by Alexa Powers
Trying not to take offense, Noah answered honestly. “I suppose so. Although, we live a pretty quiet life. I’ve never sought attention because of my profession.”
Finally turning to look at Noah, his steely regard demanded respect and Noah stood up straight and looked him in the eyes. “I’m sure that with the focus as it is on rugby here, you garner the attention of quite a few of the female fans.” Noah felt his shoulders relax as he realized what he was getting at. “Am I right?”
Holding his gaze with confidence, Noah replied. “Yes, sir, but I can assure you that I’ve never encouraged that and would never be unfaithful to your daughter. My profession puts me in the spotlight and that’s part of it, I guess, but Emma is my life and I come home to her…and only her. That will never change.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I also hope you’ll protect her and keep her safe from the unintended consequences of living your life under the scrutiny of celebrity and what comes with it.”
Noah let out a breath, and felt the bands around his stomach ease. “Of course. I enjoy what I do for a living, don’t get me wrong, it’s what I dreamed of my whole life. And it’s afforded me a good life that I’m thankful for. But if it ever threatened my relationship with Emma, or Emma in any way, there’s no question as to who’d prevail. She will always be my number one priority. I can assure you of that. I recognize how lucky I am to have her, and I’d never take that, or her, for granted.”
“Good. Now…I know it’s a cliché, but I need to ask it anyway, because if I don’t, I’ll never hear the end of it from my wife. But I’d like to know what your intentions are with my daughter.” He gave Noah an apologetic chuckle, but the firm set of his eyes let Noah know he was completely serious.
He should have seen the question coming, but it still took him a bit by surprise. “Well…I’ll be honest with you…I’d like to marry her one day. I’ve known from the beginning that she was the one for me. And I want you to know that I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she’s happy.”
Emma’s father finally cracked a smile and Noah breathed a sigh of relief. “Did Emma ever tell you how I met her mother?”
“Only that you met in college.”
“Yes, that’s true. I was at a party on campus when she walked into the room. She looked at me and smiled, and I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. I’ll never forget it. It took my breath away…it still does. We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing, and I knew that she’d be my wife and the mother of my children one day.” Noah watched as a faraway look was quickly replaced with a goofy grin, and he could only guess he was reliving that moment in time.
“Emma’s told me so much about you both, about her childhood. I can only hope that our children will look back as fondly on their childhoods as she does.”
“She’s going to make a great mother,” Emma’s father stated proudly, with a huge smile on his face.
“Yes, sir, she will.”
“I think it’s time we head back. Thanks for talking with me, Noah. When Emma graduates, if she still wants to settle here with you, then you’ll have our blessing.” Holding out his hand, Noah took it in a firm handshake, as the weight of the conversation lifted from his shoulders.
“Thank you, Mr. Anderson…that means a lot to us. And I told her that if she changes her mind and decides to stay in America, I’ll have to consider an early retirement, because I can’t live without her.”
“Please, call me Jonathan. And as long as Emma’s happy, then I’m happy. I don’t suspect you’ll need to hang up your boots just yet, son. I think she’s grown quite fond of living here with you.” His firm hand slapped Noah on the back as they headed towards the house. “She’s always loved the water, you know. It’s funny to think that we’ve been coming to Takapuna all these years and now she’s going to be living here. I’ve walked past this house countless times…” His steps hesitated as he looked up at the home that was now brimming with life with a pleased look on his face. “You’ve done a remarkable job with it.”
Noah had to swallow back the lump forming in the back of his throat at the compliment. “Thank you. I’d love to show you the photos I have of the reno.”
“And I’d love to see them.”
With that, they turned and walked up the path to where Emma sat with her mum, laughing with a giggling Abby on her lap.
Sitting around the campfire on their final night in Auckland, Noah was genuinely sad to see them leave. He’d grown quite fond of her family, and after an initial ribbing by Steven, on behalf of her other brothers, they’d all taken the news of Emma’s leaving in stride. Her parents had gone home earlier with Emma’s aunt and uncle, and had left them with strict instructions to be ready on time and preferably not hung over.
Music played from Emma’s phone, which sat cradled in the portable speaker, and as a new song began, all four Anderson siblings instantly froze, and all conversation ceased. Noah watched curiously as they enthusiastically sang each and every word of the song about a guy crashing his car and breaking his parole to have a good time.
Listening to Emma utter the curse words in the song was kind of hot, if he was being honest with himself. She normally never spoke anything harsher then hell or damn, but hearing her drop the f-bomb so casually was surprisingly a bit of a turn on.
Dissolving into a fit of giggles when the song came to an end, he knew she’d had a few too many beers. Emma was adorable when she was drunk, and her slurred words left him wanting to throw her over his shoulder and take her to bed. She also got horny when she was tipsy and her persistent touches and provocative whispers in his ear, her warm breath against his skin as she described in detail what she planned to do to him once they were alone, had been driving him to the brink of insanity all evening.
Finally taking the party inside so they didn’t disturb the neighbors, the large group gathered in the lounge.
Listening to Emma recount their holiday in Bora Bora had his chest puffed up a bit with pride as she pulled out her tablet to show everyone the pictures and videos they’d taken. She and Lily had already chosen a few of the photos to develop on canvas, one of the view from their villa and one taken of them paddle boarding, the crystal blue waters of the lagoon on full display in both images. They’d decided on the location to hang them once they arrived, and Noah loved the idea of filling the walls with meaningful images instead of the generic landscapes he’d decorated with.
As she spoke of going for long swims in the crystal blue waters of the lagoon, Noah’s mind drifted back to the night they’d jumped off the terrace into the warm water, the taste of salt water on their lips as they made love to each other under the stars. Glancing at Emma, her knowing smile told him she was remembering that night also. He’d never forget how beautiful she looked under the soft moonlight, the way they circled each other before finally coming together. She truly took his breath away, in every way.
It was a week he’d never forget, mornings spent making love to the sounds of the water gently lapping at the terrace, and nights spent skinny-dipping in the warm lagoon. He could still hear Emma’s soft giggles as she dared him to join her, stripping off her clothes before diving into the water.
Lazy afternoons were spent playing in the lagoon or lounging on the terrace, enjoying the view and each other’s company. The beauty of the island was only surpassed by the beauty of his companion.
Emma’s beauty was effortless and he’d never get tired of looking at her. Especially in her teeny bikini doing yoga on the terrace, while he enjoyed his tropical drink, and a spectacular view of her perfect posterior…no that would never get old…Ever.
Standing in front of the fridge later that evening, Noah inhaled the familiar scent of honeysuckle and Emma, as her arms snaked around his waist and she pressed her breasts against his back.
“God, you are so freaking hot, Noah. Have I told you that lately? And I love your ass in these jeans. Just sayin’.” Her hand was creeping down the front of his pants, and he
grabbed her wrist to stop the movement. He was already getting hard, and he figured a hand job in the kitchen was out of the question, so it was best to stop now.
“I’m glad you like it, but we have a house full of guests, sweetheart. And as much as I like where you’re going with this…and trust me, I think you can feel how much I like it,” he snickered, taking a calming breath, “but it’s going to have to wait.”
Reaching around, he pulled her in front of him, caging her against the cabinets, between his arms.
“I know, but I don’t want to,” she pouted, and he leaned down to kiss her pretty lips. She may’ve had the worst timing on the planet, but he loved it when she got frisky. “I crave you, you know. The more I have you, the more I want you.”
“Trust me…the feeling is mutual, sweet cheeks.” God, he loved this woman; she was so sexy it hurt to even look at her sometimes. Pulling her hair back, he exposed her long neck and the heart-shaped ruby earrings he’d given her on her birthday; she softly moaned, and he felt her shudder as he kissed the sensitive spot beneath her ear.
It was going to be a long night, Noah thought, as they headed back into the lounge and he settled her on his lap. The feel of her in his arms would have to satisfy him until he could take her to bed, and let her have her way with him.
Chapter 25
It was the day Emma had been dreading for months. Noah was leaving with the All Blacks for the European tour, and they wouldn’t see each other again until the first week of December. He was flying to Charlotte after the final match in London, and he’d already booked them a room at the Ballantyne Resort, so they could make up for lost time and have a private place to escape to when they wanted to be alone.
As much as she’d miss the physical nature of their relationship, she was going to miss his company even more. They’d grown quite attached to one another, and the loss of his presence was what she’d miss the most. It was the simple things like waking up beside him, discussing their day as they strolled hand in hand along the shore, sitting together as they read the paper or watched TV, or seeing him smile that perfect smile that never failed to melt her heart…those were the things she’d miss more than anything.
The pain in her chest grew as she watched him slowly pack his bag as if it might bite him. She could see the matching despair in his eyes, and knew he was hurting just as badly as she was. They’d stayed up the previous night making love with a passion and hunger that, even hours later, just the memory of the things they’d done with each other, sent a shiver down her spine. The same spine he’d run his tongue down the length of, as if he could somehow devour her and take her with him when he left.
A month was a long time to be apart, but trying to look on the bright side, it would ease them into the four-month separation they’d have to endure while she finished school. The plan was for him to stay in Boone with her, after Christmas with her family, until he had to return to Auckland in mid-January, then he’d come back for her graduation and they’d make the return trip to New Zealand together.
They’d spent his birthday at his parents’ beach house on Papamoa Beach, making new memories in the location that had initially set them on the path to where they were today.
One afternoon they hiked The Mount once again, taking their time, enjoying the view of the Bay of Plenty as well as the long stretch of powdery white sand laid out before them. She’d packed a picnic lunch, and they ate and drank while soaking up the sun and each other.
The breathtakingly beautiful beach would always hold a special place in her heart, as it was where she’d fallen in love with the wonderful man who now stood before her, ready to go.
Following him to the car, Emma somehow found the strength to smile as he settled into the seat next to her, and reached for her hand. Noah was struggling for composure as he raised their entwined fingers to his lips, his eyes moist with unshed tears. This was never going to be easy, and she tried to remind herself that she needed to get used to it. Separation was one of the sacrifices they’d have to make for him to pursue his career, and she’d support him like a pro, knowing he’d come back to her…always.
Driving in silence, she stared at the road ahead of them, loathing every inch of it.
“I’ll call you as soon as I get to Edinburgh.” Noah’s comment lifted her from the morose stupor she’d found herself in.
Turning to face him, Emma wanted to focus on what little time they had left together. There’d be plenty of time over the next month to wallow in her despondency. “Okay,” she quietly said, her voice cracking as a tear spilled onto her cheek.
“Oi, sweetheart. Please, don’t cry. I’ll be back before you know it.” His shaky smile twisted her heart. Noah was trying to be strong for her, and she needed to do the same for him.
“I know. It’s just that I’m going to miss you. And I’m a little jealous that you’re going to all those romantic cities without me.” Attempting levity, she returned his shaky smile, even though she felt neither.
“Tell you what. We’ll travel there together after you graduate, on my next break, alright?”
Pulling into the parking spot at the airport, Emma felt sick to her stomach and finally lost the strength to hold back the tears. She’d tried so hard to be strong, but as Noah clung to her with a desperation that equaled hers, she gave up the fight, breaking down in body-shaking sobs against his chest.
Hauling her over the console and onto his lap, as he shed silent tears, his lips came against hers. Emma wound her arms around his neck as she matched the thrusts of his tongue and drank in the taste of him, until they ran out the clock and he had to leave. Reluctantly, she opened the door and stepped onto the hard pavement, watching as he boldly swiped away the remnants of moisture from his cheeks, holding her gaze without even the slightest hint of shame.
Walking hand in hand into the airport, Emma swallowed the lump in her throat and maintained her composure until he disappeared from view into the terminal, after a long wet kiss that would have to hold her over until she saw him again.
Hurrying back to the car before she made a spectacle of herself, Emma finally let loose with the sobs that demanded they have their due. Leaning her head against the steering wheel, she acknowledged the loss of Noah’s presence and gave herself a mental reprimand. He wasn’t going off to war or doing something that put his life in jeopardy; he would return to her safe and sound. She needed to keep things in perspective and remember how lucky she was.
Emma turned to her phone at the sound of an incoming text. Recognizing Noah’s assigned ringtone, she quickly swiped the phone to open it. “Twenty nine days. Why does it feel like an eternity right now?”
Knowing he was surrounded by his teammates and other passengers waiting to board their flight, she sought to lift his spirits. And even though she wanted to send him a sentimental reply that would match her disposition, she wouldn’t. “We can do it, baby. One day at a time and I’ll be all up in your business doing really naughty things to you before we know it.”
“Don’t write checks your ass can’t cash,” came his quick reply.
Emma chuckled at his cheeky comment. “Not only can my ass cash that check, but I’ve got overdraft protection.” She wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but it was all she could come up with off the top of her head.
“hahaha…I’ll be buried deep in your credit when I get my hands on you again.”
“As much as I love your hands…I’m counting on a deposit from another part of your anatomy…please. Pretty please.”
“I don’t know if this would even count as sexting, but I’m getting a little hard. I may have to excuse myself in a minute.”
“Poor baby…I love you and if I can be of service, you’ve got my number.”
“You’re killing me, you know that, right?”
Emma sat in the car, the weight of his departure lifting with each exchange, until he boarded his flight. Deciding to spend the night at Lily’s instead of facing the deafening silence at home…a
lone, she headed for Auckland’s CBD.
Staring at the canvas photos of them, holding court in the place of honor above their bed, Emma couldn’t believe it was time to head back to North Carolina already. Time had flown by so quickly. She was packed and ready to go, and waiting for Lily and Josh to arrive. They were going to have an early dinner at her aunt and uncle’s before heading to the airport to catch her flight.
Packing was quick and easy this time, as her suitcases held only the gifts she’d purchased for friends and family, her toiletries, and a few outfits. Smiling, she turned her face towards the sound of the surf wafting in from the open door.
Summer had returned to Auckland, and Emma wasn’t looking forward to the cold temperatures and barren landscape awaiting her in Charlotte. She didn’t even want to think about the frozen tundra of Boone that she’d be returning to when school started again in January. Thankfully, she’d have Noah to keep her warm through the long nights once they transitioned to the small mountain town that she loved, but now couldn’t wait to leave.
Emma smiled as her phone blared ‘Say Hey (I Love You)’ by Michael Franti, signaling an incoming call from Noah. “But I know…one thing…that I love you,” she sang happily into the phone, as she answered his call.
“I love you too, baby. You packed?”
“Yup. Just waiting for Lily to pick me up and in twenty-something hours, we’ll only be separated by the Atlantic Ocean.”
“Aye…I can’t wait to hold you again.”
“Eight days and counting. We got this baby.”
Emma arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport ahead of schedule and anxiously waited for Noah’s flight to arrive from London. The December air blew her hair around her face as she made her way through the parking garage and across the marked path to the arrivals area. The hustle and bustle of the crowded airport whirled around her, but she fixed her eyes upon the escalator, ignoring the commotion, waiting for Noah.
