Chapter 44
Iwalk up to the apartment, eager to hang with the guys while Dylan is out on her date with Noah.
As soon as I walk in, Jayden snaps his head towards me. “There he is! The man with the master plan for his upcoming date with our girl.” Jayden grins and fist bumps me in greeting.
Killian gives me a nod from where he lays sprawled out on the couch. “We figured you’d want to strategize about how to sweep Dylan off her feet after Noah kept her out way past curfew last night. They’re still out. Would you believe it?”
I scoff as I plop down in the overstuffed recliner. “That wasn’t part of the rules we all agreed on… it’s meant to be an evening date only, right?”
Jayden nods. “Of course he would force her to choose between us and then make his own rules. Typical Noah bullshit. It’s like he thinks he’s better than the rest of us.”
“Yeah, he’s always been a sneaky one when it comes to getting his way.” I shake my head.
Killian sits up, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But who knows...maybe this extra time with Dylan will make Noah realize that sharing her is better than losing her for good.”
“I hope so, because I’m not ready to give her up yet, not when things are just getting interesting between all of us.” I crack my knuckles, gearing up mentally for planning the perfect date. “So, what do you guys think I should do to sweep Dylan off her feet tomorrow night?”
Jayden launches into an elaborate plan involving a hot-air balloon ride, while Killian advocates for a more relaxed picnic in the park approach. I listen to their suggestions with amusement, already having crafted a night that Dylan will never forget. Noah may have gotten extra time last night and this morning, but tomorrow night is my turn to show Dylan just how much I care about her. I can’t wait to surprise her and watch her melt in my arms.
I nod along as Jayden and Killian bounce ideas back and forth, only half listening as I mull over my own plans for the date.
“So, what do you think they’re doing? Where do you think he took her?” Killian asks. It’s a question we’re all thinking about.
“Knowing Noah, he probably took her to that new fancy French place downtown,” Jayden says. “All tiny portions and snobby waiters.”
Killian chuckles. “Yeah, I can just imagine him trying to impress her by ordering fancy shit like escargot and foie gras, but mispronouncing all the menu items.”
Their joking eases the tension that has been building while we wait for their return. I knew Killian and Jayden are both just as anxious as I am to find out what’s happened between the two of them. There is still a risk that Noah has a diabolical plan to sweep her off her feet without the rest of us being a factor in his plans.
“There’s definitely more to Noah than his serious, stoic exterior,” I chime in. “He has a playful side too, from what I can tell… it’s just… obscured by his alpha male act.”
Jayden and Killian turn to me in surprise.
“No way, you’ve seen that side of him, too?” Jayden asks incredulously. “I thought he just saved it for us roommates.”
I nod. “Yeah, I have. Occasionally, at practice, he’ll let the shield down. Only ever for a moment, and then he’s back to the Mr. Alphahole act. But when it comes to Dylan, it happens more often. I’ve seen the way he looks at her sometimes when he thinks no one’s watching. There’s a heat there that suggests there are some...skills he keeps hidden.”
“Huh,” Killian raises an eyebrow. “Maybe he does have some tricks up his sleeve.”
“No matter what tricks Noah might have, I’ve got plenty of my own to make Dylan forget all about her date with him,” I say with a grin.
Jayden and Killian laugh, the mood lightening as we speculate on the passion Noah likely unleashed on Dylan the night before. But tomorrow night she’s mine, and if all goes my way, Noah will be nothing but a distant memory.
Killian claps me on the back. “That’s the spirit, Kai. Bring your A-game tomorrow.” He pauses, then continues. “You know, this is just so weird. But with you guys, I don’t feel threatened… not because I don’t think either of you has just as good of a chance of stealing her away as I would. I just… know you care about her as much as I do, and that makes me happy.”
Jayden and I both nod in unspoken understanding.
I smile, envisioning the romantic surprises I have planned for Dylan. “I just hope she’s not too worn out from whatever Noah did to her last night and this morning. I’d hate for my plans to fall flat if she’s already satisfied.”
“Doubtful,” Jayden says, rolling his eyes. “Noah may have stamina, but he doesn’t have a ton of creativity. I’m sure you’ll blow her mind.”
“I hope so.” I laugh. “She deserves to be swept off her feet. And I intend to do just that.”
Just then, the apartment door swings open and Dylan stumbles in, her hair mussed and lips swollen. Noah follows close behind, a strange dominant energy emanating from him.
“Well, well, look who finally decided to come home,” Jayden says sarcastically.
Dylan flushes. “Sorry, we just lost track of time and…” she pauses and glances at Noah shyly, “he had some special things planned that took a little longer than expected.” Her cheeks flush.
“I bet you did,” Killian mutters under his breath.
Noah shoots him a glare before turning to Dylan. “I should get ready for practice. I’m going to go shower. But I’ll see you soon.” He pulls her in for a searing kiss before leaving abruptly.
Dylan stares after him, touching her fingers to her lips. I feel a flare of jealousy, but also anticipation of our date. I’m more determined than ever to make her forget all about Noah.
“So,” I say lightly. “How was it?”
Dylan turns to me, her eyes shining. “Incredible. He’s full of surprises. Not at all what I expected…”
I grin. “Well, I’m glad you like surprises. Because I’ve got a few of my own...”