Poor Sara was still asleep and very hung over. Noah left early this morning after making sure I was going to miss him till I saw him later that evening when Sara officially met everyone. I wrapped myself in my robe and headed into the kitchen to cook us some breakfast. There was nothing that could peel this silly smile off my face. When people say you feel like a giddy teenager when you get those feels from a fresh new relationship, they aren’t kidding. I felt like I was on top of the world. Flying high from the night we just had together.
Frying up some eggs and mixing the pancake batter, I finally saw Sara’s head pop up from the couch followed by a loud moan.
“Breakfast smells amazing.”
“How you feeling, buttercup?” I laughed as I poured the batter into the frying pan.
“Like complete, utter shit. But I’m starving.” Sara wrapped her body in the blanket I had covered her in and walked over to the kitchen and sat at the bar. “You look fucking amazing this morning.”
“I feel pretty amazing.” I giggled.
I placed a plate of food in front of her and tossed the butter and pancake syrup her way. I grabbed some blueberries from the fridge and continued to make my own plate.
“Last I recalled, you guys seemed to be arguing.” She bit into her pancake and smeared the syrup all over the rest of what was on her plate.
“Yeah, no worries there. We’re good.”
“He’s fucking hot. He looks so familiar. Must have one of those faces.”
I laughed. “You approve?”
“I approve of his looks for sure, girlfriend.” She laughed shoving more food into her mouth.
“Get ready, tonight is going to be fun. Comedy club and dinner and you’ll get to officially meet him and Shelly and her boyfriend, Kent.”
“Can’t wait.”
The doorbell rang and I made my way over to the peephole to see who it was. All I could see were flowers. I swung open the door as the delivery guy struggled to hold three bouquets of pink roses. Easily must have been five dozen roses. My mouth dropped open.
“Amy McBeth, sign here.” The guy slipped me a paper after placing them onto the counter in the kitchen. I couldn’t even see Sara at this point as they covered my whole counter. After I signed the paper, the guy left.
I grabbed the note card that was attached to the flowers.
It read:
To the woman who steals my heart and takes my breath away.
I don’t want to be wrong, when all of this feels so right.
Fast or slow, you are mine.
My ever loving heart, just melted.
6 - CHAPTER six
Tonight was happening. I was extremely blissful. My heart skipped many beats thinking of Noah. Thinking of those roses that left a smile on my face all damn day. Then I got extremely sad as I knew Sara was leaving tomorrow morning. I watched her as she put her makeup on in front of the vanity mirror in the bathroom. I hated this moment. Knowing she was leaving me and I wasn’t sure how long it’d be until I saw her next.
“I’m so ready to enjoy my last evening here.”
“I am, too. But I’m sad.”
“Don’t start. The waterworks will not stop if you start.”
“I know, I know.” I rolled my eyes, keeping it together. I had to keep it together.
We stopped to take a quick picture that I was sure going to frame for my memories of her trip out here.
We made our way to the car and headed out to the comedy club. I knew Noah was going to be a little late because he didn’t get off work in time. We jammed out to the rock music that was on. After a few minutes we arrived and I parked near an alleyway where the club was located. I saw in a row back Shelly’s car so knew she was there already and I’m sure Kent rode with her. We casually walked in and saw her seated with Kent in the corner booth. I waved silly and walked over with Sara. They both stood and introduced themselves as I introduced them to my best friend, Sara. Kent was sweet, and Shelly acted slightly jealous meeting the woman that she takes the place of when they’re not around each other. Shelly knew how strong my love for Sara was and that our bond could never compare because I grew up with Sara. It wasn’t a competition in my books, but Shelly was just that type of person. We sat down and the show began to start as I looked over the drink menu. Comedian Jeffery Hanks was on tonight and I was excited to get some laughs in.
Before the comedian hit the stage, they had the opening act. Some girl fresh in the world of comedy trying to get her place. She was sort of funny, but you could tell she needed to work on her jokes some. Most of the audience laughed, but it wasn’t overly funny. You could tell she was totally nervous. After a short while, I had arms wrapped around my shoulders. I could smell him.
“Hey, baby,” he whispered in my ear.
My heart swirled with emotions. I smelled him, I felt him near. I took his soft hand and led him to sit next to me. I quietly introduced him to Sara as someone was still up on stage. The lead comedian was coming out in a minute.
“Thank you so much for the flowers.”
“Only for you, babe.”
We focused our attention back on the stage while his hand rested in my lap. In that instance, he grabbed my hand and stood up, pulling me toward him as if he wanted me to follow him. I got up and glanced at Sara and then Shelly and smiled as I followed him out of the room. The dress I was wearing blew in the breeze on the quick walk we had towards the door of the hallway just outside of where the comedian was starting his show.
I giggled, “Slow down. Where are you going?”
He stopped in his tracks, causing me to walk into him. He grabbed my waist and pushed me up against the wall before pressing his lips to mine. My arms wrapped around his neck and I savored the moment. This was fucking hot.
He pulled back before giving me one last peck. “Sorry, I needed that.” His lip curved into a seductive smile while his knee moved between my legs opening them, enabling him to grind himself against me just enough that I knew he was doing it, but slow enough nobody would notice. I could feel his length pressed against my leg, ready to claim me.
“What. are. you. doing. to. me?” I enunciated every word while my breathing picked up. A bead rough my hair while he had this moment.
“We should go back,” I moaned while he trailed kisses down my cheek to my lips before going to my neck, sucking gently.
“I’ve been waiting all day to see you,” he whispered in my ear and I giggled while I saw someone walk out of the club and head towards the restrooms. Their glance and dirty look in my direction made me nervous.
I pushed him back slightly. “You’re trouble, Noah.” I snickered.
“It’s your fault. You make me this way. You’re so beautiful. You’re so mine.”
“Oh am I?” I teased back.
“You are. I want to get to know everything about you, Amy.”
My heart just melted around him. But I was fearing that we were starting to only have a physical attraction and connection even though he made my heart pitter patter. I didn’t know much about this man, but I wanted to know everything, too. I needed to know everything. I craved every bit of this man and the feelings between my legs proved it. I focused back on my heart beating out of my chest in excitement.
“There’s a woman in there that’s really important to me. I really want you to enjoy this night with us knowing it’s her last out here. When she leaves tomorrow, I’m not sure how I’ll cope.” I was being one hundred percent honest.
“We should go to Chicago some time and visit her. I have some people there, too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It could be our first trip together.”
I smiled. He just knew all the right things to say. It could definitely be our first trip together. I wanted all the firsts with him to be great. I couldn’t imagine them not being, since we slept together first, and that was amazing from the beginning.
“Come on Mr. Sexy Pants.” I dragged him back towards the room as I heard laughte
r through the doors.
“I’m going to hit the restroom before I head back in. Ok, babe?” I kissed his hand, letting it fall to his waist as I turned towards the ladies’ room.
“See you inside.” His lips curved to a big smile.
Swinging the door open, I walked in and placed my hands on the side of the counter and looked into the mirror, blowing out a huge breath. What this man did to me was insane to my body and mind. He just blew my panties off. Swoon worthy wasn’t even giving him full credit for just how he made me feel. I had to fan myself off, and I wasn’t being sarcastic. I splashed water on my face and patted dry with a paper towel I ripped off the machine. The door swung open and I saw that familiar face.
Her appearance rocked me on my toes as I took her in a little closer. Tall, brunette with waves of curls in her hair, bright red lipstick with amazing teeth as she shined her smile at me, but it wasn’t a nice smile, it was one of those evil smiles. She flicked the sink handle as the water poured out. Her smile not fading as she was thinking up something to say.
“He’ll leave you, you know. You’re not his type. You should stay the fuck away from him,” she growled in my direction looking straight ahead at me through the mirror.
I stared straight ahead into the mirror, showing me her facial expression as uninviting. I smiled. If there was anything to hide behind, it was a smile. This bitch, or whoever she was, wasn’t going to get the better of me today.
“I’m sorry?” I acted dumb. “What’s his type? Who…” She cut me off.
“I’m Melody, Noah’s ex-fiancé, oh and business partner. As you can see, I’m his type.” Her head shifted towards mine and I turned to look her dead in the eyes. She continued, “Oh, by the looks of your expression, it looks as though he hasn’t told you about me.” She chuckled with a fake laugh. “Ever wonder why that is?” She glared at me with a grin from ear to ear.
I took a deep breath and smiled at her. “Yeah, I’m sure the reason he didn’t tell me was because it wasn’t worth his breath.” I threw out my paper towel and turned on my heel as I saw her smile fade into a grim frown. “I’m his new type. He threw away the trash and upgraded.” I bit my lip. “Stay the fuck away from me.”
I let the door slam as I made my way into the hallway. I was fuming with anger as I walked back into the club. His eyes met mine immediately and he stood waiting for me to sit. I walked quickly and briskly brushed him as I sat down.
“Everything ok?” he whispered.
“Nope.” I quipped.
He placed his hands on mine and I refused to look at him right now. How the fuck dare he leave out the fact that Melody was his fucking ex and not just ex but ex fucking fiancé. I was so pissed and trying to cool my jets knowing I had to make this night good for Sara. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make this nice, but I was trying not to lose my shit at him right now. It may not have been so bad if the bitch didn’t practically threaten me.
He tried pulling me up from my seat but I stayed firm. Now wasn’t the time.
“Amy, what the heck?”
“Everything ok?” Sara whispered on the other side of me.
I looked at Sara and smiled. She could tell it wasn’t but she knew that smile and it meant later. I knew she had my back. I may freaking need it later.
I turned towards Noah, but I still wouldn’t make eye contact with him. “Not now. I’d like to enjoy my night.”
He huffed before rubbing his hand on my back. “I can’t help if you don’t talk to me.”
“Pot calling the kettle black?” I shrugged my shoulder and faced the comedian, trying not to lose focus on having a good night.
“What are you talking about?” he yelled slightly louder than called for.
I stood up. I guessed this was happening whether I wanted it to right now or not.
I fixed my dress and stalked towards the door, Noah hot at my tail, swinging the club door open and walking into the hallway which had seats and a small bar, all empty since the show was in session.
“When were you going to tell me the truth about Melody?” I spat. “Before or after the fucking threats started?”
His eyes searched mine to try to understand and then it was like a light bulb clicked and it all made sense to him. I sighed. Because I really wanted him to be clueless, because then it wouldn’t have felt so bad. But it was almost like he knew exactly what happened or would have happened. Maybe it had happened in the past.
“She’s here?” He looked around.
“Well, I’m not sure anymore, I left the bathroom with her in there on the verge of tears. Not sure where the fuck she is now.”
“What did she tell you?”
“Come on, Noah.” My hands fell flat and hit my sides, getting irritated at his playing dumb. “Other than the fact I’m not your type, to stay away, or she’s your ex fiancé? Where would you like me to start?” I laughed, frustrated at this conversation. “But honestly, I’d love for you to start at the fact that it seems like you knew this was going to fucking happen. How many before me has this happened to? Is she fucking crazy? Never mind, I know that already.” I rolled my eyes.
I plopped in the closest chair, covering my eyes with my hands. I was feeling out of control. I was feeling crazy right then, because this was what made me realize it was too soon. It was too fast. I didn’t know enough. This conversation wouldn’t be happening if my feelings weren’t already so strong. It made me feel like they were wrong.
“Amy…” He sighed. “I’m sorry she said anything to you. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you more about her. I had my reasons. This isn’t something I want to discuss sitting here. Let’s go somewhere more private, just you and me.”
“This was exactly what I didn’t want tonight. Because, this is the last night my best fucking friend will be here with me. I needed this night to be good. But you are going to tell me here whether you like it or not.”
He took my hand in his and kissed it lightly on top. “I’m sorry this happened, and I will make it right. Tonight, let’s enjoy it.”
“Tell me, Noah. I don’t take threats lightly.”
“She’s jealous. She’s my business partner, and she’s very upset that I’m buying her portion, but she couldn’t turn my money offer down. She’s an ex, but she’s nothing. She won’t have any part of me anymore and that bothers her greatly. Please, I’m so sorry she said something and it won’t happen again. I won’t be dealing with her for much longer, babe.”
“Partner? Ex fiancé?”
“Yes, I can’t say that it was a great part of my life. But I plan to tell you all about that someday. She will be out of my life and she will be out soon. I promise you.” His eyes were sincere.
“Ok.” I was speechless.
“You are mine. That’s all that matters to me.”
“Ok.” I smiled. “Let’s just go back in and enjoy the rest of the night. Thank you for explaining.”
We headed back in the club and Sara’s looks toward me were powerful. She knew something was up and I had to reassure her with my eyes everything was fine. Deep down, everything was fine, I guessed. I was just a little thrown back by this Melody and her threats and the fact that she knew who I was. We never even introduced ourselves or met, and this bitch of a woman knew who I was. It creeped me out. Either that, or Noah had spoken about me with her and she had a good memory. Either way, I wanted to put it behind me. But I needed more out of Noah. I needed to know his everything. I needed to know how he took his damn coffee, and what he loved to eat, what his favorite fucking color was. I needed so much from Noah. I had to remind myself, just because I was feeling and falling fast, I still had to know so much. I had to back up and take things a little slower. I wasn’t supposed to have this reaction so soon to someone so new.
It didn’t take long till the show was over. Shelly and I had glanced a couple times at one another and I could tell she was trying to figure us out. Sara on the other hand, already had me figured out, she knew we’d be up all ni
ght talking about it. But Noah made this night the best it could be. He paid for our drinks and kept us laughing. Sara really liked Noah and that made my heart happy. It was good for me to know my best friend approved.
At the bar, Noah was by my side the entire time. Hands always on me, always making sure I was ok and if there was anything I needed. I didn’t need anything, I didn’t need this attention, but he gave it. It was a good feeling to have someone so dear and involved. Every now and then, Brad popped up in my head and I’d think about how we were in our life. How happy we were. How I want whatever this is with Noah to be just as happy and long lasting. I knew I was way ahead of myself. But we had a good start.
Noah made sure we got home safely and I began the self-destruct I was going to go through when Sara left me. This was going to really take a toll on me because her being here with me really made me realize how much I missed her around. I helped her get her things together while we spent the evening talking about Noah and how much she was happy for me. I filled her in on the bullshit I was dealing with early in the night and Noah planned to come over after I dropped her from the airport tomorrow morning. We had so much to discuss. Mainly because I wanted to know everything. I wanted to know the deep ends and outs of Noah Hendricks. I had to.
We stayed up super late watching chick flicks and drinking cheap wine. Sara was out a little after midnight. I picked up my phone and glanced at the blank screen. I ran my fingers over the smooth screen and debated text messaging Noah. My yes or no debate turned into yes. I sprawled across my bed and sent the first text.
Automatically pinged back.
Noah: Hey sexy
Me: Hey…what are you doing?
Noah: Laying in my bed going through some reports on my phone.
Me: With Melody….?
Noah: No.
Me: Oh. (Silence)
I regretted saying that to him because I didn’t want him to think I was some jealous bitch who can’t handle him having other women in his life. But earlier she just really irked me. I didn’t need that kind of crap but I’m sure he was willing to talk it over tomorrow. I couldn’t wait to see him, I wished he was there tonight.
Beat of His Heart Page 7