Chapter Eleven
Noah
The meeting room is abuzz with energy as I stand at the front, outlining the details of our next big move. The investors are all there, seated around a dark, polished wood table, their eyes fixed on the projected figures on the screen.
This is my world: presentations, numbers, power plays. I’ve spent years building this empire, and moments like this are what make it all feel worth it. The deal I’m about to close? It’s huge. A new set of beachfront hotels in the Bahamas. If we pull this off, it’ll be the jewel of our portfolio.
I present our projections, talking through logistics and expected ROI, while my sister chimes in with details on the branding strategy. The investors nod along, their pens scratching notes on paper, and I know they’re hooked.
The moment I manage to swing the deal, the room erupts into applause. Everyone is shaking hands, patting each other on the back. “This is a big win for all of us,” one of the investors says, his voice thick with satisfaction. “We’ll be celebrating tonight, right?”
We make plans to grab dinner later in the week to finalize the details. The deal is sealed, and the energy in the room is one of triumphant relief.
Nicole flashes me a proud smile as we exchange a quick word.
“Great job,” she says, winking. The others are already talking about the logistics, but she and I share a private, brief moment. This one’s ours.
After the meeting, we’re heading back toward the elevators, and Nicole can’t help herself.
“You know,” she says, her voice light and teasing, “I’m starting to think you only wanted to buy those beachfront hotels in the Bahamas so you’d have somewhere nice to take Blossom.”
I freeze for a split second, her words hitting me harder than I expected. I look over at her, confusion flashing across my face before I can hide it.
“What makes you think that?” I say more defensively than I intend.
Nicole raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Come on, Noah. I’ve known you long enough to see through the bullshit. You’re making all these moves for the business, but I can see how much you care about her.”
I clench my jaw, but she continues, her voice softer now. “It was a joke, Noah. But seriously...the way you just reacted? I can tell you’ve got it bad for her.”
I feel my pulse quicken as my mind races. I try to push the thoughts away, but it’s hard when Nicole is looking at me like she sees right through me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mutter, trying to deflect.
Nicole smiles knowingly but doesn’t press me any further. “Yeah, sure. Keep pretending, big brother.”
I scowl at her, but she’s right.
She can see it, even if I’m not ready to admit it.
After Nicole wheels out of the elevator, I stand alone, looking out at the sprawling expanse of the hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in the light, offering a view of the city that feels almost too perfect. It’s modern, sleek, and polished, everything we’ve worked for.
But the opulence of the hotel around me stirs something deeper in me. I glance around at the walls, looking at the art on display, the immaculate design.
This hotel was supposed to be a monument to Whittney. It was her dream to restore this building, to transform it into something special. She’d talked about it endlessly before she got sick, about the legacy she wanted to leave behind.
As I stand here now, I feel a strange ache in my chest, like I’m caught between two worlds—the one I’ve built and the one I left behind. Whittney’s legacy still lingers here, in every detail of this space. And now, standing here, I wonder if I’m ready to step forward into something new.
Blossom complicates things.
She’s been there for me in a way that no one else has since Whittney passed. But every time I feel myself getting closer to her, the guilt rises. What would Whittney think if she knew? Would she approve of me moving on?
I shake my head, trying to clear it. This isn’t the time for these thoughts.
I need to focus, but the weight of the past is heavy on my shoulders.
I walk down the hallway toward the bar, my mind still buzzing with thoughts of the meeting. But as I round the corner, I see Nicole talking to Amy near the bar. The two of them are laughing, and Amy’s leaning in a little too close for my comfort.
I stop in my tracks, watching them. Nicole’s hand is resting on Amy’s hand, and Amy seems to be blushing, her smile shy yet appreciative. There’s an intimacy in their body language, something that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
Nicole leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. I can’t make out the words, but Amy’s face lights up as she responds. It’s playful, teasing, but there’s something more there, something that feels...charged.
“You’re beautiful,” Nicole says, her voice low, her fingers still lightly tracing Amy’s hand.
Amy’s face flushes deeper, but she laughs softly, clearly flattered.
I step back, unseen, and watch them for a moment longer before I turn and leave quietly.
As I walk away, Whittney’s words echo in my head. You deserve to be happy.
She’s right, of course.
But why does it feel like everything is getting so complicated?
I step into the bar, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses immediately filling the air. The atmosphere is alive, bustling with guests enjoying their evening after a long day of conferences. I spot Blossom behind the counter, gracefully moving between customers, making drinks with efficiency and care.
She doesn’t notice me right away, and I take a moment to watch her. Her hands move expertly, pouring, mixing, and shaking drinks like she’s done it a thousand times.
I’ve seen a lot of bartenders in my life, but there’s something about Blossom’s work ethic that stands out. The way she handles the pressure of a crowded bar, the way she juggles multiple orders with ease—it’s impressive.
I can’t help but think, if I had two more Blossoms, I could run an empire of bars. She’s a natural at this, and it makes me think about how much potential she has.
The crowd starts to thin out, the line at the bar clearing, and I take the opportunity to approach her. She looks up and meets my gaze, a smile lighting up her face.
“Busy night?” I ask, leaning against the counter, casually observing the empty space.
“Just another night,” she says with a playful smile, but I can tell she’s as tired as I am.
I’m standing across from her now, watching her expertly prepare the next round of drinks.
“How’s the shift going?” I ask, trying to sound casual, though I’m more focused on her than the task at hand.
“It’s been all right,” she says, setting down a finished drink with ease. “A little chaotic, but nothing I can’t handle.”
I glance over at the kitchen, where Miguel’s eyes are trained on us through the window. His gaze shifts quickly when I catch him, but I don’t acknowledge it.
I glance back at Blossom, noticing the subtle way her lips curve when she speaks, the quiet confidence in her voice. “Need any supplies? I can get you whatever you need,” I offer, trying to make the moment feel casual, normal.
She shakes her head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’m good for now,” she replies, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
I take a breath, glancing around the bar, then lean in slightly, lowering my voice. “You know...if you’re free later, I’d love for you to come stay with me again tonight,” I say softly, my words lingering between us.
Blossom looks up at me, her eyes meeting mine. After a beat, she smiles and nods. “I’d like that.”
“All right, I’ll be waiting when your shift ends,” I say, my voice quiet but confident.
I leave the bar, but as I turn to head for the elevator, I glance back at the counter. Amy has returned, and I watch Blossom lean in to say something to her.
Amy’s face lights up with a smile, and they exchange a few words, giggling. I’m too far away to hear exactly what they’re saying, but from their expressions, I can guess that it’s something lighthearted.
They’re laughing about something, likely about me or Nicole, but it doesn’t bother me. In fact, it makes me smile.
As I walk toward the elevator, a cheesy smile spreads across my lips. There’s something endearing about the way they interact, and it makes me feel good. For the first time in a while, I’m not focused on the weight of the world or business deals.
I feel...light.
Like maybe, just maybe, I’m finally getting back to something that feels like happiness.
Later that night, after I’ve returned to the penthouse and settled into the familiar, comfortable space, I’m lying next to Blossom in bed. She’s curled against me, her hair soft against my chest, and I can feel the warmth of her body beside me. The night is quiet, only the sounds of the city creeping in from outside.
I shift slightly, propping myself up on one arm to look at her. Her eyes are closed, but she’s still awake, her breathing steady. I can’t stop thinking about her—about us. About how she’s become this person I can’t seem to shake from my mind.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about Whittney,” I say quietly, breaking the silence between us.
Blossom stirs, looking up at me with soft eyes. “Your wife?” she asks, her voice gentle.
I nod, feeling the familiar ache in my chest. “Yeah. It’s hard not to. I thought I’d never be able to move on, but...with you, things feel different. I can’t explain it, but when I’m with you, it’s like I’m finally starting to let go of the past.”
Blossom’s fingers brush my cheek, and I feel a flutter in my chest. She doesn’t say anything right away, but her eyes say everything.
I lean down, my lips brushing hers gently, and the kiss deepens as the emotions of the night fall away. The connection between us intensifies, and for the first time in a long while, I feel like I might be ready to move forward.
The kiss is slow, passionate, and I take her into my arms, feeling her warm body against me. Her addictive smell of vanilla and rose fills my nose with each kiss, each lick, each movement of her gorgeous body over me.
Blossom is becoming a new constant in my life; her laugh, her smile, the way she pleases me with every inch of her goddess-like form.
I worship her, kissing along her thighs, reaching down below with my mouth to taste her between her legs, deep inside. She tastes so good I take her hips into my hands and hold her wide, like eating the most succulent piece of watermelon in the world. Her juices flow down my chin. I listen to her sighs and moans as I eat her out, licking and tasting every inch of her.
I'm quick to give her release as I press my hard cock inside of her, feeling her shudder and shiver against me. She wraps her legs around my back, pulling me in deeper, and I feel myself building and building with each sigh and moan.
“Noah, you feel so fucking good in me,” she sighs, and it’s too much, her appreciation of my efforts makes me explode instantly and she sighs, laughing, wrapping me in her cocoon of affection as we snuggle together in my bed.