“Really?” Evan’s eyebrows climb in surprise. “Do you have an appraisal?”
“He was going to email it to me.” I open my inbox on my phone and smile. “Yep, here it is.”
I check it out and feel my eyes just about bug out of my head at the price.
“Holy shit.”
“How much?” Evan asks. I tell him, and he whistles. “Well, it’s in downtown, and real estate is at a premium down here. It’s not cheap. Do you think you can afford this?”
“It depends on what the mortgage would be.”
He crunches some numbers on the computer and turns it to me. The figure is a bit intimidating, but not outside the realm of possibility, especially in the busier months.
“I can do this,” I say with confidence. “What do you need from me?”
“A lot,” he says with a laugh. “Let’s start with…”
* * * *
“Are you freaking kidding me?” I ask two weeks later, stunned as Evan just smiles from across his desk. “I’m approved?”
“That’s not all,” he says. “I was able to get the loan for fifty thousand more than the asking price, so you can do the upgrades you want. It didn’t move your mortgage amount by much, and it gives you a lot of wiggle room. The business plan you wrote up was incredible, Fallon. You did a great job.”
“Holy shit,” I whisper, my hands covering my mouth. “It’s mine.”
“Well, in forty days it will officially be yours,” he says. “That gives you time to get everything ready to go.”
“But I don’t have to move out. I can continue my classes.”
“Absolutely.”
“If I wasn’t madly in love with Noah, I would kiss you on the mouth right now.”
Evan laughs as he stands from his desk and shakes my hand.
“Congratulations. I’ll call you when we’re ready to close, and I have all of the paperwork for you. That’s when you sign your life away.”
“I can’t wait.” I do a little happy dance as I leave the office and call Noah.
“Give me the good news, sweetheart.”
“I got it!” I’m practically skipping down the street toward my Jeep, still parked in front of the studio. “They approved me.”
“Of course, they did. I never doubted you. All of those sleepless nights and worry was for nothing.”
“Not for nothing,” I say as I approach the studio and see Noah standing outside, his phone pressed to his ear. “This is my dream we’re talking about.”
“You’re right,” he says, his brown eyes shining as I approach. We’re both still talking into our phones. “It’s incredibly important, and I’m so proud of you, Fal.”
“Thanks. We should hang up now.”
He clicks off and shoves his phone into his pocket as I lead him up the stairs to the studio.
“Okay, tell me what you see.”
“First, I need pretty cubbies along this wall”—I point at the space just inside the door—“for my clients to store their belongings during class. I want to replace the wall of mirrors, and I want an infused water station over there.”
“Infused water?”
“You know, with cucumber, strawberries, blueberries. It’s delicious and so good for you. And then, over here—”
Before I can finish my sentence, Noah scoops me into his arms and kisses the hell out of me, making all coherent thought scatter like spilled sand.
When he comes up for a breath, I smile. “What was that for?”
“You’re sexy when you have your bossy hat on.”
“Well, that’s good, because I plan to be bossy often when it comes to this business.”
“Works for me.”
He pins me against the mirror, and his hand dives under my tank and up to my breast, worrying the nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
“Jesus, I can’t get enough of you,” he growls.
“No complaints here,” I reply and unfasten his jeans. But just when my hand folds around his cock, there’s a knock on the door.
“Fallon?” Gray calls out.
“I hate my brother,” Noah mutters, readjusting himself with a pained expression on his handsome face. “What’s he doing here?”
“I asked him to come,” I inform him. “I have remodeling questions. Are you okay?”
“No.” He sighs. “Go ahead and open it.”
Gray grins when I open the door, then laughs when he sees his brother. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Yes. Go away,” Noah says, but I roll my eyes and step back.
“Come in,” I reply. “This won’t take long. I won’t take possession of ownership for about six weeks, but I want to show you my ideas so you know what I want.”
I go through everything I just showed Noah.
“Also, I need more shelves over here for new mats and pillows. I also want a new desk for over here.”
“You’re going to have him build you a desk?” Noah asks.
“No, I’m going to buy one, I’m just thinking out loud.”
“I’ll put in an order for the mirrors now,” Gray says, making notes. “Those could take a while. Do you want to replace this floor? It’s pretty beat-up.”
“I don’t want to spend a fortune,” I say, biting my lip.
“I have an idea.” Gray reaches for his phone and taps the screen, then turns it to me. “This is a laminate floor. It’s durable, and you can’t tell that it’s not hardwood.”
“It’s gorgeous.”
“It’s also a quarter of the price of hardwood.”
“Seriously?” I enlarge the photo, getting a closer look. “Okay, you’ve sold me. Let’s do it.”
“I’ll put that on order, as well,” he replies. “As long as all of the supplies arrive, this shouldn’t take longer than a week to do.”
I cock a brow. “Didn’t you say that about my former living room? Is that place done yet?”
“Don’t try to be funny, Fallon,” Gray says with a scowl. “It doesn’t work.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m freaking hilarious.”
“Keep me posted on when you want me to start this. I’ll have a crew handy for you.”
“Thank you,” I say seriously. “I know you’re busy, and I appreciate you making time for me.”
“That’s what family does,” he replies simply before he leaves.
“But I’m not—”
“Yeah,” Noah says, rubbing my shoulders from behind. “You’re family, whether you like it or not.”
“I think I like it,” I whisper before turning and wrapping my arms around Noah’s middle. “I like it a lot.”
Chapter Seventeen
~Fallon~
“Honey, I’m home,” I call as I walk into the house later that night. I’ve started hosting an evening class twice a week for people who work during the day, and so far, they’ve been a big hit.
But it also puts me home later than usual. It’s almost dark outside, and as we’re nearing the end of summer, that means it’s late.
I’m starving, and I’m ready to wind down for the night.
“In the kitchen,” Noah calls back. “But don’t come in here yet. Go change or something.”
“What are you doing?” I ask with a smile.
“None of your business.” His voice is full of laughter. “Seriously, give me ten minutes here.”
“Okay, I’ll go change.”
I wander into our bedroom and drop my bag on the floor before peeling out of the yoga pants and tank I’ve been wearing all day. I reach for a pair of shorts and a T-shirt that says Namaste in bed, tug them both on and check my phone.
I haven’t heard from Claire since she left here a few weeks ago. I also haven’t contacted her. Part of me feels a little guilty, but I’m still so angry, and I guess she’s not the friend I thought she was.
I don’t know if we’ll mend our friendship.
I spoke with Penny a few days ago and filled her in on everything going on, includin
g my purchase of the studio. She was so truly happy for me and excited, it reminded me that that’s what true friendship looks like.
“Where are you?”
I open the bedroom door and smile as Noah walks toward me. He’s in faded blue jeans and a yellow, button-down shirt.
“You look fancy. Am I underdressed?”
“No, I’m going to get you out of all of your clothes soon,” he says, making me laugh. He kisses my hand, then leads me into the kitchen.
There are candles lit, flowers on the table, and grilled salmon plated with wild rice and green beans.
“Noah,” I say with a sigh. “You did all this?”
“We have to celebrate,” he replies as he pulls a chair out for me to sit in. “It’s not every day my girl buys a building for her business.”
“No, it’s not,” I say with a smile and breathe in the smell of the amazing plate of food in front of me. “This looks absolutely delicious.”
“Yes, it does.”
I glance up and find him looking at me with those deep brown eyes full of lust and appreciation.
“You’re such a flirt.”
“Only with you, sweetheart.” He waits while I take a bite of dinner. “Well?”
“Maybe the best fish I’ve ever eaten.”
He grins. “Now you’re just being nice.”
“No way.” I shake my head and take another bite. “We’re honest, remember?”
“That’s not all I remember.” He holds up a bottle of wine. “Would you like some pinot gris?”
“That sounds perfect.”
He pours the wine into our glasses, then holds his up for a toast. “To you and your incredible passion for your business. You’ve done an amazing job making your dreams come true, and I couldn’t be prouder of you, Fal.”
“Thank you.” I clink my glass to his. “And before we drink, I also have a toast. To you. For believing in me, and your unwavering support during this whole stressful, difficult process. I don’t know if I would have survived it without you, and I appreciate you.”
We clink once more and take sips of the wine.
“We’re pretty good as a team,” he says as he eats his dinner. “And the offer to build some cabins out here for your retreats is still open.”
“I’m not comfortable with that,” I admit. “Noah, this is your property. And, yes, I live here with you, and I love it, but it’s yours.”
He narrows his eyes but surprises me with, “I get it. I won’t mention it again for now.”
“You’re agreeable.”
“You make sense,” he says. “Guess what?”
“What’s that?”
“Your eagle is all healed up.”
I stare at him in surprise. “Really? So soon?”
“It’s been over six weeks,” he replies with a smile. “Time just flies when you’re having fun.”
“Wow,” I breathe. “When will you let him go?”
“We’re going to take a couple of days to check his blood and get him a little stronger, but he’ll be ready by the weekend. I hope you’ll join me when I take him out.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” I say with excitement. “I can’t believe that he can spend so much time with humans and still be set free.”
“At the end of the day, he’s still a wild animal. He’s hunted and lived wild his whole life. He won’t have any problems readjusting to that.”
“I’m glad.” I blink as I feel myself tearing up. “Is it weird that it makes me a little sad to say goodbye to him?”
“It’s not weird at all.” Noah takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “It’s normal to get a little attached. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t be doing the work.”
“Speaking of being proud,” I say, clearing my throat. “I’m so proud of you, Noah. Spread Your Wings is important and wonderful.”
“Now you’re going to make me blush.”
“Well, it’s true. I think you’re amazing.”
“Do you think I’m sexy?”
I tip my head, looking him over as if I have to really think about it.
“Yeah, I guess that’s a good word.”
“Hot?”
“Oh, Lord, you just want me to feed your ego.”
He grins and pulls me out of my chair, leaving our dirty dishes on the table.
“I have more for you,” he informs me.
“More than dinner?”
“Oh, yeah. That was just the beginning.”
He leads me back to the bedroom.
“Sit on the bed for a minute.”
I comply and watch as he rushes into the bathroom, turns on the tap in the tub, then rushes back out to the kitchen. Thirty seconds later, he returns holding a lit candle and something tucked under his arm.
“Almost ready,” he says as he hurries by.
He makes two more trips to the kitchen and then walks to me with a laugh.
“That was far sexier in my head.”
“Actually, it was fun to watch you bustle about. It was cute.”
“Cute?” He scowls down at me. “Take that back.”
“No way, you’re the cutest.”
He leans in and plants his lips next to my ear. “I’ll show you how uncute I am in about thirty minutes.”
He leads me into the bathroom, and I sigh in pleasure. The tub is full of steaming water and smells like lavender and frankincense, my favorite. Candles are lit, wine is ready for me, and there’s a bowl of pistachio ice cream on the tray that sits across the soaking tub.
“This is ridiculously pretty.”
“Soak. Relax. Enjoy. I’ll come get you in a bit.”
He closes the door behind him, and I hurry out of my clothes, excited to be pampered.
And pampered I am! The wine and ice cream, the hot water, the oils. It’s decadent.
Sometime later, I’ve finished the ice cream, the glass of wine, and I’m leaning back and letting my mind float aimlessly when Noah returns.
I don’t open my eyes, but I can hear him and feel the shift in the energy in the room. It’s always more intense when Noah’s near.
“You look happy.”
“So happy.”
He dips his fingers into the water. “It’s getting cold.”
“Don’t care.” He chuckles as I open my eyes and smile up at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He takes my hand and pulls me up, helps me out of the tub, and wraps me in a huge, fluffy towel, careful to dry me completely. His eyes travel over my skin as he wipes the terrycloth over it. “You’re so soft. So smooth.”
His hands glide down my arms, and the next thing I know, I’m in his hold, and he’s carrying me to the bedroom where more candles are lit. He brought the bouquet of flowers in and set them on the bedside table on my side of the bed.
“You’re not cute,” I say as I trace the line of his jaw. “You’re sexy. Hot. The hottest.”
“Now you’re getting it,” he says with a grin as he lays me down on the bed. “But you? Holy shit, Fal.”
He presses a wet kiss just below my sternum, above my navel. His hands cradle my hips, his fingertips gripping my skin firmly. Pure sensation pulses through me.
And he hasn’t even touched me there.
“Goosebumps,” he murmurs as he kisses below my navel now. “I must be doing my job.”
“Holy shit,” I mutter, my legs scissoring in anticipation. He spreads my legs, nudging his shoulders between my thighs, and groans at the sight before him.
“Jesus, babe.” He drags one finger down the center of my pubis, lightly over my clit, and down into my wet folds. “You make me crazy. You put me on my goddamn knees.”
He leans in and licks from my lips to my clit, and I have to hold my breath as my entire body tenses.
“It’s never been like this,” he says before covering my core with his mouth and sucking in little pulsing motions, sending me right over the edge into oblivion.
When I come down to Earth, h
e’s nudging his jeans down his hips and reaches over his head to pull off his shirt without even unbuttoning it. He tosses it aside and braces himself on either side of my shoulders, dropping down to kiss me, intoxicating me with his musky scent, his firm lips, his hard cock pressing against my center.
“You’re everything,” he whispers against my lips. I can smell myself on him, and it only intensifies my hunger for him. “You’re everything good in my life, Fallon.”
With those words, he presses inside me, pushing until he’s balls-deep, making us both sigh in pleasure.
Being with Noah is different from anything I’ve ever experienced before. It’s like taking a clean, deep breath for the first time in my life. Not that I couldn’t breathe before, but with him, it’s different. It’s easier.
I fist his hair, holding on as we ride out the need we have for each other until we’re a panting, heaving pair of bodies, spent from passion.
“Mine,” he says between breaths. “All mine.”
* * * *
Maybe evening classes weren’t the best idea I’ve ever had.
Or, maybe it’s just time to finally hire another instructor to take the late-day classes for me. I’m up so early in the morning that by eight in the evening, I’m completely wrecked. It makes for a long day, and even though it’s just twice a week, it’s throwing off my schedule more than I anticipated.
Tomorrow is Friday, and Noah asked me to go with him to set my eagle free in the afternoon. I’m both excited and dreading it. I don’t want to say goodbye to him, but that’s selfish of me. He needs to go live his eagle life.
The sun has gone down, and it’s that time of day when driving isn’t ideal. The lighting is odd, casting shadows and making it difficult to see even with the headlights. With the beams in my rearview mirror from the person behind me, it’s even worse.
I squint, certain I see something up ahead on the road, but when I get closer, it’s just a shadow.
“Yeah, maybe evening classes aren’t going to work for me,” I mumble.
I sigh and brush some hair off my face, and three deer dart onto the highway, right in front of me. I crank the wheel to the right, trying to avoid them, and the Jeep jerks into the gravel on the shoulder of the road. Suddenly, I’m falling down the embankment to the pasture below.
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