Chapter 24
Liv
I almost asked Noah to come with me to drop Maxwell at my mom’s. I don’t know why I didn’t, other than I’ve had so much happen in the past forty-eight hours that I really don’t want to do the introduction dance today.
It’s just easier and quicker if I go alone while he heads to his place. Though I did give him a key just in case he was done before I was and arrived at my apartment before I did.
In the cab, I let my mind wander. Life throws me curveballs, but I’ve never been a better catcher than I have this weekend.
Sure, I have momentary lapses, letting fear get the best of me, but they’re short-lived, and Noah’s been right there to reassure me.
Nothing is how I predicted it would be with him, and having that weight of guilt off my conscience is glorious.
He knows what I’ve kept a secret from part of my world.
My mom remarked that I have a glow about me. That was followed by a “use protection” talk. I opened a can of worms this morning on our call. Now she won’t stop talking about sex. What have I done? I shake my head but also laugh.
That conversation has me thinking about the future. Do I want more kids? Do I want more kids with Noah? We have a solid month’s supply of condoms in the nightstand drawer, but will we be together to use them?
Although I know it’s too soon to think about a relationship, I can’t say I don’t want more kids.
Giving Max . . . oh wow. Noah’s rubbing off on me.
Giving Maxwell a sibling is something I wouldn’t mind doing.
I don’t have any brothers or sisters, and it would have been nice to have that built into my life.
But it’s the way Noah’s supported me and Maxwell since the moment he found out that has opened me to possibilities I didn’t know existed before Friday night.
Walking into the lobby of my building, I add his name to my guest list, giving him twenty-four seven access to stop by or come over anytime.
As Maxwell’s father, he should have that right.
As my . . . I’m not sure what he is. I think he’d flip out if I called him a coworker at this point.
He’s clearly more than that. He’s more than Maxwell’s father as well.
I’m just not sure what he is in my life.
Yet.
I’m feeling optimistic, but the yet lingers up to my floor. I don’t know if we’re going out as friends tonight or if it’s a date. Either way, I’m hoping it will help us determine more of our role in each other’s lives.
Form-fitting black dress.
Heels that will turn a certain someone’s head.
I see how Noah eyes my legs and lower. He appreciates the effort I make to wear gorgeously made shoes. But I have a feeling he would like to appreciate them in the bedroom. I need to fulfill that fantasy and wear nothing but my sexiest heels.
When my hair is styled and my makeup is done, I stand in front of the mirror.
I’m overdressed for three thirty in the afternoon, but with a long drive ahead, I figure my makeup will lighten over the hours and my hair will relax, hopefully making it perfect by the time we arrive.
I should probably wear something more comfortable in the car, but the last thing I want to do is change clothes in a gas station bathroom.
So this is it. And I feel amazing.
Resting my hand on the bed, I lift my foot and slip on one platform heel. “You’re a gorgeous woman, Liv, but wow. You’re breathtaking tonight.” His dulcet tones warm me through like a sip of whiskey. When I turn back, I see Noah standing in the doorway admiring me.
I drop down on the foot without a heel to catch my balance before lifting that leg again to stand like a flamingo. My cheeks still heat, and putting on my shoe is a good distraction. “I see the key came in handy.”
“It did.” He comes toward me with a confident swagger to his steps. Dressed in all black, from the dress pants to the button-up and even the large watch wrapped around his wrist, he’s drool-worthy.
Not a hair is out of place despite the concerted effort to make it look like he might have rolled out of bed looking like that. He didn’t shave, and I’m not one bit upset remembering how that jaw scraped deliciously along my inner thighs this morning.
I wobble while trying to balance, but he’s quick and supports me by the arm. “Gotcha,” he says, chuckling. “Here, sit and let me put your shoe on.”
Moving to the edge of the bed, he kneels and holds me by the ankle, running the tips of his finger along the arch of my foot before retracing with kisses. Goose bumps strike like wildfire across my skin, making me wonder if I should convince him to spend the night in instead.
He says, “You make me want to skip the play.”
I laugh out loud. “I was just thinking the same, but I think we should go for your sister.”
“I know you’re right, but I might need a few minutes to get past this erection.”
With his eyes focused on the task of slipping the heel onto my foot, he replies, “You’re incredibly sexy.”
It’s a victory—small in nature—but a compliment from him is always a win. And I think I have him figured out. He is solidly into the whole sex kitten look.
After slipping the other shoe onto my foot, he stands and then helps me to my feet, bringing me into his arms. It’s a slow dance—holding hands, eyes fixed on each other, light touches of knees bumping, sly smiles, and the giddy that’s building in my tummy. This is a date. A real one.
“I love spending time with Max, but I’ve been looking forward to spending time with you all day.” We bring our heads together and continue to sway before he adds, “But unfortunately, we do need to leave. I have a car waiting downstairs.”
“I wondered how we were getting to Beacon. It’s quite the drive.”
He leads me into the living room. “It’s not too bad, but it’s all about the adventure tonight.
” Our hands fall from each other’s, and he picks up a bouquet from the counter.
Standing in front of me with a wild mixture of varying shades of purple and mixed greenery, he hands them to me. “These made me think of you.”
“You brought me flowers?” I take them, smelling them twice, then hold them to my chest. “They’re so pretty, Noah. Thank you.” I kiss him, hoping to make him feel as good as he’s made me feel the past couple of days.
The phone in his pocket vibrates against my belly. The interruption is probably for the best, though admittedly, I’m still completely open to the idea of a last-minute change in plans.
He pulls it out and glances at the screen. With a disappointed sigh, he says, “We really need to go.”
“Let me grab my clutch.” I hurry into the bedroom and grab my phone from where it was charging. I peek down at the nightstand drawer. Should I bring a condom?
Honestly, the man makes me do crazy things. Obviously. It won’t be unwise to prepare for anything. I grab the condom and tuck it in my purse before walking back out to the flowers in a pitcher of water on the counter and Noah Westcott looking gorgeous with his arm out waiting for me.
And seeing him looking this amazing is exactly why I packed protection.
We may have done things a little out of order, but this is what dream dates are made of, and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. I take his arm, and we leave together. He locks the door and waggles his brows. “Thanks for the key.”
Standing at the elevator, I poke him in the chest with a teasing laugh. “Don’t make me regret it.”
Catching my finger, he brings the tip to his lips and kisses it. “Never.”
A driver waits at the curb in front of a black Suburban. When we reach the SUV, I lift my leg, but there’s no way without hiking my skirt that I’ll be able to get into the back seat. “This skirt is too tight for large steps.”
When the second attempt fails, I start to hike it up, but he says, “Wait.”
Scooping me into his arms, he sets me on the leather seat. “My hero,” I say, laughing. “Adventure indeed.” When we’re tucked inside, I reach across the gap between the two seats. He grasps my hand just as the Suburban weaves into the lane. “Thank you.”
“No worries.” His grin is gentler, but there’s a lofty hope hanging in his eyes. Somehow, I have a feeling it’s a reflection of mine.
“Not just for helping me into the SUV.” My heart starts racing. I take a breath and exhale. “For tonight, for this weekend, the past two nights, the mornings, and for being you.”
“Me? Hmm.” His gaze dashes away as if the words need mulling over. When he looks at me again, at our hands joined in the middle of us, he says, “You’ve been treated less than by the men in your life. I won’t do that to you. Not ever, Liv.”
I almost fill the space with a reply, but one’s not needed. I hold my tongue and take in his promise. I’m not sure if I’ll always have butterflies with him, but it feels good to be excited about someone in my life. I welcome the change.
Just as I ease in for the long ride ahead, the SUV turns off the main highway. “Where are we going?”
His gaze distances over my shoulder, and he points out the window. “There.”
When I turn, we’re traveling along a row of helicopters. Jerking my eyes back to him, I ask, “We’re taking a helicopter?”
“Figured that would be more fun and a lot faster than sitting in a car for four hours each way.”
I stare in disbelief at the sight before me. The black and gold helicopters are large, a vision of luxury even on the outside. “How long will it take us to get there?”
“Around an hour.”
Still holding hands, I rest my head back and smile. “You didn’t need a helicopter to charm me, Westcott. You were doing just fine all on your own.”
“If this can charm a Bancroft, I’m doing something right.”
If only life had been how he sees it in his rose-colored glasses. I had food and clothes; the necessities of survival were covered. But I would trade my fancy uniforms, the car I got when I turned sixteen, and even my pride for my dad’s love.
Now I’m glad I didn’t. No child should ever have to beg to be cared for.
The SUV stops, and Noah comes around to help me land on my feet. I grab my clutch in one hand. Noah holds my other tightly in his and leads me to the helicopter. We meet the small crew and prepare to board.
I hike my skirt just enough to bend my knees, sparing my knight in all black the burden of carrying me again.
Beige leather captain’s seats that recline, a charcuterie platter on a small table between us, and champagne on ice.
There’s only enough room for the large chairs and table, so the attendant pops the champagne, fills our glasses, and then shows us where the other drinks are stowed away.
The stairs are tucked in when she steps off, and the pilot asks if we’re ready.
Noah glances at me. “I’m ready. How about you?”
The question sounds loaded with possibilities. I answer honestly, “I’m ready if you are.”
He kisses my hand. “I’ve been ready for more than two years, baby.”