Chapter 26 Sabrina
SAbrINA
I still don’t know how Ebba made it all happen in such a short amount of time, but somehow my fingers and toes both boast fresh nails in a soft pink color.
The clothing store was prepared for us, with ensembles pulled and ready for me to look at.
Before I could inspect them, though, Ebba shoved me into a changing room and handed me one option after another, refusing to let me veto anything until she saw it.
As I walk toward the front of the hotel where I’m supposed to meet Noah, the heels Ebba insisted on click-clacking on the marble floor, I feel like a stranger.
I’m only wearing the shoes because she threatened to drop my favorite pair of boots off the hotel’s balcony if I didn’t.
I never would have chosen the shimmery black dress with a floral design, but she swore it was the one.
I can’t help but think she chose it because of the halter neck.
Why would that be the deciding factor? Because I didn’t bring a strapless bra, so I was forced to purchase one, along with the matching underwear she insisted on.
The final components of the ensemble are the gold bracelet and the small purse that cost more than what I owe in student loans. But again, I wasn’t allowed to refuse, and since Ebba was in control of Noah’s card, there was no way around it.
I’m so focused on not falling on the steps that lead out of the hotel that it takes a moment for me to realize that Noah is standing at the bottom.
When I do notice him, there’s no mistaking the mix of awe and lust in his expression.
And damn, does he look good. He always does. It’s annoying. Even when he’s sweating on the courts. But tonight, he’s put in the extra effort.
He’s wearing a black button-down tucked into a pair of black dress pants with a (shocking) black belt. His hair is still damp from a shower, the ends curling at his nape. I ball my free hand into a loose fist so that I don’t reach out and tug on the strands.
“You’re stunning.”
The praise warms me from the inside out.
With a hand low on my waist, he pulls me close, and I inhale a lungful of his heady scent. “You have no idea how fucking beautiful you are.” His words are pure gravel.
I certainly feel beautiful when he looks at me like he is.
The driver opens the car door, and Noah guides me into the back seat. He waits until I’m settled before he rounds the vehicle and gets in on the opposite side.
As we pull away from the curb, I can’t help but drink in the sights. What has my life become? I’m in London, going on a date with my boss, who happens to be an incredible tennis player and adorable father.
A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined this scenario. This kind of luxury is so foreign to me. Five-star hotels and private planes don’t exist in my universe, but they do in Noah’s, and now, for some wild reason, I’m a part of that.
“What are you thinking?” he asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Nothing.” I give him a small smile and shake of my head. “Just taking it all in.”
With a hum, he sits back against the plush leather seat. “It’s a beautiful city.”
Nerves skittering, I shift to face him. “I wouldn’t be experiencing this if it weren’t for you. Thank you.”
He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Don’t get all soft on me now, Curls. I like it when you give me hell.”
“It’s true, though.” I lace my fingers in my lap and squeeze them tight. “If you hadn’t given me this job, I wouldn’t be … I never would have seen any of these places. It’s a privilege to travel like this, and I don’t take it for granted. I want you to know that.”
He dips his head in response. “I was kind of forced to give you the job, you know.”
Laughing, I duck my head. “Maddie or Fisher? Both?”
“Neither.” His expression softens. “It was you. You were the most deserving of it.”
My heart stutters, making it suddenly hard to take in a full breath.
The acknowledgment that he saw even on that first day that I was suited for this job, means so much.
Most days I feel like an impostor. Even though I hadn’t considered a position as a nanny until this landed in my lap, it’s turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Spending time with Maddie is far more rewarding than I could’ve ever thought it would be.
“At least you finally admit it,” I joke, giving his hand a small squeeze.
He laces his fingers with mine and rests our hands on his thigh.
“That you needed me,” I finish, my treacherous heart accelerating like it’s caught up in a high-speed race to see how quickly it can fly out of my chest.
He rubs his thumb gently over the tops of my fingers. “I don’t think you realize how much I do need you.” His words are so quiet they’re almost impossible to hear. “It’s terrifying.”
He holds my gaze, and I see it there. He feels this too. The tether connecting the two of us. It’s scary. I’ve never met a man who affected me the way Noah does.
I didn’t know feelings this intense were possible.
Before Maddie—the little mastermind—orchestrated this date, it would have been easy to put on the brakes, to stop things before they even get started.
And maybe we should have, because knowing that she likes the idea of her dad and me together makes the pressure of trying and failing at a relationship all the more frightening.
Noah and I aren’t the only ones at risk of being hurt if this all goes up in flames.
But based on what I’ve experienced, the risk is worth the reward. And if I end up hurt? Well, I’m used to that.
The restaurant is posh, with a sleek black marble facade. Holy hell. It’s stunning, but it had to have cost a large fortune to build.
“Wait here.” Noah slips out of the car, then opens my door with a proffered hand. “Milady.”
His attempt at a British accent is pitiful, but it helps ease some of the tension from my shoulders.
As I straighten and take in the structure again, the anxiety threatens to reappear. Based on the outside alone, I clearly don’t belong here.
I understand now Ebba’s insistence on the designer attire and her threat of tossing my boots.
The inside is just as opulent. More black marble and dark-hued wallpaper covered with flowers and golden snakes winding through and around the petals. I double-check to make sure my mouth is closed (it is) rather than gaping open as I take it all in.
As we approach the hostess desk, the woman behind it says, “Welcome, Mr. Baker. Your table is ready for you.”
Wow. The man didn’t even have to give his name.
He lets go of my hand, but only so he can slide it down to my waist and give me a gentle nudge in front of him.
The main dining area is open and dotted with tables. We pass through it until we reach the far side and the alcove there that branches out to a series of private booths.
“Enjoy.” She bows her head, then leaves us.
I slide into the booth, and when Noah slides in beside me rather than across the table, the heat of him radiating into me, I startle.
Having him this close, inhaling his delicious scent, might be too much for me.
“Where are the menus?”
His leg brushes mine as she shifts. “There’s no menu. They’ll bring one course out at a time.”
“Oh.” My cheeks heat. “I’ve never been to a place like this before.”
“It’s a new experience for me too,” he says, his hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “My kid’s favorite place in the world is the Cheesecake Factory, so experiences like this are few and far between.”
For a moment, I study our hands, his rougher, lighter skin against my softer, darker tone. “So why are we here?”
“Because you deserve a memorable night.”
I sigh, taking in his dark eyes, his dark brows, his strong nose. “I would’ve been happy with McDonald’s.”
At my poorest, there were days where I couldn’t even afford a fast-food cheeseburger.
“I’m not taking you to McDonald’s on a first date,” he scoffs. “The second one?” He quirks a brow. “Maybe.”
I laugh at his attempt at a joke.
“I thought we could try something new together. That’s all.” His look is so earnest I can’t help but melt a little.
I lean in, the privacy of the booth making me bold, and press my mouth to his.
My intention is to keep the kiss light, but before I can pull away, he threads his fingers behind my neck and holds me to him.
Even the way he kisses me is a new experience.
I’ve never been kissed like this before.
He takes his time, memorizing the taste of me with his tongue.
He’s slow and careful, but not cautious.
No, his movements are full of confidence.
He releases me, his breaths heavier than they were before. “You are perfect.”
My heart stutters as the words register.
Sure, they’re simple, and maybe, if he were another man, I’d assume that sentence was nothing more than a throw-away phrase, but with Noah, I know better. No one has ever called me perfect, and the idea that he thinks of me in such a way makes me glow inside.
Our first course appears with a soft whisper of fabric as the server sets the dishes on the table. It’s some kind of soup, served with bread and a special, delicious spread that I can’t decipher based on taste or smell.
We’ve barely finished with those when our salads arrive.
“I’m never going to be able to eat again,” I whisper. “And we haven’t even gotten to the main course.”
With an amused chuckle, he nuzzles my neck, his breath warm. “You’ll be fine.”
I’m not quite sure what to make of the man snuggled up beside me. I never would have expected him to be so touchy feely.
His lips on my neck.
His fingers grazing my wrist. Hip. Shoulder.
Every touch only makes me crave more.
“Noah,” I gasp when he nips at the place where my neck meets my shoulder.
“Sorry.” I swear that when he pulls away, his cheeks are tinged pink.
“It’s okay.” I don’t want him to feel like he can’t touch me, but I’m also getting a little too turned on, and we’re in a public setting.