by Alexa Powers
“I’ll just have some water too. You up for some conversation? I’m still a bit amped. Not quite ready for bed yet.”
“Well, I had a great time tonight,” Emma proudly exclaimed, as she sat next to him, handing him a bottle of cold water. “It was exciting to watch you play. And when you scored that try, let me tell you…that was absolutely amazing. I wanted to run down there and kiss you, I was so happy.”
Noah reached over and pulled her onto his lap, hugging her tightly. “How about you give me that kiss now, eh,” he stated without question.
“Gladly,” she smiled against his lips, leaning in and giving him a slow wet kiss. “Congratulations on the win. And, can I just state for the record that you were the sexiest man on the field tonight and I’m glad you’re all mine?”
“Thanks. Cheers for that, and I’m glad I’m all yours, too. And I had the pleasure of coming home after a hard day at the office to find sleeping beauty in my lounge.” She snickered and Noah couldn’t help but kiss her full lips again at the happy smile on his beautiful Emma’s face.
“Yeah, well, I felt more like Maleficent when I was watching you get tackled. A couple of times I wanted to take off my earrings and throw down. You must be sore, though.” Emma ran her hands along his shoulders and down his arms, gently massaging along the way, her touch soothing his aches and pains.
Noah chuckled at the image of her all hot and bothered, coming to his defense. “I would’ve loved to see that. But it’s nothing serious. I’ll be right in a few days. Just a few bangs and bruises. But feel free to keep that up. It feels good.” Unable to resist, he ran his fingers through her hair, reveling in the silkiness of it.
“It was helpful to have Josh with me so he could explain what was happening. I was worried about you, though. Josh said when that guy grabbed you by the back of the collar, that he should’ve gotten a penalty for that. That it’s not allowed.” He reached up to soothe the worry lines between her eyes, touched by her concern.
“Yeah, but sometimes we get by on something too, so it usually all works out. Not to worry, it looked worse than it was.” He tried to ease her worries, even though it had hurt like hell when he came down hard on Colin’s knee in his back, and was sure he’d have a pretty nasty bruise there tomorrow.
“I don’t know how you do it. If someone dragged me down to the ground like that, I’d cry like a baby.”
Tamping down his rage and the overwhelming need to protect her, he shook his head as he thought about what she said. “If someone ever laid a hand on you like that, it would be the last thing they ever did.”
It was so natural to kiss her, he realized, as she placed her hands around his neck and he brought his lips to hers. She adjusted herself and slid one leg over his, straddling his hips. “This is better,” she whispered against his lips before kissing him again.
“I have a better idea. Wrap your legs around me,” he said, lifting off of the couch and heading for the bedroom, his hands cupping her backside, holding her against him. As her soft cradled his hard, he didn’t even try to hold back the groan at the contact.
“I thought you wanted to talk,” she giggled, as he squeezed her bum.
“Talking’s overrated. I can think of a better way to relax and enjoy a hard-fought victory.”
“To the victor goes the spoils,” Emma laughed, as he dropped her on the bed.
“Uh huh. Now, since I entertained you all night…I think it’s my turn.” He gave her a naughty grin as he sat down on the bed.
“What’d you have in mind?”
He maneuvered her between his legs, his hands coming to rest on her hips. “How about a little dance for me?”
Taking a few steps back, he watched as her eyes grew dark with desire and she seductively circled her hips. Tilting her head back, she ghosted her hands down the column of her neck, lowering them slowly over her collarbone. Filling her hands with her breasts, he felt the muscles in his jaw twitch as he adjusted the now-painful bulge behind his zipper. Her pebbled nipples begged for his touch, and as she reached for the hem of her top, slowly raising it over her head, he licked his lips.
Needing to feel her, he crooked his finger and smiled as she closed the gap between them. His hands came to rest on her hips, gripping her tightly as he licked her budded nipple and then sucked it into his mouth. Throwing her head back, she let out a loud moan as she raked her hands through his hair, holding him to her as his hungry mouth feasted on one firm peak and then its twin.
Finally pulling away from him, she hooked her thumbs in the waistband of her sleep-shorts and slowly lowered them, inch by inch. Resisting the almost-uncontrollable urge to touch her was painful, but he was mesmerized by the skin she was revealing, and he didn’t want to distract her.
The pounding in his ears was deafening, and he couldn’t stop himself from reaching for her, crushing his lips to hers in an explosive kiss.
“Cheers for that, sweetheart. I wasn’t expecting all that. That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. Ranks up there with that night on the couch.”
“I’m not done yet, and you’re wearing too many clothes, baby.” He was speechless as she undid his belt and slid his trousers and boxer briefs from his hips.
Kneeling in front of him, she stroked his erection before taking it into her mouth, and not wanting to miss a thing, he pulled her hair back and held it in his hand. Needing to touch her, he reached between them to caress her breast and her sexy moan vibrated in the back of her throat, almost finishing him off right then and there. Holding back, he tugged gently on her hair.
“I wasn’t done yet,” she frowned. “Didn’t you like it?” she asked demurely, as she traced her finger along the length of him, teasing him, as she slid her thumb over the top.
“If I liked it any more, it would’ve been over already and I didn’t want to finish like that. I want to be deep inside you when I do. Now, come here,” he commanded, as he lifted her to her feet.
Noah groaned as she shoved him onto his back and lowered herself onto him with her hands resting on his chest as she moved over him. He was awed by how beautiful she was as she lost herself to her own pleasure. Her sexy moans became increasingly unsteady as she started to climax, turning into sighs and exclamations of his name. Her perfect breasts swayed as she moved and he cupped them in his hands, teasing her nipples, and the added sensation was enough to put her over the precipice as she cried out.
He was barely hanging on as he gripped her hips and plunged into her. It only took a few thrusts before he followed her in his release. Still joined, she collapsed onto his chest, their hearts beating in unison, as Noah mindlessly traced the length of her spine, trying to gather his thoughts.
“How can it be that every time I make love to you I think it’s the best ever…until the next time and I think the same thing?” Noah wondered out loud, hugging her tightly to him.
“I know. That was amazingly good,” she beamed, as she circled his nipple with her fingertip, then softly kissed him there.
“That was all you, baby,” Noah observed, lifting her chin to give her a kiss.
“You make me feel sexy and safe when I’m with you,” she admitted.
“I love you, Emma, and I always want you to feel that way when you’re with me.”
Chapter 19
Having grown accustomed to falling asleep with the whisper of her breath tickling his chest as he held her, Noah couldn’t help but wonder how he’d survive without her once she moved back to America. He hadn’t realized how lonely he was until she came along and filled his life with the joys of companionship. Life with Emma was fun and exciting, and it was the little things she did that made him the happiest.
When he returned home after a long day, he was now greeted with flower gardens bursting with pretty flowers of every variety, instead of the once barren-landscape. He’d offered to hire someone, but she wouldn’t hear of it, insisting they do it themselves, so his free time had been spent getting his hands dirty digging in the
dirt, along with the satisfaction of a job well done.
She surrounded herself with beautiful things, and his once-quiet house was now filled with the sounds of music and his sweet, sweet Emma. Just knowing she was waiting for him, he found himself rushing home to be with her.
He may have spent countless hours agonizing over every detail of the renovation, but he hadn’t a clue when it came to decorating, and watching her face light up when she’d found a treasure at the market, knowing just the spot for it, was surprisingly satisfying. Emma had filled the empty spaces with love and a few strategically-placed bits and pieces, turning his house into a home one knick-knack and scented candle at a time.
A few pictures from Josh and Lily’s wedding and her family’s visit were added to the growing mixture of photographs scattered about the different rooms. He knew it was her way of surrounding herself with family and friends, even though they were far away, but his stomach twisted every time he caught her longingly gazing at a photograph of her family, seeing the sadness in her pretty green eyes, knowing how much she missed them. At times, he resented having the constant reminder of her family, their smiling faces silently mocking him, knowing they’d be the victors in the battle for Emma’s loyalty.
Noah’s heart ached as he thought about living in his house without her. She’d left her mark in every corner of every room and on every surface. He wondered if he’d have to tear down the house and start over, but even then it would still be a painful reminder of what they’d shared, when every time he walked in the door he’d remember that it was different because she’d left.
He wanted her to stay, and had spent hours trying to figure out if she felt the same way. He’d been reluctant to bring it up, not wanting to pressure her, but he didn’t know how much longer he could stand the uncertainty. Noah knew, without a doubt, that she loved him, but she was also a member of a fiercely-loyal and close-knit family, and family meant everything to her.
Noah knew it was a big ask for Emma to give up everything and everyone to stay with him, and he’d seen how distressed she was when her family went back home, but as he looked at her pretty face, so peaceful as she slept, he could only pray that when the time came, she’d pick him. He’d do everything in his power to make sure she had a happy life, and it wasn’t like she’d never see them again, he told himself, trying to convince his doubting mind that he had a chance to keep her.
Noah was traveling to Hamilton for his upcoming match against the Chiefs and he’d wanted Emma to join him so he could introduce her to his family. Knowing he was leaving for South Africa a few days later, he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible before leaving town for two weeks. When she’d told him she had an exam that she couldn’t miss, he’d been disappointed, and even though he understood, he still groveled a little, trying to convince her to skip it and follow him to the bustling metropolis of Hamilton, New Zealand.
Feeling a bit homesick, Noah was happy to be home, but spending time with his family was always a mixed blessing. He was able to recharge his batteries in his childhood home, but he’d always be considered the baby of the family, no matter how old he was or what he accomplished in life. His mum would fuss over him and his dad would lecture him, wanting to make sure he was being responsible with his finances.
Walking in the back door, he kicked off his shoes and dropped his bag on the floor.
“Oh Noah. I’m so glad you’re home,” his mum gushed, hauling him into a tight embrace before setting him aside as she lovingly gazed at him. “I’ve missed you, my boy.” Her smile always had a way of brightening even his gloomiest of days.
“Missed you too, Mum. Something smells good,” he smiled, looking around the familiar kitchen. It was small and outdated, but it would always be home.
“I made a roast for tea tonight. Pity Emma couldn’t come. I was so looking forward to meeting her,” she frowned, patting his hand in the way she always did.
“She really wanted to come, but had a class she couldn’t miss.” He wanted to smile, but couldn’t bring himself to force one. His mum would’ve known it wasn’t genuine anyway. He missed Emma terribly, and had hoped to be introducing his family to the woman who’d stolen his heart, instead of pining away for her in his mum’s kitchen.
“Well, I can see that she’s quite special to you, sweetheart. I can’t wait to meet the girl who finally has you so enamored you want to bring her home.” He knew his mum worried about him and wanted him to settle down and start reproducing, so the fact that he’d found someone had her overjoyed. “Your father’s in the lounge. Why don’t you go say hello while I finish up in here? I’ll call you when your tea’s ready. We’ll talk later.”
“Okay, Mum.” Noah reached for his mum and hugged her tightly. “I’ve really missed you. It’s good to be home.”
His dad was sitting in his favorite chair reading a book, and setting it on the table next to him when he heard Noah enter the room, he stood to his feet. “Hello, Noah. Good to see you, son.”
“Hi, Dad. It’s good to see you too,” Noah smiled, as his father gave him a quick hug before returning to his chair, and he settled himself on the couch.
“How long you in town for?”
“I’m leaving Saturday morning, so I have a few days to get ready before I leave for South Africa.”
“You’ve got your work cut out for you tomorrow against the Chiefs, I’d say. They’re looking good.”
“We’ll give it a go,” he replied, trying not to be defensive. He’d learned long ago that, as much as he’d wished he was, his dad really wasn’t all that interested in rugby.
“I’ve been doing some reading and they’re predicting good things for the Blues. Last year was rubbish, but after the win this last week, things seem to have turned around nicely.”
“Yeah. It was a squeaker, but in the end we came out on top. Did you watch it?” Why he still yearned for his father’s approval like a little boy, he wasn’t sure, but he anxiously scrutinized the features of his father’s face for signs of acknowledgment.
His dad’s smile gave him his answer, and he wanted to jump for joy. “Of course we watched it. You make us proud, son. I hope you know that, and we’re looking forward to seeing you play tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to me to hear you say that.”
“Well, I don’t say it enough. But I’m getting old and don’t want to leave things unsaid. Had a colleague fall dead with a heart attack last month. He was only a few years older than me. Gets you thinking about your own mortality, I reckon,” he frowned, looking at his clasped hands in his lap and then back to Noah.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Dad. Must’ve been a shock.”
“It was, but it got me thinking. Want to make sure my affairs are in order and all that.”
“You’re making me nervous, Dad. Is there something wrong?” Noah asked, feeling his stomach lurch.
“No. No. No. It just rattled me a bit. Got me thinking, that’s all,” he tried to reassure his son.
“That’s a good thing then, I suppose. Never know when you’re time’s up, eh?” Noah agreed.
Looking at his father, Noah couldn’t imagine a world without him in it. He was a good and decent man, who always put his children first and took good care of his family.
Thankfully, when Noah was first picked up by the Blues, his father sat him down and went over his budget. He’d followed his advice and never lived beyond his means, and made sure to put away money for the future. When some of his mates were going on holidays and purchasing flash cars, he was saving his money, setting himself up for the day when his rugby career ended. And after almost ten years, he now had a comfortable cushion to fall back on. He planned to continue playing for another four or five years, then transition into coaching or broadcasting, but even if it all ended today, he’d be fine financially.
“Come sit down for tea,” his mum called out from the kitchen, and Noah was relieved to be done with the depressing conversation. He knew it w
ould happen one day, that it was inevitable, but he needed to focus on the match tomorrow night, not something as distressing as losing his mum or dad.
Tucking into his mother’s cooking always made him feel better. For some reason, everything tasted better when she made it. The small kitchen table, which once seemed so large but now barely held his large frame, still bore the scars from where he’d done his homework as a little boy, the little indentations spelling out the story of his life, one letter at a time. It was a witness to his childhood, and was something he wanted with his own children one day.
He’d been thinking more and more about starting a family with Emma. He could picture her swollen belly growing larger as she carried his child, and how beautiful she’d look. Up until this point in his life, he never saw himself living anywhere but New Zealand, but when all was said and done, home was where Emma was.
“So, Noah,” his mum hesitated, looking at his dad before continuing hopefully as they made their way into the lounge after they’d finished eating. “It sounds like things are getting serious between you and Emma.”
“Yes, she’s moved in with me, actually,” Noah stated, sitting down on the couch.
“Oh, my.” His mum took a deep breath and he didn’t miss the excitement that flashed across her face. “That’s quite a step.”
“I love her, Mum. I want her with me,” he replied honestly, and felt the smile on his face as he thought of Emma waiting for him at home.
“She’s American, right?” At Noah’s nod, his father continued. “Have you spoken about the future? You’ve worked hard to get where you are in your career, and it’s not something you can do in America, at least not at your level.”
“I know, and I’m planning to talk to her about it, soon. I want her to stay with me, here…marry me one day. Maybe in the future, when my playing days are over, we can move to America to be close to her family, but I have obligations and am under contract, so I can’t move right now. Barring any injuries, I probably have another six years, tops. I always thought I’d stay involved in some way, but if she really wanted to go back to America, then I’d have to, eh? It would only be fair.”