Claiming Zoey: A Small Town Romance

by J. B. Baker

  By now, Noah has removed all of my clothes and his also. We step into the bath that also acts as my shower, and he pulls the curtain shut. He turns the knob, and we wait for the water to heat up. In the meantime, he lathers his hands under the gradually warming water with soap. “Do you mind?” he asks, looking at me with a crooked grin.

  I nod, revealing a small smile. He promptly starts to massage my skin with the sweet-smelling soap. He takes special care of my neck and shoulders. I moan. It feels so good. After for what seems like forever, he works his way down my back, massaging and kneading as he goes along. I want nothing more than to release myself to him but I feel it is me that should be doing the spoiling.

  I slowly turn around. A smile flickers on my face when I feel the tip of his erection brush against my skin. “Let me,” I say.

  Noah hands me the soap. I lather my hands and begin to massage his shoulders, coaxing the knots of tension from them. “Gosh, you needed this,” I whisper into his ear, not being able to resist a small nibble on his lobe. I relish in the feel of his stubble on my cheek. It sends electric shocks all over my body.

  I feel a rush of wetness flow into my sex. It feels so good to touch his perfectly toned body. I run my hands all over him from his neck and shoulders, down his back to his ass. He shudders when I start to massage him there. Him just standing there and me knowing he is as hard as hell for me is making me insane with lust.

  “Do you feel better?” I whisper

  “Yeah, Much better. Only the water is starting to get cold.” Noah turns. This time his erection strokes my belly, making me want him even more. “Why don’t we continue this in the bedroom?”

  I tilt my head. “That sounds like an excellent idea.”

  Without another word, Noah turns off the shower and guides me out of the bath. He promptly begins to dry me off with a towel. While he is doing this, he moves closer. “I want you; I want us; I want to forget everything and only be with you right now. I need you, Zoey.”

  I say nothing. I move closer and let him claim my mouth. Desire curls deep in my tummy, my pussy concurs with sweet tingles and more wetness. Our tongues are entwined, dancing around the other, slippery and sultry. Noah runs his hands through my wet hair. I feel his arousal pressing against me. I need to feel this man inside me. I want him to vent his emotions; I want to be the vehicle he needs to achieve this freedom.

  Before I know it, Noah lifts me up and carries me to the bedroom. He gently lowers me down onto the bed. “Please…” the words come out like a plea of sorts. He answers with a slow stroke of my folds, dipping occasionally into my depth. I moan huskily in retaliation.

  “You are so ready for me, Zoey.”

  His deep voice rouses me, lures me back; it makes me need him more than ever. “Yes, I am ready for the taking. Do it now,” I snarl. I can see that he likes the way I responded. The expression on his face turns from soft to feral. I know he loves a woman’s voice. I lift my hips off the bead. He is so close to me that I can feel his throbbing erection brush against my sensitive skin. I press down.

  Noah does the rest. With a cry, he enters me. He plunges into my depths without so much as a pause. I am, so moist with wanting that his entry is without pain, just unfathomable pleasure remains. Our bodies continue to crash together as we release ourselves to our carnal selves. There is nothing left of the civilized people we are in public, only our inner beast that howls for its mate from within and the harder we fuck, from without.

  Despite a certain crassness in the way we couple, I can’t help but feel this immense sense of love floating all around me. It envelops him as it comes into contact with his feelings, creating a bubble in which only we reside. It is amazing. All I see is his face, his eyes that grow darker by the second.

  I become louder and louder. So much so that it blots everything else out. All I feel is Noah. He is on my breasts, his breath is upon me, and I can feel him deep inside of me, filling me up to the brim. My cry turns into a wail. In seconds, as my climax reaches its apex, this cacophonous roar joins my wailing as Noah spills inside of me.

  In this very moment, I know what it is to be loved. I know the reason for living. It has always been because of him. Noah always resided in my heart, and now I can finally lay a claim to it. I know that with this man I am on the precipice of something perfect and exceptional. James told me, and now Noah is showing me.

  “How are you?” he asks with a smile on his face.

  “Back from the best trip in the world,” I say, looking into those magnificent brown eyes of his. “The things you do to me.”

  He chuckles. “I hope to be doing a lot more of that to you as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months and the months into years. I love you, Zoey and I will never let you go.”

  My heart melts with those words. It’s the second time he says it to my face. The other time was at the hospital. It means so much more having him tell me like this: him still inside of me and after what we just did. “I love you, Noah. I think I always have. I will never let you go either, my love.”

  He slowly slips out of me and rolls onto his back. His breathing is even, and the thought that I will be listening to that sound for the rest of my life fills me with joy and warmth. Noah takes my hand. “Zoey…”

  “Yes?”

  “Where do you want to live? Here or in New York?”

  6 months later

  CHAPTER 19: NOAH

  “Noah, I can’t believe that you have finally clinched it. Your granddad would be so proud of you. I guess you are a virgin no more.”

  With a smile, I look at Glyn, my newly appointed partner, best man and co-owner of Butterbeat Records. Since his promotion, the company has reached new heights, and I have finally joined the elite club of billionaires. Life is grand. I have everything I ever wanted and today most of all.

  I turn to look down the aisle. “She will be with you shortly. I swear,” Glyn chuckles, “I have never seen you look so nervous, Noah.”

  I take a moment to think of my granddad. What I would have given to have him here with me today. But at the same time, I know he is looking down on me. I have my dear friend Glyn with me and my brother at long last. How stupid people can be when they hold a grudge. I am grateful my grandfather made that final effort before his passing to make sure we were reunited. There is nothing better than having a family, and boy I got that now.

  My gaze sweeps over granddad’s property. Both my brother and I inherited the land and Hunter got the diner. But Hunter insisted I take up ownership of the house so that I get to Fall Creek more often and wouldn’t have any more excuses not to. Not visiting would be impossible anyway because I have a more important status than that of billionaire music mogul, namely favorite uncle – Megan and Felicity are crazy about me. I already took Felicity to Disney World and Megan to a Beyoncé concert. Both trips meant the world to me, and I swear Megan can’t stop talking about meeting the star.

  I of course, against his protests, insisted I buy my brother out of granddad’s property. It was a good deal. Now, Felicity and Megan have a large college fund. That’s how I clinched it with Hunter. He can’t refuse his girls anything.

  The first thing I did was renovate the house. It now has a state-of-the-art kitchen with all of the most modern appliances and Zoey, and I decided to add more bedrooms for when we have children. I smile at that thought. The addition to our small family won’t last long. Zoey is already a few months pregnant.

  Everything for our wedding today is how we want it. The house got a fresh coat of paint and the porch a serious overhaul. Hunter, Glyn and I are standing under a white wooden pagoda facing the lake with the local town priest. Garlands bedeck the house and chairs have been set up all the way up to where we stand.

  I couldn’t ask for more. The weather is perfect. It’s a fine early spring day without a cloud in the sky. Even the birds are celebrating with us by adding their sweet and melodious trills from the trees all around. It is a small gathering and just as Zoe
y insisted. Only close friends and family are in attendance. I did manage to persuade Zoey that a larger celebration must be held for my business acquaintances and artists when we get back to New York after the honeymoon.

  I swallow deeply when the small orchestra plays the wedding music, announcing my bride’s arrival. “Don’t worry, Noah. It’s a cinch. You’ll nail it,” says Hunter, patting me on the back.

  I nod. “Yeah, I swear I have never been so excited in my life.” And the moment Zoey appears with her father, I know why.

  She looks breathtaking in her Vera Wang wedding gown. It has a soft white one-shoulder organically crepe gown with asymmetrical sleeves with a silk organza and feather flower accent. A necklace of diamonds sits snuggly around her neck. In her hands, she holds a white nosegay of roses. With her come Savannah and Kaylee also resplendent in Vera Wang.

  I smile and look at my brother when I her him sniveling. The burly guy can be so soft sometimes it astounds me. I can’t blame him really for his two daughters look so cute in the light pink dresses I had especially made for them by the same designer as the wedding dress. Little Felicity and Megan are happily throwing pink and red rose petals as they advance behind my future wife. Next, to me, Glyn is nearly coming apart with emotion.

  Time seems to stand still. My heart is beating at triple its usual rate. My mouth is dry, and my gaze is fixed on the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I see that Zoey is also a little nervous but, at the same time, I have never seen her look happier. The sun captures her Venetian blonde hair faultlessly. It shines on her head in imitation of a red and golden halo.

  When Zoey finally gets to where I am standing, my heart skips a beat. She smiles at me timidly. In moments, Felicity skips past her and takes my hand. This action invites some chuckles from the seated guests.

  “That’s for your auntie Zoey to do. I am sure your uncle Noah will devote much more attention to you when the ceremony is done,” says Hunter, grinning at his little girl.

  “Why can’t I stand with uncle Noah, Daddy?” she asks with a frown on her face.

  “Because that is Zoey’s place, sweetheart. You go stand with your sister, mom, and Savannah.”

  I bend down so that my face is level with that of my niece. “I promise you are my girl after.”

  Felicity plants a small kiss on my cheek. After, she scuttles off to the other ladies standing on the other side of the pagoda.

  The priest clears his throat. “We are gathered here to unite these two hearts in the bonds of holy matrimony which is an honorable estate. Into this, these two now come to be joined. If anyone present can show just and legal cause why they may not be joined, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

  Silence permeates over the gathering. I smile at Zoey. I guess we both half expected DJ Zac to come rushing up the aisle protesting.

  “Who gives this woman?” booms the clergyman.

  “I, David Brooks, do give my daughter to this man,” says Zoey’s father. Pride laces his voice. He nods at me fondly and guides his daughter toward me.

  I take her hands in mine and wait for the ceremony to continue. “Will you, Zoey Brooks, have this man as your lawful wedded partner, to live together in the estate of matrimony? Will you love him, honor him, comfort him, and keep him in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, be true to him/her as long as you both shall live?”

  “I will,” says Zoey, squeezing my hands. Hearing her say that makes my heart jump up my throat.

  The priest nods. “Will you, Noah Jackson, have this woman as your lawful wedded partner, to live together in the estate of matrimony? Will you love her, honor her, comfort her, and keep her in sickness and in health; forsaking all others, be true to her as long as you both shall live?

  “I will.” I swear I have never said anything with more certainty in my life.

  “Behold the symbol of wedlock…the perfect circle of love…” continues the priest.

  Glyn steps forward and hands us the rings. His eyes are glistening with emotion. He doesn’t know where to look. Occasionally, he steals glances at Serge, sitting in the front row. Those two are next when Zoey and I get back from the honeymoon.

  “I, Zoey Brooks, take Noah Jackson, as my wedded partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” Zoey slips the ring on the fourth finger on my left hand.

  “I, Noah Jackson, take Zoey Brooks, as my wedded partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” I slip the ring on her finger. Zoey and I had a small text engraved on the underside of the golden rings: ‘Tempus fugit amormanet.’ ‘Time flies but love endures.’

  “By the authority vested in me…” the priest says the final words before concluding, “you may kiss the bride.”

  This is the part I have been waiting for the entire morning. I step closer to my wife and take her in my arms. My lips burn when I feel hers. Zoey responds eagerly as we take our first kiss as a married couple. It takes all of my restraint not to kiss her as forcefully as we usually do when we are alone. However, I can’t help holding on to her as if it were our last kiss.

  CHAPTER 20: ZOEY

  I let Noah guide me back down the aisle. I have a perma-smile glued onto my face. Savannah beams back at me, and my sister has never looked happier. My mother and father grin and nod their approval. In moments, Noah’s biggest fans follow in our wake. Felicity and Megan are only one step behind us.

  I nearly trip when I hear one of the world’s most famous voices starting to sing. I look at Noah and chuckle when he jiggles his shoulders. “I couldn’t help it,” he says. “Everything for my girl.”

  “Oh, my god, I can’t believe you got Lionel Richie out here.” My eyes are the size of saucers when I hear the lyrics to ‘Stuck on you.’

  “Yep, sure did.” Noah’s confirmation is superfluous because Savannah’s scream is enough to prove to me that it is the artist in person. What else…I am Noah Jackson’s wife.

  We walk to a large banqueting tent set up by the lake. I smile. Noah just couldn’t help it. The decorations for the small gathering of thirty people are epic. The entire way down to the lake is lined with an archway of spring blooms. When I see the waiters and chefs milling about, I know that he also arranged for the finest fare. Even though I played a large part in the arrangements, he wouldn’t divulge the name of the chef to me.

  “You also had Gianni Naninni flown out here?” I say, incredulous.

  Noah plants a kiss on my cheek. “Well, you always say it is your favorite place in New York.”

  “You really spoil me, Noah.”

  “Anything for my girl. And remember it’s just the beginning.”

  After taking our seats everything is a blur of heady emotions. The six-course menu is the best food I have eaten. And that is something because Noah has taken me to some of the finest places in New York. Wines and champagne flow in abundance. Noah even made sure that there is Château Pétrus red wine in the same year as I was born.

  Ding, ding.

  As best man, Glyn gets to his feet. He clears his throat. “I have known Noah for quite some years now, and I must say…thank you, Zoey, for taking him off my hands some. He’s all yours.” A ripple of laughter floats over the congregation. “I know James Jackson would have been proud and I also know that he is watching us and muttering his usual comments. I would not want to repeat them because there are children present. What I most want to say is that you, Noah, has finally found love and I am happy for you both. I love you guys…here’s to the newlyweds.”

  Everyone gets to their feet to toast us. Noah takes Glyn into a bear hug, and I too hug him. Glyn has become something of a brother to me. Also, Serge is a frequent guest at our home in NYC. There couldn’t be a more aptly suited partner for Glyn. Serge originally comes from Columb
ia and is the sweetest person.

  A glass clinks again. This time, it is Hunter who gets up. “I am not going to make this long. Brother…Zoey…well done. I am proud of you. May your marriage be a happy one with lots of love and as granddad said, ‘put a bun in the oven and fast.” When the mirth dies down, he resumes speaking. “There is someone here who also wants to say something.”

  Felicity who stands next to her father says, “Auntie Zoey and Uncle Noah, I love you. And don’t go away on your honeymoon for too long.” Tears well up in my eyes. My little niece is just about the cutest thing alive.

  I look around at the assembled wedding guests. It is the gayest sight. I chuckle when I see my mother in deep conversation with Lionel Richie. My father has latched onto the Italian chef. I chuckle when I see this. Gianni Naninni is spoiling my father with even more food.

  I grin when I see Savannah talking to a very good-looking man. I recognize him from when he congratulated us before. Who is that with Savannah?” I ask Noah.

  He arches his eyebrows. “Oh, that’s Chase Witherby. He’d be good for her. He comes from an excellent family in New York. He also runs his own promotions firm. He does a lot of work for me.”

  “Mm, I see. Well, they look like they are hitting it off.”

  Noah winks at me. “I thought they might. Chase and I went out a lot – he’s great fun and up for anything. He’s of a similar age to me, and so it might be good for him to settle down at last.”

  My eyes slit. I can imagine what my husband and his handsome friend used to get up to. There was probably a Crystal type hanging around every time they went out. “There will be none of that anymore,” I say, sternly.

  Noah laughs. “No, my love. I am officially retired.”

  “Good because you will need all of your energy for me.”

  “Yeah, your voracious appetite is more than I can handle.”

  “You have done a pretty good job so far,” I whisper.

  “Only a pretty good job?”