23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
Blossom
Noah takes me out for a dinner I won’t soon forget, a night that feels like the first moment we’ve had to ourselves in ages, now that Zack and Courtney are completely out of the picture.
We arrive at a chic rooftop club, and as soon as we step inside, I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offer an incredible view of the city, the sparkling lights of Manhattan stretching out beneath us like a sea of stars. The skyscrapers loom tall, their lights flashing in the distance, while the soft hum of the city below creates a low, comforting sound.
Inside, the club is sophisticated and modern, with black marble floors, plush velvet seating, and sleek chrome accents. The lighting is soft but dramatic, highlighting the rich tones of the wood paneling and the crystal chandeliers that hang overhead. The atmosphere is warm, yet elegant.
Noah and I are seated at a quiet table near the window, and we sip on expertly crafted drinks, his alcoholic, mine made as mocktails.
Both of us are still basking in the relief of knowing that Zack and Courtney can no longer affect our lives. The air between us feels lighter, freer, and it’s easy to forget about everything that’s been weighing us down. The delicious food arrives, and we laugh as we enjoy the meal, savoring each bite.
“I think this might be the best dinner I’ve had in a long time,” I say, smiling at him, feeling completely content in the moment. Noah’s grin in return makes my heart flutter.
After dinner, we make our way to the dance floor. The music pulses through the speakers, a perfect beat that feels like it’s made for the moment. I slip my hand into Noah’s, my little black dress with the sweetheart neckline swaying as I move with him, and I can feel the connection between us, the easy chemistry that’s been there since the very first moment we met.
The lights overhead flash, bright colors washing over us, casting shadows on the floor that flicker with the rhythm. The music’s so good it practically takes over, and I lose myself in it, moving to the beat with Noah close by my side. We share a smile as we dance together, our bodies in sync, and it feels like we’re in our own world.
I close my eyes for a moment, remembering how we danced at the wedding, that first night we met. It feels the same; fun, carefree, like we are the only two people in the room.
Noah’s hand slides to my waist, his other hand still holding mine, and I lean into him, my body pressed against his. The warmth of his touch sends a spark of excitement through me, and I can’t help but smile up at him.
“This is perfect,” I whisper to him over the music. He leans down, his lips brushing my ear, and I shiver at the sensation.
The night ends much too quickly, but I’m grateful for the time we’ve enjoyed. As we leave the club and make our way back to the hotel, there’s a quiet excitement between us, a kind of energy that’s been building all night.
When we reach his room, the door clicks softly behind us, and Noah pulls me into his arms, kissing me deeply. The room is bathed in the soft glow of the city lights outside, but it feels like we’re in our own world, disconnected from everything else.
We kiss again, this time with more urgency, the anticipation of the evening finally catching up with us. His hands move to my back, pulling me closer, and I feel his heartbeat match mine. In the darkness of the room, we hold each other tightly, as if neither of us wants to let go.
Our kisses deepen, and the world around us fades. It’s just me and him, this moment, this connection that feels so right. I pull him closer, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, and for a moment, everything is perfect.
“I’m glad we’re doing this,” Noah whispers against my lips, his voice filled with emotion. “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
I smile against him, feeling safe, feeling loved. “Neither do I,” I murmur, and we kiss again, letting everything else fall away.
“I want you to be happy always,” Noah whispers to me as he stretches me, filling me in one hard thrust.
I can’t come up with a coherent reply. All I can do is cry out, the pregnancy hormones making everything so heightened that my back arches off the bed as I cling to him.
“I would do anything for you, Blossom,” he says to me, something desperate in his voice as he starts moving within me, driving me up against the headboard.
I lock my legs around his narrow waist, biting his shoulder, silently demanding more, wanting all of him.
He captures my mouth in a rough, sloppy kiss, and I feel my orgasm hovering, just waiting to crash over me.
It’s like he knows, because he slows down suddenly, kissing me again more softly as I whimper with desperation, dying for release.
“I want to come with you,” he says to me with a little apologetic smile, and I sigh and try to relax, slowing the tempo obediently, allowing the pleasure to sneak up on me rather than slay me in one powerful explosion.
“Blossom, you’re perfect, you’re everything,” he moans as he starts moving more sharply, thrusting into me harder.
I love you. The words almost spill from my lips, but I catch them back, uttering a keening moan instead. I don’t know if he feels the same way. I don’t know if he wants to hear me admit my true feelings.
The part of me that is still scared of the realness of all of this, swallows down my love, replacing the declaration of emotion with eager cries that urge Noah to let me have my release. I lift my hips farther, pushing him, hurrying him, my skin alight with pleasure.
We come together, my body shaking with the force of the orgasm, my loud cry probably waking up the whole hotel. Noah roars my name, his back bowing as he spills himself within me, sticky and hot.
I feel claimed, battered, used, and I love it.
“We should shower,” he murmurs against my shoulder, pressing a small kiss to it.
I nod, but I can feel sleep pulling me under. I don’t want to fight it, and I allow myself to sink into oblivion with abandon.
***
The morning light filters through the windows, casting a soft glow across the room. I wake up slowly, feeling the warmth of Noah’s body beside me. His arm is draped over me, and I can feel his steady breathing against my back.
It’s peaceful, like everything in the world is exactly as it should be.
I smile to myself, the comfort of the moment settling deep into my bones. I shift slightly, careful not to wake him, and rest my hand over his. He stirs, and his hand moves instinctively to rest on my growing belly.
His fingers gently rub over the curve, and I close my eyes, savoring the tenderness of the moment.
“Good morning,” Noah murmurs, his voice still thick with sleep, but there’s so much love in it. The niggling worry I feel about the fact that he hasn’t said he loves me pesters me a little, but I push the thought away. I refuse to be greedy about this part of our situation.
He rubs my belly again, his touch soft, and I feel my heart swell with gratitude.
“Good morning,” I reply, my voice low, my fingers resting over his hand.
It’s moments like this that make everything feel right. Being here with him, feeling his warmth and his care makes me feel safe and secure.
Noah stretches, his body shifting as he sighs. “I’ve got to get up, unfortunately,” he says with a small chuckle, pulling his hand away from my stomach. I feel the loss of his touch immediately, but I smile and nod.
“Go ahead,” I whisper. “I’ll be here.”
He gives me a small kiss on the forehead before slowly getting out of bed. I watch him for a moment, feeling content in the knowledge that this, us, feels like it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Noah leans over to kiss me before heading out, his words casual but comforting. “I’ve got a meeting to attend. You enjoy your day off, Blossom. I’ll be back later.”
I nod, watching him go, already missing the warmth of his presence next to me. It’s been a lot lately. Zack is gone, Courtney is out of the picture, and for the first time in a while, it feels like I can breathe. I roll over and snuggle deeper into the soft blankets, feeling content for a moment longer.
The silence in the room is soothing, and I close my eyes, letting myself linger in this moment of peace.
An hour and a half later, my phone buzzes on the bedside table. I reach for it lazily, checking the screen to see a message from Noah.
Meet me in conference room #4 on the 16th floor when you’re ready.
Curiosity flutters in my chest as I reread the message. What’s he planning? I can’t help but feel a little excited. Noah’s been full of surprises lately, and something tells me this one’s going to be no different.
I get up, stretching as I make my way to the bathroom. I take a quick shower, then wander to the huge closet. I choose a simple outfit, comfortable but nice enough for whatever Noah has in store. A part of me wonders if this is another one of his gestures to show how much he cares for me, and I can’t wait to find out.
When I make my way to the sixteenth floor, I’m buzzing with anticipation. I round the corner to conference room number four and spot Amy working. She sees me and smiles, clearly busy with her tasks but always happy to chat.
“Hey, Blossom!” she calls out as I approach. “How’s it going? Everything good?”
I smile back, my excitement bubbling up. “Yeah. I just got a message from Noah. He wants me to meet him in the conference room.” I glance at the door, wondering what’s going on behind it.
Amy raises an eyebrow, looking a bit more intrigued than usual. “Ooh, Nicole mentioned Noah might be up to something. I wonder what it is,” she says, her voice playful but with an edge of curiosity.
I chuckle, feeling the nerves settle in. “I’m not sure, but I’m excited to find out.”
Amy tilts her blonde head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be good. You two have been through a lot lately—he’s probably planning something special.”
I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me at Amy’s words. “I hope so.”
“Well, don’t keep him waiting!” Amy says, flashing me a grin. “You’ve got a big surprise ahead of you.”
I wave goodbye to her and turn back to the door, excitement thrumming through my veins. I take a deep breath before opening the door, eager to see what Noah has planned.
I push open the door to conference room number four and my breath catches in my throat. The room before me is completely transformed. What was once a dull, plain conference room has been turned into a beautiful photography studio—my photography studio.
There’s a large, white backdrop set up in the center of the room, with soft lighting and professional equipment that looks straight out of a high-end studio. On the far wall, there’s a sleek desk with my favorite camera, a new lens, and several rolls of film sitting on it.
Everything is designed with me in mind, to make my dreams come true. I’m speechless for a moment, my heart racing in my chest.
Noah steps in behind me, his voice warm and proud. “I thought you could use a space to call your own,” he says softly, almost like he’s shy.
I turn to face him, my eyes wide with disbelief. “Noah, this is...this is incredible.”
He smiles, stepping closer, his hands resting on my shoulders. “You’ve got a talent, Blossom. You deserve a space to create, to capture the moments that matter. I want to support that every step of the way.”
Tears sting my eyes as I look around, the magnitude of the gesture washing over me. This is more than just a space; it’s Noah showing me that he believes in me, in my dreams, in us. It’s as clear a declaration of love as any words he could utter.
“I can’t believe this,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.
Noah pulls me into a tight embrace, kissing the top of my head. “I believe in you, Blossom. And I’m here to help you make your dreams happen.”
I look up at him, my heart full. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Noah’s smile is everything. “Anything for you.”
Noah shuts the door behind us, a mischievous smirk across his succulent lips.
I feel the grip in his fingers tighten as he playfully bends me over the desk, his hand gliding across my ass and legs. I feel myself getting hot and wet for him, nearly panting as I feel him play with me from behind, his fingers exploring beneath the long dress I slipped on.
Slowly, he lifts the dress up, exposing me to the cool air, and I shiver gently, waiting for him.
Within a few seconds, I feel him, hard and hot, pressing against me, and I invite him in, pressing myself back and feeling him slide inside of me.
I rock myself back and forth on him, his grip against my hips hooking me close to him. His quick thrusts pound through me, making me quiver.
I feel the pleasure building more and more with each stroke until finally, I feel the deep throbbing wash over me as waves of pleasure crash down on me.
I grip my new desk with my fingertips, biting my lip to silence my cries of pleasure, thinking that there could be no better way to christen my new photography studio than this.