Noah ducks his head, chuckling. “Point taken.” His gaze softens as he looks at me. “Are you okay?”
“More than.” I run my hands over his chest, marveling at the play of muscle under warm skin. “That was incredible, Noah. I didn’t know this side of you.”
“What can I say, you bring it out in me.” Noah kisses me slow and deep, erasing any remaining doubts I might have had.
Tonight has changed everything. With Noah, I might just get the future I never dared to dream of.
He holds me close, his touch tender, as if he wants to make me feel both cared for and safe. “Are you okay? I’ve got you.”
“More than okay,” I say as I nestle closer to his massive body.
As I drift off to sleep in Noah’s protective arms, a mix of exhilaration and deep affection washes over me. Tonight has changed my perception of him, revealing depths I had only glimpsed before.
Who knew a night of cooking could lead to such fireworks? He might just be the surprise I didn’t know I needed.
With him, I feel like a true equal on the rugby field and off. Like I can be all of myself, multidimensional. The driven athlete, the woman who craves intimacy, the woman who sloths around the house in sweatpants but who can also rock a pair of ridiculously high heels—and all without judgement.
Noah knows me, really knows me, imperfections and all. And he likes me a lot for who I am. Maybe even more.
I curl into his warmth, a smile playing on my lips. The future is ours to explore, filled with passion and partnership and play.
Together, we could be unstoppable.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.
But first, there’s a date with Kai calling my name.
Chapter 44
Kai
Iwalkuptothe apartment, eager to hang with the guys while Dylan is out on her date with Noah.
As soon as I walk in, Jayden snaps his head towards me. “There he is! The man with the master plan for his upcoming date with our girl.” Jayden grins and fist bumps me in greeting.
Killian gives me a nod from where he lays sprawled out on the couch. “We figured you’d want to strategize about how to sweep Dylan off her feet after Noah kept her out way past curfew last night. They’re still out. Would you believe it?”
I scoff as I plop down in the overstuffed recliner. “That wasn’t part of the rules we all agreed on… it’s meant to be an evening date only, right?”
Jayden nods. “Of course he would force her to choose between us and then make his own rules. Typical Noah bullshit. It’s like he thinks he’s better than the rest of us.”
“Yeah, he’s always been a sneaky one when it comes to getting his way.” I shake my head.
Killian sits up, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But who knows...maybe this extra time with Dylan will make Noah realize that sharing her is better than losing her for good.”
“I hope so, because I’m not ready to give her up yet, not when things are just getting interesting between all of us.” I crack my knuckles, gearing up mentally for planning the perfect date. “So, what do you guys think I should do to sweep Dylan off her feet tomorrow night?”
Jayden launches into an elaborate plan involving a hot-air balloon ride, while Killian advocates for a more relaxed picnic in the park approach. I listen to their suggestions with amusement, already having crafted a night that Dylan will never forget. Noah may have gotten extra time last night and this morning, but tomorrow night is my turn to show Dylan just how much I care about her. I can’t wait to surprise her and watch her melt in my arms.
I nod along as Jayden and Killian bounce ideas back and forth, only half listening as I mull over my own plans for the date.
“So, what do you think they’re doing? Where do you think he took her?” Killian asks. It’s a question we’re all thinking about.
“Knowing Noah, he probably took her to that new fancy French place downtown,” Jayden says. “All tiny portions and snobby waiters.”
Killian chuckles. “Yeah, I can just imagine him trying to impress her by ordering fancy shit like escargot and foie gras, but mispronouncing all the menu items.”
Their joking eases the tension that has been building while we wait for their return. I knew Killian and Jayden are both just as anxious as I am to find out what’s happened between the two of them. There is still a risk that Noah has a diabolical plan to sweep her off her feet without the rest of us being a factor in his plans.