by Alexa Powers
Letting out a soft chuckle, he looked entirely too pleased with himself and completely at ease. “You need to stop being so jumpy. And, yes, I have a home, but sadly I don’t think it cares if I’m there or not.” Noah gave her a playful smile as he tugged on a lock of her hair, then let it slowly slip between his fingers.
The gesture momentarily stunned her, and she was left a bit dumbstruck by it. It was so intimate and tender that she instantly felt the dueling need to step away and lean closer. Thrown off balance, she reached for the island to steady herself.
“Yeah, well…here’s your beer.” She really needed to get a grip and stop acting like a teenaged girl whenever he looked her way.
“Thank you, Emma.” Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Noah reached behind her for a plate, his masculine scent invading her senses, then pointed to the takeout containers on the counter. “What would you like?”
You…a generous portion of you, was the first thing that came to mind, but thankfully, she was able to stop herself from saying it out loud.
“I’ll have some eggplant parmesan and a little salad, please.” Watching as he took their plates to the dining table, she gathered their drinks and took a moment to admire the view.
Worn jeans hugged his incredible backside, and left Emma wanting to reach out and touch it. Based on the looks he’d been giving her, she didn’t think he’d mind. In fact, he’d probably welcome it. But other than in her overactive imagination, they hadn’t progressed past overtly flirting with one another.
Giving herself a pat on the back for the superhuman act of self-restraint, she kept her hands to herself and followed him into the dining room.
After dinner and one too many beers, they relocated to the lounge and settled comfortably into the same seats as the night before. When Lily asked Emma to play her guitar for them, she initially hesitated, suddenly shy about playing in front of Noah, but then acquiesced and retrieved it from her room.
Perched on the edge of the couch, Emma positioned the guitar on her thighs. The familiar feel of it beneath her fingertips calmed the flutters in her stomach as she took a deep breath, trying to ignore the curious glances from Noah.
“Okay. Let’s see,” she said slowly, thinking about which songs to play for them, and strumming mindlessly as she pondered her choices. “I think this one’s appropriate, it’s ‘Question’ by the Old 97’s.”
Watching Lily’s face light up as she listened to the lyrics, was all the encouragement she needed. Emma couldn’t help but smile when Josh pulled her cousin onto his lap. He was incredibly sweet, and she was happy Lily had found such a good man to spend the rest of her life with.
Pausing for just a few beats, she continued with ‘January Wedding’ by the Avett Brothers.
Too nervous to look at Noah, she focused on her fingers or on Lily and Josh as she played. Their supportive smiles spurred her on and gave her the confidence to continue. “This one I always play for Abby. She loves it…well…she really loves any music, it’s ‘Banana Pancakes’ by Jack Johnson.”
Finishing the song, she lifted the guitar off her lap, to set it against the armrest. “Please do a few more, Emma. You’re amazing,” Lily asked.
“All right. This is one of my favorites, it’s ‘Rise to Me’ by The Decemberists.” Finally summoning the courage to look at Noah, Emma began to sing. Would he stand his ground for the one he loved, she wondered?
Wanting to lighten up a little, she continued with ‘Sleep Please Come to Me’ by Matthew Barber. The fun song about a sleepless night brought back a flood of memories. Of long winter nights spent in her crowded living room in Boone, playing music until the wee hours of the morning.
She couldn’t resist adding ‘New Slang’ by The Shins. Since the first time she’d heard the song, her fingers itched to play it, and it was still one of her all-time favorites.
“And this last song, I dedicate to my lovely home state of North Carolina.” She couldn’t help but smile at Noah as she started to play the classic, ‘Carolina in My Mind’ by James Taylor, a song that held such meaning for her. Recognition spread across Noah’s face, as he relaxed with his arm stretched out along the back of the couch.
“Emma, you’re incredible. Can you write down those songs for me? I’d like to add them to my playlist.” Noah’s irresistibly charming smile engulfed his entire face and Emma was left a bit dizzy from the impact of it. He really had a beautiful smile.
“Sure. I’m glad you liked them. Trust me, though, the originals are much better. I made a few mistakes, but I haven’t played in a while, so I’m a little rusty.” Emma shrugged her shoulders apologetically, embarrassed that she’d flubbed a few of the songs.
Performing in front of family or friends was common for Emma and she usually wasn’t insecure at all, but she really wanted Noah to like the songs she’d chosen. For some reason, his opinion meant a lot to her. She wasn’t quite sure why, but it did. A lot. And his enthusiastic reaction thrilled her, probably more than it should have.
“Well, we couldn’t tell at all, Emma. You’re always way too hard on yourself, you know that,” Lily pointed out, trying to reassure her.
“You’re sweet, Lil. It felt good to play, though. I’ve been so busy the last few months that I’ve barely picked it up. It’s like an old friend, though. You can pick right up where you left off, as if you just spoke yesterday.”
Emma gently ran her fingers along the curves of the guitar, stroking it like she would a lover, and Noah wished she was actually touching him, instead of the polished piece of wood.
“Well, I’ve never had anyone sit in front of me and play music like that before. Could’ve listened to you all night. You’re very talented, Emma,” Noah added cheerfully, in awe of her as she clung to her guitar, like a coat of armor.
She appeared shy and unsure of herself, and he couldn’t for the life of him, figure out why. Her gaze was bashfully locked onto her fingers, as they carelessly strummed, filling the air with a soft melody.
“Thanks, Noah. That means a lot to me. It really does,” she giggled anxiously, and he wanted to reach out and soothe the worry lines that formed between her brows.
“Well, I’ve always loved listening to you play, especially with Steven. While he’s here for the wedding, we’ll definitely find time for the two of you to play together. You’ll love it, Noah. They sound so good together.” Lily’s praise caused an adorable pink tint to spread across Emma’s cheeks.
“Give him a couple beers and he’ll play all night. He’s got an endless playlist in his head. You just sit and listen, totally in awe.” Emma turned to Noah and he could see the love she had for her brother written all over her pretty face.
“Well, I’m looking forward to it. Don’t know if I’d enjoy listening to him as much as you, though,” Noah admitted honestly. As she’d started to play, he was stunned and a bit surprised by her talent, but when she opened her mouth and started to sing, he was utterly blown away.
When she’d gone into her bedroom to fetch her guitar, he’d been worried about how to react if her impromptu concert was dreadful. Thankfully, within a few seconds any worries went right out the window. She was bloody amazing.
“You’re too kind, dear sir,” Emma joked, lifting herself off the couch. “I need a drink. Can I get anything for anyone while I’m up?”
“I’d love a beer, Emma. If you don’t mind,” Josh requested.
Calling out over her shoulder, Lily added. “Me too, Emma.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Noah said, following her into the kitchen, wanting to speak to her in private. “Hey, I was wondering if you’d like to go to the party with me tomorrow night, as my date. Save me from showing up alone.” Suddenly insecure, he waited for her reply. To hide his discomfort, he busied himself opening the beers and throwing the caps in the rubbish bin. “Please?”
Emma looked at him sideways for a moment, as if trying to figure out if he was serious. “Really? You sure you want to disappoint all the single ladi
es by showing up with someone?”
“You’re not just someone, Emma. And, as far as I know, you’re a single lady.” Not for long if he had his way. “Anyway, I could say the same to you, eh? I’ll be the envy of all the single blokes, especially if I get you to dance with me. So what’s it to be, Emma? Will you go with me?”
A wide smile spread across her face, and his heart was beating so loudly he could hear the rapid thumping of his pulse in his ears. She had the best smile, genuine with a touch of whimsy, and he wanted to see more of it. “Well, I’m definitely a single lady, and sure, I’d love to.”
Emma took her time getting ready for the New Year’s Eve party. Since it was going to be a late night, she left her hair down, letting it fall in natural waves down her back. She spent extra time on her makeup, trying to look her best, not wanting to disappoint Noah. The man was way out of her league, and she knew it. He was an international rugby player and she was just a small town girl from North Carolina.
Studying her reflection in the mirror, Emma suddenly felt extremely self-conscious, seeing all of her imperfections in great detail, and wondered why he wanted to go to the party with her at all. She knew she was attractive, but Noah probably dated celebrities and models, people who made a living from being pretty.
Shaking off the negative thoughts, Emma finished getting ready, and gave herself a much needed pep talk. If Noah didn’t appreciate her for who she was and what she looked like, faults and all, then he didn’t deserve her time. She was just as worthy as anyone else of his attention, and wasn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder anyway?
Lily had helped select her outfit of a sleeveless silk top in a pretty pale blue and black skinny jeans. Completing the look with a pair of high-heeled black sandals, which added another four inches to her height, her spirits were buoyed a little. She didn’t look half bad.
Concluding her inner pep talk, she picked up her phone and overnight bag, and walked down the hall towards the living area.
Lily turned at the sound of Emma’s heels on the floor as she entered the kitchen. “Noah is going to swallow his tongue when he gets a squiz at you, Emma. You look stunning.”
“Thanks, Lil. So do you. You’re a lucky man, Josh,” Emma hugged Lily, grateful for the confidence boost.
“Too right, I’m going to walk into that piss up with not one, but two beautiful ladies,” he boasted, as he pulled them onto either side of him, put his arms around their shoulders, and led them to the door. “Now, let’s go pick up your date. And don’t worry, Emma, if he swallows his tongue, I’ll give you that kiss at midnight. After Lily, of course.”
Emma snickered at Josh’s comment. “Of course, and I’ll make sure to eat something smothered in garlic and onions at 11:45.”
“Yum. My favorite,” he countered, as the door clicked shut behind them.
Making one last sweep of his house to ensure that everything was in order for later, Noah anxiously paced back and forth by his front door. New Year’s had always been one of his favorite holidays, and with the prospect of Emma’s kiss waiting for him at midnight, he was ready to get the evening started. Finally spotting the headlights of Josh’s car coming down the drive, he practically sprinted for the door.
Settling into the back seat next to Emma, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Hi, Emma. You look lovely.”
The warmth of Emma’s smile was genuine, and he could see that she truly appreciated his compliment. “Thank you. And you look very handsome.”
Just the sight of her had his body humming to life. And she smelled so good, he wanted to snuggle into the sexy curve of her neck as he kissed her there. He wondered if she’d giggle when he nibbled the sensitive spot beneath her ear; he hoped to find out, soon.
“Hey, Noah. Are we still good to spend the night?” Josh asked, as he maneuvered the car onto Lake Road.
“Sure,” he answered, then turned to face Emma, giving her a knowing grin. “I put clean sheets on the beds and everything.”
Emma let out a hearty laugh that took him by surprise. “Seriously? You’re having sex on every surface in your house, too? What is it with you Kiwis?”
Huh? What? “Ah…no. That’s not why I did it,” he stumbled over his words. “I just wanted you to be comfortable, that’s all. My house has been sex-free for a while now. Wait…Hold up.” He lifted his hands in protest, ignoring the loud snicker from the front seat. “God…Forget I said that. Every surface is covered in body fluids and filthy. DNA all over the place.” He gave an embarrassed chuckle, as he shook his head. He’d never been so flustered by a woman before, but he really just wanted her to feel comfortable in his home.
“It’s okay, Noah, I like that you changed the sheets for me. I think it’s incredibly sweet of you.” She placed her hand on his arm and leaned in close before whispering. “I also like the idea that you haven’t had sex in a while.”
Damn. This woman was going to kill him, he thought, as she straightened herself and adjusted the seatbelt between her breasts. The outline of her lacy bra was visible through the thin layer of silk pressed tightly against her, and thankful for the darkened car, he let his eyes linger there for a long moment, enjoying the view.
Stepping from the car, when they arrived at the party, he felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Her long legs went all the way to heaven, and with the added height from her high heels she could almost look him in the eye. They’d align perfectly, he thought to himself.
Smoky makeup accentuated a pair of emerald green eyes that glistened in the moonlight, and when she smiled at him, he forgot his name for a minute. Yes, tonight was going to change everything between them.
He liked the idea of actually having to pursue a woman for a change, taking his time, and getting to know what made her tick. Doing it the right way. He wanted the real thing, a loving partner to share his days and nights with, as well as the ups and down of everyday life.
He couldn’t remember the last time a woman interested him this much, and he liked it.
He liked her…
Throughout the night, Noah kept Emma close by his side, not only because he wanted everyone to know she was with him, but also because he genuinely enjoyed her company. It was easy being with her. She didn’t take herself too seriously and was quick with a laugh or a witty comment. His mates and their partners seemed to enjoy her company too.
Finally, it was time for the countdown to begin, and the anticipation was killing him. He’d waited patiently to kiss her until now, and with two glasses of champagne in hand, he led her to a quiet corner of the patio, where they’d have a choice view of the Auckland skyline.
“Ten… Nine… Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!” They both called out, laughing in unison, then took a small sip of champagne. With his eyes locked on hers, he smoothly took the glass from her, placing it on the railing next to them.
He almost groaned as her tongue slid out to dampen her bottom lip, and when his eyes met hers, he slowly leaned in to kiss her. Their bodies aligned perfectly, just as he thought they would.
As his lips covered hers, he felt the warm touch of her hands as they slowly moved from his forearms to his biceps, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake, before finally coming to rest around the back of his neck.
Threading her fingers through his hair, her touch was sending little shivers down his spine while his tongue explored her soft lips, encouraging them to open for him. Tightening his arms around her waist as she complied, Noah’s heart took a slow roll in his chest. She tasted of champagne and Emma. Sweetness and light, he thought, as he sipped from her.
Noah’s heart was pounding so forcefully, he wondered if Emma could feel the effect she was having on him. Even with her body pressed against his from tip to toe, his only thought was that there was too much space between them. Which made no sense at all considering how tightly they were clinging to each other.
When she softly moaned, he tilted his head and de
epened the kiss. Drinking from her as if she was an oasis in the middle of the desert, Noah knew without a doubt that his life would never be the same. He didn’t want it to be the same. Just the thought should have made him nervous, but it didn’t. Emma’s kiss lit him on fire and left him aching for more.
She was heartbreakingly beautiful, but she was also smart and sweet and sassy. And when he held her in his arms, everything just felt right with the world.
Coming up for air, he gently pressed his forehead to hers, trying to catch his breath and his wayward thoughts of forever. One look at her kiss swollen lips and he couldn’t help but kiss her again. And again. And again. He would never get enough of her.
“Wow!” he declared, when their mouths finally separated; he’d never been left so gobsmacked by a kiss before.
“Yeah, wow!” she whispered, turning to watch the rest of the fireworks display. “I’ve always heard of seeing fireworks when someone kisses you. But I really did,” she delighted breathlessly.
“Reckon so.” Keeping his arm around her shoulder, he tucked her into his side, holding her there, loving the way she felt in his arms.
Sweetness and light…and fireworks.
Noah watched as she took a few pictures and then a short video of the fireworks with her phone. “I want to remember this,” she said simply.
Holding her tightly, she leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder, and he couldn’t stop the goofy smile from spreading across his face, as she slid her arm around his waist.
He wanted to remember this, too.
Did she have any idea how exquisite she was, he wondered, as they stood quietly together, watching the colorful explosions. Noah felt like his life had always been in black and white and, all of a sudden, there were colors all around him. Bright, beautiful colors. Everywhere.
Once the fireworks display above the Auckland skyline was over, they sat down at one of the tables on the patio. Emma excitedly sent the pictures and video to her family back home, wishing them a Happy New Year, and he smiled along with her as they replied.