Chapter 24 Noah
Twenty-Four: Noah
My Person - Spencer Crandall
Connor side-eyes me as Audrey and I saunter into the lobby, my arm thrown over her shoulder and her arm wrapped around my waist.
I don’t care about much of anything, because that was the best fifteen minutes of my entire life.
Audrey untangles herself from me when we reach the team bus. “Don’t let me ruin tradition.”
I look down at her with a wide smile. Growing up, Connor and I convinced each other that sitting together on the bus to and from games was lucky and since being back on the same team again, we’ve kept the tradition alive.
“You sure?”
“Of course, Noah. I won’t ever get in the way of you guys.”
Audrey heads towards Sam’s wife and the two of them head onto the bus together.
Connor looks a bit shocked when I approach his seat and sit down. “Dude, she loves you, she won’t ever mess with your rituals—or mine. You know that better than anyone.”
“If she does, just know I’ll find some way to get her back,” Connor jokes, but I know he values Audrey respecting our traditions. I don’t want him thinking he’ll suddenly be a third wheel or be cast aside.
I pat his shoulder. “You and I were best friends first, and it’ll be that way forever, okay?”
Connor smirks at me, but I see appreciation in his eyes. “You getting soft on me, Noah?”
“Can a man not tell another man that he loves him to pieces without judgment?” I tease and a few of the guys around us laugh.
Connor groans but when the attention dies down he smacks my chest. “I love you too, for what it’s worth. And I’m happy for you both.”
Once everyone is settled on the bus and we start moving, I ask Connor, “Do you think she’ll stay … permanently?”
Connor doesn’t meet my eye, and I can tell he has the same question in his head.
“I want her to. She gave up her apartment and a U-haul dropped stuff off at my house yesterday morning. I know if you asked her to stay, she would. But I want her to figure things out on her own, no matter how okay she feels about the breakup.”
I know he’s right about that. I peek a few rows away, where Audrey is chatting with a few of the guys on the team, and can’t help but smile.
“Does she know yet?” Connor asks.
“Know what?”
“That you still love her, duh. It’s clear as day. Has been since we had dinner with her and dickwad.”
I duck my head. I wonder if Paul or Audrey noticed anything that night. “When I put her coat on for her it felt like I was committing adultery or something.”
Connor snorts before turning to face me. “You’re a good guy.”
Sam turns around in the row ahead of us. “You guys are being way too sentimental and emotional right now. If you don’t stop, I might start professing my love to the entire bus.”
We all laugh and when Audrey peeks over her shoulder at me I know without a doubt, we’re going to win the game tonight.
Three home runs. A new personal record for me. I wish she was down in the front row for me to look towards and not up in one of the family boxes. Regardless, tonight I played better than I’ve ever played before and I know it’s because of her.
The team insists we go out to celebrate our victory. Connor texts Audrey to let her know the plan and she tells him she’ll go change at the hotel with the others and meet us at the bar.
Adam rides in a taxi with Connor and I. We spend the drive talking about the game tonight while I stare down at my phone at a text.
Auddie: If I get tipsy tonight, I’m sorry. Mel opened the whiskey.
Noah: I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry, baby.
Audrey: I love you calling me baby.
Audrey: Also, whiskey makes me frisky.
Noah: Well then drink up ;)
Audrey: Noah Benson. Behave.
Noah: What’re you wearing tonight?
Audrey: A red dress.
Noah: Red lipstick?
Audrey: Yes.
Noah: Then there’s no chance in hell I’m behaving.
Audrey: See you in fifteen xx
Fuck. I’m in trouble.
I try to pay attention to Connor’s words but it’s hard to focus knowing what I’ll be up against tonight.
When we get to the bar, we move towards where a few of the team members have snagged a table and grab beers, but my eyes are glued to the front entrance.
As if the universe timed her entrance with the strobe lights and song change, Audrey saunters into the club with the other women, but all I can focus on is her.
I was not mentally prepared for her dress. She looks like a goddess and it takes everything in me not to jump her bones when she reaches me, especially since the neckline has my eyes dropping to her chest.
She smiles up at me with bright eyes, beaming at me. “Hi.”
I just stare at her, open mouthed. The music feels too loud, the room too crowded. I want to reach out to her. But I know if I touch her skin, I’ll want to devour her.
Our eyes lock for a moment before the others pull her onto the dance floor. They all dance around to the music. Audrey’s eyes stay on mine the whole time, a mischievous smile on her face.
She’s commanding attention from me and it’s working.
I take a long sip of my drink before placing it on the table and moving towards the dance floor. The song shifts to something sultry at the exact moment I slide behind her.
Her hips sway in time to the music, and she moves to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck. My hands grip her hips, pressing her against me. We dance in a slow rhythmic movement, eyes locked on each other.
It’s like nobody else exists in the room but us.
“You’re a good dancer,” she whispers in my ear.
“You are too. I may have to make clubbing a normal part of my routine now. Especially if you’re going to wear red lipstick every time.”
“I can wear it every day.”
“I don’t think I’d be able to focus on anything but you.” I groan against her neck before peppering kisses against the skin.
“Isn’t that kind of the idea?” she teases, sliding her hand along my spine.
She has a point.