Not having a moment to protest, our cheeks met, and he started guiding me around the wooden floor. We changed direction more than once, had a few spins, and my laughter matched his when he ended it with a dip. When he righted me, all of the air in my lungs evaporated. Beautiful light blue eyes—eyes that I hadn’t seen in weeks except for in my dreams—stared back at me. Noah.
“May I have the next dance?” Low, stern, and possessive were the descriptions that came to mind.
Cade turned, still smiling. “Hey, I didn’t think you were coming tonight.”
“I’m here now.” Noah’s eyes never left mine. Ninety percent of me wanted to jump into his arms, the other ten kept me rooted to the floor. “Hello, Margo.”
Poor Cade looked as if he was watching Wimbledon. His eyes darted back and forth between the two of us, waiting for the line judge to shout a command.
“Hello, Noah.”
The three of us stood in the center of the floor. I might as well have been naked, because even I felt completely exposed. When it came to the one man I wanted more than anyone else, my feelings couldn’t be hidden.
Cade’s voice broke the awkward silence. “I’m parched. Does anyone need a drink?” When Noah and I didn’t answer, Cade let out a little chuckle. “Okay, then. I’ll be at the bar. You two lovebirds have fun.”
Warmth created a hoop around my body. If I were into sci-fi, I’d say it was a heat shield, but since I wasn’t, I knew it was nerves combined with lust.
Lust for someone who I hadn’t seen in a month.
Lust for someone who owned my heart.
Lust for someone who I’d never have again.
Time had no effect on my feelings. If anything, I craved him more. Like being on a diet and going without cookies for a year, but when Christmas came around, my willpower failed.
As the drummer tapped the skin of his drum, Noah took my right hand in his left. I stared at the connection, so normal . . . so right. His hand splayed on the small of my back, forcing my left hand to his shoulder. Goose bumps peppered my skin from my toes to my neck. Even the roots of my hair tingled. There was no way he didn’t notice.
Our bodies moved in sync to the music. It didn’t take much to get lost in his scent, his eyes—his touch. Old MacDonald could have been playing and it wouldn’t have mattered.
Noah’s breath tickled my ear. His cologne invaded my senses. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Sadness laced his words, but it was when I craned my head back and saw his eyes that mine pricked with tears. “I’ve missed you, too.” God, did I ever. How did we lose ourselves so fast? Part of me told me to check my stubborn head at the door and take from this man what he was willing to give.
Not much more was said with words—they weren’t necessary. When the song was over, the band announced dinner was being served. Noah and I let go of each other and walked off the dance floor. Adam met me at the edge where the wood met the carpet.
He brought his focus to Noah. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
“Jan guilted me into it.”
Adam chuckled. “Sounds like her. Anyway,” he turned to me, “we’re at table number nine. Where are you?”
“The same one, I asked Veronica to sit us together since Louisa wasn’t coming.”
Noah walked next to Adam; it was then I realized we were at adjacent seats. Fantastic. I picked up my clutch. “Please excuse me.”
My fingers gripped my satin bag as if it were going to run away. The ladies’ room gave me space to breathe. Clicks of my heels echoed in the small room, back and forth on the tiled floor, doing my best not to watch my reflection in the mirror behind the sinks. Some form of composure was necessary before I sat down at the same table with Noah.
I stopped, turned on the faucet, and washed my hands with frigid water, hoping it would calm me the hell down, but it just made me cold. My eyes caught my own, and my pep talk began. “You can do this, Margo. He’s just a man. A man you love, but still just a man. Who cares if you never love someone again or if it takes another twenty plus years to fall in love? He can’t give you what you want.” On an exhale, I grabbed my lipstick and ran it over my lips. “There, much better. Now, go out there and be strong.”
A toilet flushed and my heart sank when I saw Veronica Freeman walking out of the last stall. “Margo dear, are you okay?”
Doing my best to laugh it off, I replied, “Yes, sorry, I thought I was alone.”
Her perfectly quaffed head bobbed. “From the sounds of it, you are.”
Well, shit. That stung.
“Can I give you a piece of advice?”
“Sure.”
“If you love the man you were just chanting about, don’t let him go. True love doesn’t come along every day, and just because it isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t right. Life isn’t flawless, but it’s what we make of it. Like this dress, for instance.”
Oh my God, she didn’t like the dress? “What’s wrong with the gown?” I did a quick body scan, and it looked beautiful on her. Nothing made me happier when a client wore the dress rather than the other way around. It wasn’t ostentatious, but classy, just like her.
“Nothing now, but as you can see, I’m not of model stature. That’s why you asked for my measurements, and I attended fittings. Sometimes, things need to be altered to be beautiful. Love is a lot like this dress.” She patted my arm. “Think about it. Just because it may need adjustments doesn’t mean you’re settling for less. It would be worth it in the end because you each made sacrifices, and you’ll appreciate it more. Love isn’t easy.” She turned to wash her hands and spruce her lips up as well. “Now, I’m going back in there because I’m hungry, and I left enough room in this dress so I could eat more than a salad.”
“Thank you, Veronica.”
On a nod, she walked out with me not far behind.
Just beyond the bathroom door, Noah stood, leaning against the wall in the hallway. Head down, hands in his pants pockets, right foot planted against the wall, he looked sexier than sin.
“Hey.” His head snapped toward my voice. “What are you doing in the hallway?”
With a push of his foot, his body moved from the wall to stand in front of mine. “We need to talk, and not here.”
“I can’t leave right now.” Plus, I thought in my head, I’m confused.
“Please, Margo?” Noah rubbed the back of his neck. “We owe it to each other.”
My brows scrunched together. “You’re the one . . .” I gave my head a slight shake.
Noah’s jaw ticked. “Yes, I’m the one who was closed-minded. I’m the one who couldn’t give you everything you wanted.” His cheeks puffed out before blowing out a long stream of air. “Are you happy without me?”
The nerve endings in my face prickled. “No, not as happy as I was when we were together.”
Three women walked by us, giving Noah an appreciative look before going into the ladies’ room. “Happy is the last thing I am without you. If you want to wait until the end of the event to talk, fine. I’ll wait, but we will be having a discussion.”
“I should get back before Adam sends a search party.”
Noah nodded. “Let’s go.” He laced his fingers with mine. When my fingers stiffened, he gave them a gentle squeeze. “I need to feel you. I hope you don’t mind.”
I shook my head, because I needed to feel him too. When we made it back to the table, the meal had been served. Food was the last thing on my mind. Adam looked at where I was joined with Noah and grinned.
“We’re leaving.” I kissed my brother’s cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Cade cleared his throat. “No sugar for the best dance partner you had tonight?”
After I gave him a kiss as well, Noah tugged my hand. “Can we go now?”
Veronica caught my attention right before I walked out of the ballroom. She gave me one nod, and that simple gesture spoke volumes.
When Arthur pulled up to my building rather than Noah
’s, my nerves calmed down a bit. He was giving me home-field advantage, if you will. But I didn’t need it. Even before we walked into my apartment, I knew Noah and I had something special. The war between my head and heart was over—my heart won.
“Would you like something to drink? Beer? Wine?”
“No, I want a clear head.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Can we sit?”
Silk fabric crawled up my legs as I tugged the material up to be comfortable. I peeled my stilettos off and wiggled my toes to renew their circulation before tucking them under my ass.
Silence filled the room. If one of us didn’t say something soon, blood was going to come out of my bottom lip from my gnawing on it.
Finally, Noah scooted toward me, took my hand in his, and let out a sigh. “I want you back.” I went to reply, but he didn’t let me. “Please, let me finish. I’ve been thinking about you—well, us, and the fact that there isn’t an ‘us’ anymore. But more than that, I’ve been thinking of why that was.”
“Noah . . .”
He once again took control of the conversation. “You told me a long time ago that I was hardheaded, and you were right. It’s served me well over the years, until we connected. Then once I had you, I didn’t want to let you go. I find myself wanting to watch chick flicks, and to go shopping, for the slight chance I’d run into you. What all of that made me realize was, never once do I remember my dad wanting to be with my mother or my mother caring enough to find out what my father was doing. They were relieved when the other wasn’t around.”
How sad to grow up that way. “I’m sorry.” Well, that was profound. The man just opened up, and I had a two-word retort.
“The only thing I’m sorry for is being closed-minded.” He paused. “That’s not true. I’m also sorry I lost you.”
Chapter 28
Love isn’t easy.
Margo’s dark eyelashes fanned her high cheekbones before looking up at me. “Can I say something?” I nodded as a response. “You weren’t the only hardheaded one. There’s such a fine line between need and want. What I realized when we were apart was even though I wanted that piece of paper binding us together, I didn’t need it. What I need is you. Marriage was always a dream of mine, but it wasn’t just the dress and the pomp and circumstance; it was the man. The promise of a future spent with the person I love.
“Someone reminded me tonight that love isn’t perfect. It isn’t always easy; it’s hard.”
Like a magnet to steel, my body inched closer to hers. I cupped her cheeks with my hands, “Go on . . .”
“I realized I don’t need a notarized piece of paper to prove our love. For years, I told myself what I felt for you was just a crush, but now I know that even as a teenager, my heart wanted yours. If you still want to give it to me . . .”
My lips crashed onto hers. When they parted, I slid my tongue in on a groan. I’d never missed anyone or anything as much as I had this woman. Generally speaking, she was right, there was a difference between need and want, but not when it came to Margo. I needed and wanted her. Every cell in my body wanted to be with her. Every part of my heart needed to be with her.
“Be mine again, Margo. I’m miserable without you. You . . .”
“I swear if you say ‘I complete you,’ I’m cutting you off from chick flicks.”
I let out a relieved laugh. “What I was going to say was that you are the love of my life. But now that you mention it . . .”
Margo briskly shook her head with a grin. “We need to change our genre of movies.”
“Not a chance, beautiful. They’re one of the best forms of foreplay—speaking of . . .”
Our bodies reacted to one another’s with desire. Impatience consumed my moves. Margo threaded her fingers into my hair, pulling me closer to her. Before I knew it, she was under me, and my cock grinded against her leg.
Margo broke our connection. “Even though you look hotter than James Bond in this tux, I want it off of you.”
I smiled at her admission. “Which Bond?”
She laughed. “Sean Connery, who else?”
“Good answer.” I tugged her up and cradled her in my arms, fusing our mouths together as I carried her to her bedroom. Her long locks draped over my arms as I pulled the clips, one by one, out of her hair. “How many are in here?”
“Shut up and kiss me again.” Granting her wish, I kissed up and down her neck and the swell of her breasts.
It didn’t take long for both of us to be naked and on her bed. “I love you, Margo.”
She didn’t hesitate. With lustful, yet sweet eyes, I finally heard the words I wanted and needed. “I love you, too.”
My stiff cock lined up with her entrance. “Thank, Christ. I don’t want anything coming between us tonight or ever again.”
“Me either.”
“There hasn’t been anyone else since you. You’re the only one. This is going to be faster than I want it to be, but I promise to make it up to you later.” Her brows arched. “Don’t get me wrong, you’ll come, as usual.” She began to vibrate beneath me before letting out a tiny snort. “I’m not sure why you find that funny, but believe me, in a few minutes the only sound coming out of you will be of ecstasy.”
“Such confident words, Harry.”
“With good reason, Sally.”
With one thrust, I was inside of her. Holy fuck, she felt tighter than I remembered. Wet heat pulsed around me. Every thrust felt better than the last.
“Fuck, you feel fantastic.” I rolled her over until she was straddling me.
We laced our fingers, and I watched as she moved her hips, riding me. Margo let go of my hands, leaned back, the ends of her hair tickling my shins. My thumb found her hardened clit to play with as she moaned. “Ahh . . . oh . . . my . . . God . . . Noah! Yes! Right there!” Her body, now slick with sweat, never slowed down.
When I caught sight of where we were connected, my dick got harder. I was ready to come. She must have read my mind because when she brought one of her hands under her ass to caress my balls, it undid me.
The skin on her hips felt soft under my hands as I urged her to move faster. Margo’s body fell forward, and she pumped my cock, drawing the best orgasm of my life out of me. “Jesus Christ! Don’t stop, Margo.”
We swapped positions, her legs languidly falling to the sides. I kept thrusting into her as she milked me dry. Our slick bodies met when I lowered myself, palming both sides of her face. “Incredible, that’s what you are.”
She shook her head, and I was ready to admonish her if she argued with me. Instead she said, “We’re incredible together.”
“Right as usual.”
“Will you stay the night?”
Did she think I’d leave? “Yes, plus we haven’t eaten yet.” When her eyes darkened, I couldn’t help but chuckle. My cock twitched inside of her. “We can have each other for dessert, but now, we need sustenance.”
Cool air hit my wet dick as I pulled out. “I’ll go get a washcloth. Stay put.”
When we were cleaned up, we ordered a pizza. There we were, sitting on her sofa, me in my boxer shorts, and Margo in her yoga pants and a T-shirt watching The Devil Wears Prada.
Just like our first movie night, we enjoyed the chick flick, and once again, ended up having sex. If this was what being married to Margo would be like, I was dumb as fuck to not want it.
Faint lines created by the horizontal blinds on her windows played on her face. Her eyes opened with a squint.
“Good morning, beautiful,” I murmured.
“Sexy talk in the morning will get you nowhere.” Margo rolled over until her face vanished in memory foam.
Challenge accepted. Using the lightest touch, I dragged my fingers over the curve of her ass, allowing the tips to tickle between her cheeks. Her body shimmied. Good. With just a breath of air, I whispered into her ear, “I’m going to claim this one day.”
Margo didn’t open her eyes again or utter a word, but the way the sheet rose and fe
ll, there was no doubt she heard me. It was ten in the morning, and I wanted to talk to her about where we went from here. But first, she needed to wake up.
“Did I tire you out last night?” Tiny goose bumps formed under my lips as I peppered her arms with soft gentle kisses. “You’re gorgeous when you’re sleeping.”
One eyelid opened. “Only when I’m sleeping?”
“Oh, so you are awake.” Margo rolled to her side to face me. “We need to talk.” When the corners of her lips dropped, I knew I didn’t use the right words. “Let me start over.”
She propped her head up in her hand fully awake. “Is everything okay?”
“No, actually, it isn’t. I’ve been up for a while, doing some thinking.”
Her throat worked down a hard swallow. “About us?”
“Yes, this isn’t going to work for me.” Before she could get the wrong idea, I moved us until I hovered over her. Our bodies were perfectly aligned in my favorite position—me between her legs. “I want us to live together.”
Beautiful green eyes went wide. “You mean, in the same apartment?” I let out a laugh, and Margo swatted my arm. “It’s not funny; I haven’t had my coffee yet.”
“Fine.” I shifted my body and tugged her up. I tossed her my shirt; naturally, it looked better on her than me, and I shrugged on my boxers before going into the kitchen. It wasn’t a lie; most of my night was spent watching her sleep in the dim light provided by the moon. Maybe I didn’t want to get married right away, but it was no longer completely off the table.
Once the fresh brew was in our cups, we both sat on the sofa. “Do you know what I did last night?”
Margo quirked her lips. “I believe I do, yes.”
I shook my head. “Not that. Although, making love to you was the high point.”
“For me, too, and also talking to you.”
“About that. I want to be able to come home and talk about our days, to share how my day went and to hear about yours. I want to be able to comfort you if you had a bad day and celebrate with you when it was great.”
Hard Love Page 20