortifying breath, he cobbled together the words to start the conversation that would make her moving to En Zed official. “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Emma and I wanted to talk to you about our future together. I’ve asked her to come back to New Zealand once she graduates, and she’s said yes.” Pausing to gauge their reaction, he looked to Emma for a needed confidence boost. The gentle squeeze of her hand on his thigh gave him the encouragement he was looking for. “I love your daughter very much and I’m honored she’s chosen to stay here with me.”

  “I really want you to be happy for me,” Emma chimed in, looking from one parent to the other. “Mom, you once told me that I’d know it when I met ‘the one’. Well, I found him. He’s a good man, and he makes me happy.” She gave him the sweet smile that always took his breath away, never looking prettier.

  Noah watched as her parents shared a meaningful look and then turned to face them once again.

  “Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised,” her father stated, as he smiled at his daughter. “Emma, you know your mother and I just want you to be happy. But I’m not going to lie and tell you that I like the idea of you living so far away from us.” Hesitating at the sound of his wife’s quiet whimper, they all turned their attention to her. Sure enough, the tears were flowing, and Noah wanted to crawl under the table.

  “Please, don’t cry,” Emma pleaded, lifting off the chair and circling the table, the frown returning to her pretty face as she knelt in front of her mum. “Believe me, if there was any other way, I’d take it. But Noah’s job is here, and he can’t leave. And I can’t be apart from him.” She spoke with such confidence and surety, and he’d never loved her more than in that moment.

  Noah watched as her mum softly caressed Emma’s cheek, her eyes filled to overflowing with love for her daughter. “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve missed seeing your pretty face and now to think of you living so far away…well, it just hurts. I knew your heart was here with Noah, but hearing it somehow makes it real. You’ve always followed your heart; it’s who you are. It’s what makes you…you. And, yes, I told you that when the right one came along, you’d know it, and that he’d cherish you for the priceless jewel you are.”

  Emma’s mum turned to Noah, holding his gaze, and he acknowledged her statemen
t with a nod of agreement. “That you’d be safe with him, and take good care of each other. That you’d be good to each other.” Facing Emma once again, she gently swiped at the tears that were falling from her eyes. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, my precious angel.”

  “I love you, Mommy,” Emma said, enveloping her mum in a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Noah, why don’t you and I go for a walk?” Emma’s father stated without question and Noah immediately raised himself from his seat and followed him down the path to the beach.

  After walking quietly next to each other along the water’s edge, Mr. Anderson stopped, turning to look out on the blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island in the distance.

  Without looking at Noah, he began to speak, and Noah stood quietly, listening intently. “Emma’s a special girl. Out of my three daughters, she’s the most sensitive. She’s as stubborn as the day is long; they all are, really,” he softly chuckled, but Noah could see the love for his children written all over his face. “But she has a tender heart. It’s obvious how much she cares for you, and that’s not something to be taken lightly or for granted. It’s a blessing for the man who recognizes it for the rare gift that it is; she’ll give you everything she has, plus a little more. She has a lovely soul, my Emma…a sweet and gentle soul.”

  “It’s one of the things I love most about her. I’m not sure what to say, but I love everything about Emma. From the moment we met, I knew she was special. I’ll take good care of her, and I’d never intentionally hurt her in any way. I can promise you that.”

  “I understand you’re a bit of a celebrity here in New Zealand.” He stared blankly at the gently rolling surf as it broke on the shore, and Noah felt his back stiffen, unsure of where her father was going with the comment.