“There’s definitely more to Noah than his serious, stoic exterior,” I chime in. “He has a playful side too, from what I can tell… it’s just… obscured by his alpha male act.”
Jayden and Killian turn to me in surprise.
“No way, you’ve seen that side of him, too?” Jayden asks incredulously. “I thought he just saved it for us roommates.”
I nod. “Yeah, I have. Occasionally, at practice, he’ll let the shield down. Only ever for a moment, and then he’s back to the Mr. Alphahole act. But when it comes to Dylan, it happens more often. I’ve seen the way he looks at her sometimes when he thinks no one’s watching. There’s a heat there that suggests there are some...skills he keeps hidden.”
“Huh,” Killian raises an eyebrow. “Maybe he does have some tricks up his sleeve.”
“No matter what tricks Noah might have, I’ve got plenty of my own to make Dylan forget all about her date with him,” I say with a grin.
Jayden and Killian laugh, the mood lightening as we speculate on the passion Noah likely unleashed on Dylan the night before. But tomorrow night she’s mine, and if all goes my way, Noah will be nothing but a distant memory.
Killian claps me on the back. “That’s the spirit, Kai. Bring your A-game tomorrow.” He pauses, then continues. “You know, this is just so weird. But with you guys, I don’t feel threatened… not because I don’t think either of you has just as good of a chance of stealing her away as I would. I just… know you care about her as much as I do, and that makes me happy.”
Jayden and I both nod in unspoken understanding.
I smile, envisioning the romantic surprises I have planned for Dylan. “I just hope she’s not too worn out from whatever Noah did to her last night and this morning. I’d hate for my plans to fall flat if she’s already satisfied.”
“Doubtful,” Jayden says, rolling his eyes. “Noah may have stamina, but he doesn’t have a ton of creativity. I’m sure you’ll blow her mind.”
“I hope so.” I laugh. “She deserves to be swept off her feet. And I intend to do just that.”
Just then, the apartment door swings open and Dylan stumbles in, her hair mussed and lips swollen. Noah follows close behind, a strange dominant energy emanating from him.
“Well, well, look who finally decided to come home,” Jayden says sarcastically.
Dylan flushes. “Sorry, we just lost track of time and…” she pauses and glances at Noah shyly, “he had some special things planned that took a little longer than expected.” Her cheeks flush.
“I bet you did,” Killian mutters under his breath.
Noah shoots him a glare before turning to Dylan. “I should get ready for practice. I’m going to go shower. But I’ll see you soon.” He pulls her in for a searing kiss before leaving abruptly.
Dylan stares after him, touching her fingers to her lips. I feel a flare of jealousy, but also anticipation of our date. I’m more determined than ever to make her forget all about Noah.
“So,” I say lightly. “How was it?”
Dylan turns to me, her eyes shining. “Incredible. He’s full of surprises. Not at all what I expected…”
I grin. “Well, I’m glad you like surprises. Because I’ve got a few of my own...”
Chapter 45
Dylan
Thefragrantaromaofgarlic, coconut milk and spices wafts down the narrow alleyway, and my stomach grumbles in anticipation.
“Ready to try some real Polynesian flavors?” Kai asks, squeezing my hand. “This is going to be just like what my mom would make, or at least close to it.”
My heart flutters at the mention of his family. I’m desperate to learn more about his culture, his upbringing, all the things that made him into the fascinating man walking beside me.
We duck under a faded awning into a small, bustling restaurant.
Kai greets the woman behind the counter in a language I don’t understand, but the warmth in his tone is unmistakable. She waves us over to a small table in the corner, already laden with colorful dishes.
I slide into the seat across from Kai, barely containing a gasp. The food looks like nothing I’ve seen before, vibrant and aromatic. My mouth waters.
Kai grins, clearly pleased with my reaction. “Go on, dig in. Try a bit of everything.”