Chapter 10
NOAH
One year ago…
Cody, being the youngest, experiencing history being made; Mark, the oldest, getting the recognition he deserves; and Taylor, overcoming an injury to see it all through. Sean, completing his run without any hiccups, is the icing on the cake.
Cameras are flashing while reporters lean over the barriers, trying to get someone to speak with them about our victory. Nothing else matters.
I grab the lucky son of a bitch by his face. “You did it, you crazy fuck!”
He kisses my head. “We did it, you bastard!”
Sean’s score is announced, giving him an eighty-five out of a hundred.
He’s getting his first silver medal, and tomorrow, I’ll be competing for first place.
It’s kismet.
Coach Jones comes barreling down, pushing his way through the crowd, gripping Sean's shoulders, shaking him. “I knew you could do it!”
We cheer, arms around each other’s shoulders, jumping together and chanting our team mantra.
We’re taking the party back to our rooms.
“Noah!” Olivia waves her hands above her head, dark hair and eyes striking against the snow. I maneuver my way to her, picking her up and swinging her around, kissing that red, lipstick mouth.
She giggles, ruffling my hair. “I’m so proud of you!”
I kiss her again, deeply, not giving a shit that the crowd around us can see me shove my tongue into her mouth. She returns the kiss with just as much force, our bodies pressed tightly together.
Coming up for air, I scoop her in my arms, while she laughs and swats at my chest. “Noah! What are you doing!”
I smile down at her, her lipstick ruined, knowing most of it is on my face. “We’re celebrating, baby! Party back at our place!”
She snuggles her face in my neck as we make our way back to the suites, getting ready for a night of celebration and good company with my girl by my side.
I’m pretty fucking drunk, and somehow I’ve managed to remain standing, high-fiving anyone who cheers my name.
The euphoria of winning resulted in Sean and me doing a keg stand, then playing flip cup.
At some point, I stumble upon Coach asleep outside on a patio chair.
The old fart takes one shot and falls right to sleep.
I guess being thirty-four years old and dealing with us does that to you.
The guys are scattered around our suite, talking it up with friends and other members of our team. Olivia is nowhere to be found, having gotten a drink maybe an hour ago and never returned.
My drunk ass decides to make it my mission to find my girlfriend and make love to her.
Fuck, I love her.
I check my bedroom first, only to find it empty. Frowning, I mosey my way over to Sean's room, seeing him not too long ago enter, wondering if maybe he’s seen her.
My hand grasps his doorknob, and being drunk, I barely get it open, stumbling inside.
“Heyyyyy, Sean, have you seen—” My heart drops, the beer bottle I’m holding falling from my hands and hitting the floor, beer splashing at my shins, soaking my jeans.
Long, dark hair cascades down her back, her hands splay across his chest as she rides him, moaning his name with each thrust. Sean grips her ass, moving her faster.
Beer threatens to come up as I stumble back, hitting my shoulder against the door, knocking shit over.
Olivia turns around, eyes wide, and halts her movements. “Shit, fuck, Noah.”
Sean peeks around, pushing her off. “Goddamnit!”
I’m already out, trying to get away from them, pushing through teammates, hands shaking, my mind replaying it over and over again.
“Noah!” Sean calls. I keep moving toward the front door, swallowing back excessive saliva so I don’t puke.
This can’t be fucking happening.
I’m almost there, inches from escaping, when Sean slides to block the door. “Noah, please listen.”
My steps retreat, bumping into someone. “No, Sean, fuck off right now.”
“Noah.” Goddamn Olivia. Her quiet voice shreds another piece of my heart, until scraps are left, barely enough to repair.
She broke me in those few moments of giving herself to Sean, and there’s nothing either of them can say to fix the damage they caused.
I barely give her a glance, Sean pushing me back into the room. Music starts to die, it’s quiet, all eyes on us, while I try not to lose my shit.
Sean holds up his hands. “Noah, we can explain.”
“How? Did she trip and fall on your dick?” I scoff. “She cheated, and it had to be with my best fucking friend!”
I’m seeing red, my fists clenched at my sides. He takes another step closer. I’ll knock him out. To hell with the repercussions.
“We’ve wanted to tell you for a while.” He’s inching closer, hands still raised in defense.
“When? Before or after you fucked her god fucking knows how many times?” My words are harsh, venomous, striking out to hit him where it hurts.
“It’s wrong, and I’m drunk, and it’s no excuse for how you found out, and I should’ve told you sooner.” Sean tries to reach for me, but Olivia comes into view, blocking his path, and it takes every part of me not to break down and fall to my knees. Because I love—loved her, so goddamn much.
Tears fall from her dark eyes, and her bottom lip quivers as she hugs herself. “Noah, I’m so sorry.”
How can I go on when the two people I loved the most ripped out my beating heart?