30. Noah
Chapter thirty
Noah
"Ugh, shit!" I shout into the steamy bathroom. Evidence that my need for Awa remains intact swirls down the drain, and I scrub off the rest of last night with the loofah and body wash set Maya gifted me for Christmas.
This morning was weird, right? I mean, she said it was fun. She let me kiss her. But it was only on the cheek. And that hug was awkward as fuck.
I finish rinsing and step onto the shaggy rug outside my shower, rubbing on body oil before grabbing a towel.
New York hasn't caught on that it's spring, and I'll be itching by lunch if I don't properly moisturize.
As soft and supple as her skin is, I'd bet money Awa's moisture routine puts mine to shame.
Coconut oil. Maybe cocoa butter. Something that makes her smell—and taste—almost edible.
And there my dick goes again. Already half-hard when I just jerked it five minutes ago.
Maybe Awa's a witch, I chuckle to myself. She cast a spell on my dick all those years ago, and now I can't be around her, can't even smell her, without getting riled up.
I palm myself through the towel absentmindedly, falling back into the memory of last night.
The last time we came together, she was innocent, hesitant to even say "fingering" as she trembled under my touch.
Then last night, she's begging for my cum and talking about her "tight little pussy".
And she thinks we're not doing that again?
I scoff.
Good luck with that, baby. When I see her today, I'm going to remind her of just how good it is between us. How wet I can make her with just my words until she's creaming all over me again, preferably in a bed this time. Awa Faye—mean, beautiful, formidable—you are going to be mine.
Where the hell is she?!
I clench my fists and force a smile on the way to find Rory. She'll know where Awa is. Why I've been in the video village all by myself since nine this morning getting absolutely no work done.
Rory's exiting the production trailer when I find her, and I do my best not to snarl.
"Hey, Rory! How's it going?" That's good. Don't be a psycho, Noah.
"Uh…It's going fine, Noah. How about you?"
Her face is equal parts amused and confused. OK, so obviously I missed "normal" and "natural" by about a mile. I clear my throat and try again.
"Good. Good. Have I told you you're doing an amazing job managing everything? I've heard from cast and crew alike that this is one of the most organized productions they've ever worked on."
She rolls her eyes and starts walking back to the soundstage.
"What do you want, Noah? Shooting resumes in ten minutes."
I break into a jog to stay beside her.
"Nothing major," I answer, panting now. She's faster than she looks! "I just noticed Awa isn't here today and wanted to make sure nothing happened."
She stops so suddenly, I almost run into her. I straighten my suit and look up to find her assessing me, eyes twinkling. Here we go.
"Why, Noah," she says, her voice teasing. "What makes you ask about Awa? Could it be that you're harboring the tiniest crush on the dazzling attorney?"
Dammit, this is exactly why I put off asking until lunch. I was trying to keep my cool, play it nonchalant. But one hour late turned into three, and how the hell am I supposed to woo her if she's not even freaking here?!
"It's nothing like that," I lie through my teeth. "I just thought we were both here for the duration of principal photography. Did something change?"
Rory smirks but resumes walking, this time slow enough that I don't have to run to keep up.
"No, nothing happened. She said one of her other clients needed her and she'd probably have to cut down on site visits. Why don't you give her a call? Unless you don't have her number…"
"I have her number," I protest without thinking.
Her look turns sly, and I brace myself for more teasing. It seems my new sister-in-law is just as bad as my brothers when it comes to busting my balls.
"If you have her number, then there's no reason you need to ask me where she is, is there?"
I curse under my breath. Awa only gave me her number last night in case we got separated during the event and wanted to share her car again. I doubt she expects me to call her call her. Rory laughs at my apparent distress, and I sigh.
"Fine, Rory," I mutter. "I like her—"
"I knew it!" she interrupts triumphantly.
"But I don't want to scare her off by coming on too strong," I insist, and she nods encouragingly. "Is there any way you could keep this between us? I'm not trying to have everyone telling my business before there's even anything to tell."
She mimes locking her mouth with a key, but I'm still doubtful. She became my sister the moment Henry and Camila said "I do", but does that automatically mean I can trust her?
"Your secret's safe with me, brother."
I grin. I guess I'm not the only one fumbling through the new family dynamic.
With a parting wink, she's off toward the stage, directing several crew members as she passes. I make my way back to the village, phone already in hand.
Awa Faye
Hey, Awa. Is everything good? I noticed you weren't on set.
I snort at my lie. I may as well give up playing it cool; I'm officially jonesing for Awa Faye. When the three dots appear indicating she's writing a message, my heart rate picks up.
Awa Faye
Awa Faye: Everything's fine. I just had to touch base with another client. You know how it is.
I do indeed.
I grit my teeth before pressing send because there's no non-thirsty way to ask this:
Awa Faye
Do you think you'll be back on set tomorrow, or is it more serious?
The three dots take longer to appear this time, and I want to kick myself. This is karma for college. I left her hanging, and now she's leaving me on read.
Awa Faye
Awa Faye: I'm probably going to cut back on my time on set. Tabitha and Yong-rae are getting along, and the partners are breathing down my neck.
Awa Faye: It was fun, but it's time to get back to reality.
It's hard not to feel defeated when she confirms she won't be around as much, but she has a point.
Things are settled down here. There's barely a reason for me to be here, let alone a lawyer.
They aren't usually on set unless there's some sort of legal emergency or a risky situation where liability comes into play.
Babysitting a high-maintenance client hardly qualifies.
But if we're not on set together, will we still get to hook up after hours?, the voice in my head asks. He might be right, but he must not know how desperate that makes me look. We hooked up last night, and I'm already trying to set up a repeat?
Fuck it. I know I said things wouldn't change between us, but that wasn't true in college and it damn sure isn't true after having the best sex of my life. I gather my courage and hit send on my text.
Awa Faye
If you won't be around anymore, how am I going to get my Awa fix?
Or did you really think last night was a one-time deal?
My phone buzzes in my hand before I can even send the evil smile emoji.
Awa Faye
Awa Faye: You're craving me again so soon? I thought for sure you could wait until the weekend. ;-)
Fuck. Yes! My fingers race across my phone screen so fast, I'm surprised it's not smoking.
Awa Faye
No way, baby. I can't wait until the weekend.
Not after I tasted heaven.
I laugh when she sends me the eyes rolling emoji. So fucking mean. I'm going to stick my dick right in that smart mouth of hers the next time I see it.
Awa Faye
Awa Faye: Flattery will get you everywhere as long as you can back it up when I'm free in a few days.
I want to punch the folding table in front of me, but take a deep breath instead.
Awa Faye
A few days? But what am I supposed to eat while you're gone? I'll starve!
Awa Faye: OMG, Noah! You are too much. LOL.
Awa Faye: I'm in LA to close a deal, but I'll be back on Friday. Until then, you'll just have to settle for craft services.
Why would I settle for sandwiches and potato chips when what I really want is another taste of your chocolate lava cake?
Someone pats me on the back, and I nearly jump out of my skin.
"Yong-rae!" I sputter. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"My bad," he says, smiling a bit too wide. Did he see what I was typing? Nah. I was careful. "Just stopping by to say hi to my favorite talent agent."
"I better be your only talent agent," I answer, pushing him in the direction of the stage. "Now get over there before you're late."
He gives me a tiny salute before walking off, and I immediately open my phone again. Awa's about to find out that my dirty talking skills don't hold a candle to my sexting game. Next time, she'll think twice before pulling a Cinderella act when things are finally starting to get good.