by Alexa Powers
Unable to control herself, she ran to him as his imposing figure came into view. Dropping his bag, he welcomed her into his embrace. The feel of his muscular arms enveloping her was overwhelming…she was home. Lifting her off her feet, his lips crushed hers with the intensity of a starving man.
Finally putting her down, Noah casually slid his arms around her waist; his blue eyes shimmered with a suggestive sparkle and his crooked smile matched her own. “If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me up,” he said, and Emma felt his fingers grip her hips tightly beneath her winter coat.
Noah’s sweet smile left her breathless and unable to think of anything but needing to be with him. “I’ve missed you so much, baby. It almost feels like a dream, doesn’t it? I’m so glad you’re here. I can’t wait to show you around, but first…” She leaned in to whisper her desires in his ear, reveling in the way he met her halfway, as if he knew what she wanted. “I need to get you naked. I need to feel you.” Averting her eyes, Emma felt the blush as it bloomed across her cheeks.
Noah brushed his lips against hers and gave her a quick kiss. “Well…you know I can’t deny you anything, so what are we waiting for? Lead the way.”
Emma had already checked them into the large suite…that, thankfully, came equipped with a king-sized bed. Excusing herself, she slipped into the bathroom to change into the lingerie she’d left there.
Stepping out of the bathroom, dressed only in a sheer black baby doll top with lace cups and flyaway front, paired with a matching thong, Emma watched as a wide smile spread across his face. Noah crossed the room in one long stride as he came against her with fervor; his large hand gripping her bare bottom as his mouth crushed against hers. He’d stripped to just his boxer briefs and the thin fabric did little to hide the erection that impressively tented the front.
She’d never felt more beautiful as Noah gently set her on the bed, coming to rest alongside her. His fingers slowly traced the edge of the garment, his eyes trailing the movement, taking in the sight of her as he separated the flyaway bodice, exposing her toned midsection.
Emma held her breath as her eyes fluttered closed, focusing on the feel of his fingers as they whispered reverently over her skin. Her every nerve was on high alert as his lips gently touched the swell of her breast. “You’re so beautiful, Emma. I need you so badly, but I just want to enjoy this moment a little while longer,” his warm breath tickled, as he whispered against her skin.
Opening her eyes, her heart leapt from her chest when she met his gaze and found his crystal blue eyes watching her with ravenous desire. Reaching up to caress his cheek, she was struck with the depth of her love for him.
Noah had the brute strength to take what he wanted, but he was the gentlest of lovers. “I’m in no hurry, sweetheart. But I don’t know how long I can wait to feel you inside me.”
A loud groan emanated from her chest as Noah’s fingers outlined the lace edging of her panties, before slipping between her legs. “I’m going to take my time with you, play with you for a while. I want to see you come for me…so pretty as you cry out my name.”
“Yes,” she moaned breathlessly, as his fingers moved against her sensitive skin. It had been too long since she’d felt his touch. “Oh, God, Noah. I want that so badly. Please, don’t make me wait,” she begged, reaching out to stroke the front of his boxers, unable to keep her hands off of him for another second.
“Patience, my love. Oh yeah, that’s good,” he hissed in a shaky breath, as he nibbled on the firm peak of her nipple through the lace cups that still covered her breasts.
Her hand gripped him tightly through the cotton fabric of his boxers as stars exploded behind her eyelids and she cried out, his expert touch bringing her to a quick orgasm.
Noah quickly stripped off her panties and stood as he lowered his boxers. Emma’s eyes took in the exquisite sight of him, magnificently naked before her.
“I’m not going to last long, sweetheart. I really want to, but it’s been too long and you are the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I could come just looking at you.” His eyes darkened as he sucked in a deep breath, exhaling slowly through his teeth, as if he could will himself the control he was losing.
“That’s alright. We’ve got all night.”
Positioning himself on the bed, stretching out, Noah reached for her hand. “Come here, baby. I need you now.” His tongue demanded entrance as he pressed his lips against hers for a long sensual kiss that curled her toes and left her desperate for more.
Noah couldn’t hold back any longer, he had to be inside her…right now. Quickly rolling her onto her back, he entered her with one swift thrust of his hips, and Emma cried out, still feeling the effects of her climax.
“That’s it, baby. I’ve got you. Open your eyes. I want you to watch as I make love to you,” he whispered against her lips, as her back arched and another breathy moan escaped from her pretty mouth.
Emma’s eyes drank him in as he moved over her, propped on his forearms, hovering inches above her. Flushed with arousal as she tried to focus, her eyes scanned his face, as if taking a mental picture. He let her take her time, a sexy smile crossing her lips, as her fingernails dragged down the length of his back, coming to rest on his bum and squeezing him there. Unable to hold back any longer, he emptied into her with a loud groan as they climaxed together.
Lazily combing his fingers through Emma’s hair as they held each other in the comfortable bed, Noah could finally relax as she sprawled on top of him, her chin resting on her hands, a wide smile on her beautiful face.
“I’ve missed this…you. I’m so glad you thought to get this room, or I may have had to kick Ali out of her house so I could get my fill of you,” Emma giggled, pressing a gentle kiss to his chest.
“Too right,” he stated, without removing his eyes from hers. “I missed you too, baby. Thankfully, we won’t have to resort to that, and I must confess that it was rather selfish of me, eh? I wanted a place to whisk you away to so I could have my wicked way with your gorgeous body, without disruption. Phone sex may tide me over temporarily, but nothing compares to you…in the flesh.”
“I know. I ached for you when you were gone. I would dream of you, touching me, and wake up needing you…so badly.”
“I’m here now and I need you too…again. Right now.”
“Please.” Her wish was his command as he wrapped his arms around her back and kissed her. He would never get enough, even though they had all night.
Christmas at the Andersons’ was best described as organized chaos. The smell of cookies and gingerbread, fresh from the oven, filled the comfortable home with the familiar aromas of Christmas. The large house brimmed with laughter as the close-knit family gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Noah helped decorate the outside of the stately brick home with festive lights along the eaves and across the front shrubbery, and fat red ribbons adorned the columns of the front porch, along with a large wreath on the front door.
A large Christmas tree stood tall beside the fireplace in the lounge, its oversized mantle covered in garland and twinkling white lights, and Noah was pleased to see a stocking next to Emma’s with his name on it.
Christmas morning, Noah woke to the feel of Emma’s warm body, as she settled against him. Instinctively reaching for her, he held her tightly against his side. He’d missed waking up to the feel of her next to him, her warm breath tickling his chest.
“Merry Christmas, baby. I wanted to give you a present while we’re alone,” she said, handing him a brightly wrapped gift.
“Thanks and Merry Christmas, sweetheart.” Noah sat up, resting his back against his pillow as he took the gift from her, shaking it gently, trying to figure out what it was.
Emma reached out, holding his hand steady. “We don’t have much time, so you need to open it quickly. Plus, I’m dying for you to see it.”
Noah ripped the paper off the small framed photo of Emma naked on their bed, beneath a sheet that strategically covered he
r private parts. Barely. Her golden hair fell in soft waves on the pillow, and her arms were stretched high above her as if reaching out to him. She was so beautiful; he was left speechless as he lost himself in the image.
“It’s probably inappropriate as a Christmas present, but I wanted you to have something to take with you when we’re apart. It’s small enough to fit discretely in your bag but it’s tasteful, so if someone were to find it, it wouldn’t be too embarrassing. Although, I wouldn’t want anyone seeing it…but you.”
There was no way he’d ever let anyone lay eyes on the sexy photo…ever. “It’s so beautiful. You’re beautiful. I love it. It won’t keep me warm on those lonely nights, but it will definitely heat me up.” Placing it on the bed next to him, he clasped his hand around the back of her neck to pull her towards him. Lifting onto her knees, she settled herself on his thighs as she leaned in for a kiss that was over much too quickly.
Sitting around the lounge, Noah was blown away by the generous gifts from her family. He’d received tickets to that weekend’s Panthers game, a pair of gloves, a watch, a Segway tour of uptown Charlotte, and even a chocolate Santa in his stocking.
But the gift that left him struggling for composure was the photo book from Emma. It was one of the digital ones filled with page after page of pictures from their first year together. There were photos of them from the first night they met in the pub, all the way to their time in Charlotte with her family, with thoughtful quotes sprinkled throughout.
As he turned the pages of the book he said a silent thanks to Lily and her camera for capturing so many images of the two of them. It was the story of them, and he loved it. As she excitedly passed the book around, patiently showing it to each family member, he wondered how he’d gotten so lucky to be a part of her life.
He’d given Emma a Tiffany’s bracelet and her sharp intake of breath and the adorable squeak that followed, along with the ooh’s and ahh’s from her family as she put it on, left him bursting with pride. She was definitely a Tiffany’s girl, as were her sisters, he’d come to find out. Knowing she’d be flying back to Auckland, his gifts needed to be small enough to travel, so jewelry was the perfect choice.
He also gave her a round-trip ticket to Auckland for New Year’s. It was their first anniversary, and he wanted to watch the sunrise with her, on the hammock, wrapped securely in his arms.
But the gift that meant the most was still tucked away in his bag upstairs…waiting until the right time.
“Ten… Nine… Eight… Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Happy New Year!” They called out in unison as the clock struck midnight.
“Happy New Year, baby,” Noah smiled, as he leaned down for a kiss. This was going to be a good year, he thought to himself, as she welcomed the glide of his tongue for a long sensual kiss that left him weak in the knees.
“Happy New Year, sweetheart. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. In some ways, it feels like yesterday, but in others it feels like a lifetime ago.” Emma’s pretty smile reached all the way to her eyes as she turned to watch the fireworks over the Auckland skyline, resting against his side.
Noah slid his arm around her shoulders, hugging her tightly. “I know; it was an awesome year, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was, and you know what?” she exclaimed, turning towards him, momentarily ignoring the colorful display.
“What?”
Lifting onto her toes, she placed a gentle kiss to his lips. “The best is yet to come.”
“You are absolutely right,” he said, as she leaned against him, smiling as Lily and Josh joined them.
As they drove home after the party, Noah listened as Emma excitedly chatted about their time in North Carolina. Like the same night one year earlier, Josh and Lily joined them at his home in Takapuna, and knowing what Noah had planned, they excitedly left him alone with Emma to watch the sunrise.
Noah was nervous as he gathered the blankets and took her hand, leading her down to the beach and the waiting hammock. He’d planned everything down to the last detail and prayed it all went according to plan. Patting his pocket one last time, he settled Emma against his side for the last few hours until the sunrise, welcoming the first day of the rest of their lives together.
Just like the year before, they talked and laughed under the stars, enjoying each other’s company. Noah couldn’t resist pointing out that he never collected on the bet she’d lost, but when Emma offered to give him a bath instead of his car, he wholeheartedly agreed to change the means of settlement.
As the sun started to rise over the horizon, Noah took a calming breath and lifted to his feet, bringing Emma with him. He’d gone over what he’d say to her a thousand times, trying to find a way to impart how much she meant to him, but as he looked at her, so pretty with the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, the glow of the sunrise tinting her features, his mind went blank and he forgot everything.
He’d have to wing it and hope he didn’t muck it up, he thought, as he took her by the hand.
“Emma, I’ve known since the night we met that you were the one for me. My mate. One year ago, we sat in this very spot watching the sunrise together and you stole my heart. I love you so much, baby. And I told you that for the first time here, too.” He smiled before continuing. “Before you, I was drifting along, knowing I was missing something, but nothing made sense until you came into my life…completely captivating me…Completing me.”
Noah watched as tears spilled from her eyes. “Oh, Noah. I love you, too.”
Watching curiously as Noah lowered himself to one knee and reached into his pocket, Emma’s eyes opened wide with astonishment, and a tiny gasp fell from her lips.
“Emma Lynn Anderson, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he asked, clutching her hand in his. She covered her smile with her right hand as he slid the ring on her outstretched ring finger. “Will you marry me, Emma?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes! Noah, of course I’ll marry you,” she cried, throwing herself into his waiting arms, hugging him tightly as he sealed it with a kiss. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”
“You’ve just made me the happiest man on the planet, baby. I love you so much, and I can’t wait to marry you.”
“We’re going to be happy, aren’t we?” she stated, before kissing him again. “And I can’t wait to marry you either. Oh, my God, we’re getting married! I’m so happy,” she excitedly declared, kissing him again, and squeezing him tightly around the neck.
Noah still had one surprise left for her. Retrieving her guitar from where he’d hidden it, he nervously lifted the strap over his head, settling it against his chest.
He’d been practicing a song, without Emma’s knowledge, to surprise her. He’d heard it on her playlist and had looked it up on the internet, finding a demo video on how to play it on the guitar. He didn’t have the best voice, but hoped to impress her by playing one of her favorite songs, even if it was off-key and a bit shaky.
Emma looked on with a confused expression as he started strumming the chords to ‘The Greatest Sum’ by The Avett Brothers. The look on her face, as she realized what he’d done for her, was worth the endless hours spent preparing, and the aching fingers. He knew it by heart, after filling his down-time while in Europe practicing with a teammate who knew how to play the guitar.
No words could ever express the depth of his love for her, but the song was a small gesture he hoped would give her some idea of how much she meant to him, and hopefully make her happy. Nothing would ever hold him back from her, and as he sang the lyrics, he meant every word. He couldn’t believe he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. Her worth was immeasurable.
Watching the sun welcome the new day, Emma stared at the elegant ring on her finger, the stunning cushion-cut diamond solitaire with small stones lining the platinum band, glistened in the sunlight. It was beautiful and everything she’d ever dreamed of.
But most importantly, it went with the promise o
f, one day soon, becoming Mrs. Noah James Parker. His wife.
Looking at Noah, so handsome as he gazed adoringly at her, she couldn’t help but smile back at him. Life with Noah would never be boring or without love and laughter, and as she thought back over the last year she wouldn’t change a second of it.
A thousand questions and ideas tumbled over and over in her mind. Like most women, Emma had dreamed of her wedding day since she was a little girl. Picturing her handsome groom dressed in a black tuxedo, waiting breathlessly for her as she strode down the aisle towards him. The adoring way he’d gaze into her eyes as they exchanged their vows. And their first kiss as husband and wife, sealing their commitment, as they embraced the future together as one.
Epilogue
As they strode through Auckland International Airport, Noah’s hand securely entangled with hers, Emma couldn’t help but reflect on the past few months. So much had happened since the day he’d left her in a puddle of tears, when he’d returned to Auckland and she’d remained in Boone to finish her studies. Noah had waited until the last possible day, not wanting to leave her, but duty called, so he reluctantly departed.
Her family had all swooned over her gorgeous engagement ring and, depending on who was doing the commenting, his proposal was either the most romantic thing they’d ever heard or Noah was completely whipped. The whipped remark came from her brothers, but she knew they were just teasing. They genuinely liked Noah and appreciated how much he loved their little sister.
She’d taken him to all her favorite spots in Charlotte and Boone, and given him a tour of Appalachian State, secretly loving her girlfriends’ reaction when she introduced him. He was a catch, and she knew how lucky she was to have him in her life. Of course, everyone loved him; his easygoing nature fit in well with the Boone crowd, and it was nice for him to finally be able to put a face to the names of all of her friends.