He chuckles and pats my thigh. “Sorry, Dillen, I have to get my girl out of the city and into the suburbs.”
We pull up to a bank’s drive-thru for Noah to deposit his check. “I’m sorry, did I miss the wedding? Noah, not to call you out on anything, but things usually come in a specific order, but you’re all over the place.”
He chuckles and reaches for a pen that I keep in my center console and takes the check from his back pocket. “I have to lock her down, or I might lose her to someone more attractive than myself,” he jokes with Dillen as he flips the check over, signs his name, and fills out a deposit slip.
“Oh, shut up. Have you seen yourself? Christ on a cracker, you’ve made me drool on multiple occasions.”
He looks over at me when he puts the check and deposit slip in the canister and sends it on its way, giving me that sexy wink. “Drool, huh? That’s never happened before.”
“Yeah, okay . . .” Dillen says sarcastically and leans her head back. “We should all go out tonight. I’m going to text Coen and see if he’s still interested in this.”
Uh-oh.
I tense up and Noah looks at me knowingly. “Ummm . . . what? But you broke up. Have you two been sexting each other?”
She shakes her head and pulls her phone out of her purse. “The damn thing is dead.” She tosses it back into her purse and huffs.
I’m about to speak when the bank teller comes on through the speaker. “Everything is all set, Mr. Ryan. If there is anything you ever need from me, don’t hesitate to call. I’ve given you my personal card with your deposit receipt.”
I raise my eyebrow and Dillen’s mouth drops open. “Whoa . . . that’s some service.”
He politely thanks her and takes his receipt and the bank teller’s card out of the capsule before putting the car in drive and pulling forward.
Dillen is still gawking at him, trying to find the right words in her jetlagged, overly excited brain. “I’m not even going to ask what that was about. So, Noah, where are you taking my little shit?”
Oh thank goodness that shifted her train of thought away from Coen and back to our conversation.
“Uh, I think I’d like to find a house somewhere in Long Island. I think in the middle of the island would be the best place for us to be close enough to the city as well as my parents.”
“Well, that’s not too far away, but I still don’t like it. What are you going to do about your apartment?”
“We haven’t gotten that far, but if we sell or rent, then yes, you can have first dibs.”
“Thank God . . . we can’t let that gorgeous place go to someone crazy.”
We finally make it back to my place after driving through bumper-to-bumper traffic—at least the weather is divine and we had the top down.
Noah helps us get all of Dillen’s stuff inside and into the living room where she is going to have to crash for now. I watch Dill plug in her phone and squeal excitedly when the screen comes to life. “Coen Reed, you don’t know what is coming for your naked ass.”
Noah shoots a you-have-to-fucking-tell-her look at me. “I think you’ll have more luck with seeing Joel’s naked ass than you would Coen’s.” He shrugs as she looks up at him, and I’m shooting daggers in his direction.
The bastard.
He kisses my cheek and grins. “I’ve got to go shower. Let me know what you two decide to do tonight . . . or who.”
“But you just showered . . .”
Oh, forget it.
Dillen sits down on the couch and pats the pink cushion next to her. “Little shit? What is going on?”
My shoulders sag, and I walk over to take my seat. “Coen.” I sigh heavily and place my hand on hers. “Dill, you broke up with him after he flew across an ocean to see you. I know you’re not used to someone who wants you for more than your body, but Coen did. I don’t know the details of what happened or when it happened, but he’s seeing someone new.”
“What? Heather . . . why? Is it serious?” I watch as I break her heart, even though she did it to herself weeks ago.
I can only nod because I’ve never seen Coen so content with life. “I would say so.”
“Have you met her?”
And there it is: the question I knew I’d have to answer eventually. I don’t want her to think that I’m siding against her, or rooting for Coen to move on from her, but she made a rash decision, and now it’s biting her in the butt. It’s what she does, though; she left the United States to dance in London with only a dream. The dance company hadn’t even heard of her when she walked through their front doors. Dillen is a go-getter, whether people are ready for her or not, hence her just showing up today. Nevertheless, I’m elated that she’s here, but I can’t hide my friendship with Lana from her.
“Yes, her name is Lana, and honestly, Dill, I think you’d love her.”
She just stares at me for a moment before she speaks. “Do you have Joel’s number?”
“Excuse me?” I squeak and her lips turn up into a grin.
“I just wanted to be fucked, Heather. I’m not in love with him.”
She can put up a front with me all she wants, but I know she really liked him. I’ve never seen her cry over a guy before.
“I’m your best friend, Dill. You don’t have to put up that facade with me.”
She sags on my couch and dramatically throws her arm over her eyes. “Get out of my head, would you?”
“Nope, I love being in there with you.”
She leans her head onto my shoulder and sighs heavily, too heavily. “We can still go out tonight, Dill, but I’m sure Noah will want Coen there. It’s up to you.”
“Screw it, let’s just do it. I can’t hide forever in this pink paradise above the city.”
“Oh come on, it’s not that pink. Aside from my couch and pink blanket, I think it’s rather neutral.”
“I’m pretty sure you don’t see pink anymore,” she jokes and hugs me tightly.
Noah comes down then and into the kitchen. We both watch him in silence as he pulls out two crystal flutes, opens a bottle of champagne, and fills each glass before walking over to the two of us and holding them up. “Are we pre-gaming?”
I look at Dill and pout. “Only if she lets me try out that pretty lipstick tonight.”
“Of course you can, little shit. You just have to swear not to put it on after your pretty pink lips have been ringed around Noah’s cock. I’d rather not have a taste of something I can’t bite into, ya know?”
“Dillen,” I gasp and smack her arm. “That’s mine.”
She looks up at Noah and bites her lip. “Are you sure?”
“I’m fucking sure for her,” Noah says in a gruff voice. “Drink up, ladies. I’ll call the guys and tell them we’re going out.”
“Wait, do you think he’ll bring that girl?” Dill asks nervously.
Noah looks at me, and nods. “Yeah, I know he will.”
“Dill, just be open toward her. She’s such a sweetheart and so easy to get along with. She said Coen told her about you, so please just be nice, okay?”
“Depends,” she jokes—I hope.
My phone goes off and I reach for it. A text from my sister is lit up across the screen:
I miss you, Heather. How’s your foot? Are you enjoying being back? Did Noah meet his parents?
I lean back against the couch and throw myself into my reply to her while Dillen gets up and follows Noah into the kitchen to take a shot:
Hi, sister. I miss you so much. Dillen just moved back to the city, and I’m so excited. She’s crashing with us for a while. Noah asked me to move in with him, and I’m going to. We went to the Somers’ house this past weekend and they were just as amazing as I remember and welcomed me with open arms. I just need my sister close by to complete my little world now.
I hit send and look down at my foot. I start stretching it and rotating my ankle like Henry told me I should. It’s sensitive, but it feels good to move it around too.
My phone vibrates in my hand again:
I’m always here, just know that. I was hoping we could all get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’d like to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, so I think we should do that in New York City. And oh, I’m so, so glad they loved having you both there. I’m sure Noah is as happy as he can be.
I reply:
I’m sure Noah would love to host Thanksgiving once he finds a house. I’m also sure the Somers would love to see you again as well. We’re all going out tonight, so I need to go and get ready. I love you, and I’ll talk to you later.
Her reply comes right back at me:
Have an amazing time; I can’t wait to see you . . . whenever that is.
I smile at her text and reply quickly before Dillen jumps on me for not paying attention to her:
I love you. Thank you, Dani.
Two hours later, Dillen and I are ready to go when Noah yells up to us, “Baby? The doorman just called. Coen, Joel, and Lana are on their way up.”
“We’ll be right down. Let them in, okay?” I call down, and then turn to Dillen. “Now remember . . . be nice. All right?”
“You are going to be the death of me, little shit. You have my word,” she says as she finishes using her duo brow brush. Lana would be proud to know that I know the name of my brushes now.
I hear commotion downstairs within seconds, and I take a deep breath. The guys seem to be having a great time already. I look over and Dillen makes a loud pop with her lips and puts her lipstick in her clutch.
“Mmm, let’s go . . . I hear sexy men downstairs.”
I follow her down, taking the stairs slowly in my heels. Dillen gets down before me, and I see Joel walk up and hug her, welcoming her back. I sigh when I get down the stairs, and Noah comes to me, snaking his arm around my waist. “Heels again, sweetheart? Is this a good idea?”
I look up and fall in love all over again. His smile is breathtaking, and he’s looking at me like I’m the only woman in the world. “Probably not, but I don’t want to wear flats.”
“You’ll let me know if it gets to be too much? Same deal as last time, ballerina, and no dancing this time. Henry would kill me,” he says while he cups my face to kiss my newly glossed lips.
I pout as cutely as I can manage, giving him my practiced puppy-dog eyes. “But . . . but?”
“But nothing, gorgeous, and no matter how fucking sexy you look on the dance floor, I won’t allow it. I’ve arranged for a VIP area with bottle service so we’ll have a place to sit down.”
I huff and almost stomp my foot for good measure. “Fine. But you don’t dance either, okay?”
“That’s fine by me. You’re the only woman I want to dance with anyway.”
Coen clears his throat. “Are you two going to fuck right there, or are we ready to go? Where the hell are we going anyway?”
Noah moves his hand down to my ass as he speaks to the group, “We’re going to PHD Rooftop, and we’ll be in the VIP area with bottle service. Are there any objections?”
I look over at Dillen, who is blatantly sizing Lana up.
“Not at all,” Lana says as she walks up to hug me. “Hi, doll. How’s your foot?” Her soft-spoken voice fills the room.
“Oh Lana, your dress is pretty; I want one.” I look down at my foot then back up at her. “It’s okay; I’m not in any pain yet.” My eyes flicker over to Noah and back, and we both share a laugh.
She hugs me again and turns to face Joel and Dillen. “Hi, I’m Lana Wilde,” she says politely and extends her hand out to Dill.
I watch as Dillen extends her hand and shakes hers briefly before letting go. I’m so disappointed in Dillen right now that I could swat her behind.
“Hey,” is all she says before turning to Joel. “Joel, you sexy freak, are you ready to dance with me?”
Coen doesn’t say a word, but he looks at Noah and shakes his head disapprovingly.
Joel is caught in the crossfire and tries to avoid the awkwardness that is radiating around these three. “Sure thing. Let’s get a cab over and meet these assholes there.”
“Yes, let’s go,” she grabs his hand and leads him to the door. “Bye, guys, we’ll see you there,” she shouts before slamming the door in their wake. I turn and look at Noah, and then Coen and Lana.
“Uhmm . . . so that wasn’t awkward.”
“My apologies, Lana. She isn’t typically that rude. Loud, but not rude. I say we do some shots before we follow them,” Noah says kindly as he lets go of me and walks to the cabinet where I keep the alcohol.
“Oh, it’s not your fault. I figured it would be like this, but . . . if it’s what needs to happen for her to get over Coen, then we’ll march through. Right, babe?”
“You got it, Wilde girl. Hey Heather? I’m glad to see that boot off of your foot. How was your weekend?”
I pause before I answer. “Is this a trick?” I look around me. “Am I being punked?” I hear Noah laugh from the kitchen. “Coen is never this nice to me,” I explain to a confused Lana.
“Don’t push me, little lady. I’ll show you my mean side. I can only deal with Dillen being a grumpy bitch tonight, so be nice. I might not be able to hold my tongue.”
“I’d prefer if you didn’t.” Lana elbows him in the side.
“Don’t you threaten me, clown! I’ll have my boyfriend beat your butt,” I spout off before walking into the kitchen. “You can, right?” I ask Noah playfully.
He laughs and smacks my rear. “I’d do it willingly.”
“Fuck you, cocksucker.”
“Coen,” Lana scolds, and the three of us laugh together. She’s still getting used to how these two treat each other, and I love it.
“Sorry, babe,” he apologizes softly and snakes his arm around her waist.
She peers up at him. “How about you make it up to me later?”
I find myself having to look away because it’s just too intimate.
“Baby?” I ask quietly as I watch him pour shots.
My Greek god reaches for me and pulls me close as he finishes pouring the clear liquid into my favorite pink shot glasses. “Yes, gorgeous?”
“Are we that cute?”
He looks over his shoulder, and then back down at me. His strong arms move around my body to lift me up onto the countertop. He moves between my legs and cups my face before taking my lips with a graceful passion.
I know what he’s trying to do, and it makes me smile against his lips.
I run my fingers into the back of his hair and feel his warm skin heat mine. I instantly want to be naked in bed with this man.
“A simple yes would have been sufficient.”
“I can stop,” he offers, and I instantly regret my statement.
“Would you two stop? You put our relationship to shame,” Lana says through a pout.
I giggle and throw my hands up. “We win!”
Noah chuckles and leans down to sink his teeth into my neck, and God, I want to be underneath him.
“Fuck, Ryan, chill your dick long enough for us to take these shots.”
I squeal loudly, and my whole body trembles with his bite. I push on his hard, muscled chest to keep him at bay.
“Down, boy,” I tease.
“Temptress,” he says and helps me off of the counter.
We all hold up our shot glasses and do cheers before Lana and I grab our clutches, and we make our way downstairs to the awaiting cab.
It takes us fifteen minutes to go the few blocks to the nightclub before we are inside and shown to our booth, a rather large booth at that. “Noah, you didn’t have to do this.”
“Stop, I wanted to,” he says before helping me sit down.
Dillen and Joel join the four of us, and she sits down next to me, hugging me tightly. “Thank God you’re here; I missed you.”
I laugh when I pull back after our hug and wipe at her smeared lipstick. “You missed me, huh? It looks like Joel was keeping you busy, though.”
He shrugs an
d takes a seat next to Lana.
“So?” she leans in closer to me and tries to whisper over the music, “Do you think Coen will break up with her?”
I look at her, knowing exactly what she’s doing. “Dill,” I scold and shake my head before patting her knee. “No, I think it’s more than sex for Coen.”
She pouts at me knowingly and tries a different approach. “Will Joel fuck me?”
I feel Noah’s hand at my lower back just then and turn my head. He’s wearing a look of shock at Dillen’s words, and it makes me laugh. He leans in to try and whisper in my ear, “Did I just hear that correctly?”
I lean into him and bite his shoulder before answering, “Mmhmm, we’re going to have to keep an eye on her tonight.”
I feel his chest rumble underneath my fingertips.
“Fine, but you owe me, ballerina, from earlier today and now. My balls are not able to handle much more torment.”
I grin and drape my hand over his jean-clad thigh, leaning in to nuzzle his neck. “Awww, poor baby,” I mock and lower my hand down the inside of his thigh and over his substantial bulge.
“Heather,” he growls in that low, smoky voice that signals his body’s in motion, so much so that I can physically feel his storm brewing.
I have to admit, I love that I can feel it. I love that I can just touch him and set his world spinning. “Yes?” I play dumb and bat my lashes.
“Don’t fucking tempt me, or I’ll lay you down and fuck you right here in front of your friends, and I won’t give a damn.” My hand is still resting on his bulge, and I grip his shaft to feel him grow and flex his monstrous cock.
“You wouldn’t dare, Noah Ryan.”
Ominous dark storms gather behind his eyes, and I can tell I’ve just pushed him too far. His eyes seem to have changed colors: they are almost leaden. A cloud of desire looms over the two of us, and I’m waiting for the bolt of lightning to strike and take me as its victim. The storm is not unpleasant: it’s captivating, raw, and threatening. I know without a single doubt that this man is going to take what he wants from me now. I’m about to be under the weather—in one heck of a good way. My storm is about to ravage me in all of its sultry wrath.
A Winter's Date Page 26
