Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“Forget something?” Noah holds up a key.
I don’t care that I feel like a fool and probably look like one too, with my sweating body and red cheeks, my hair a mess, and that I’m only dressed in a towel in public. I run and jump into his open arms and wrap my legs around him. Our lips collide along with our bodies. But when we part, he’s the only thing I see and the only one for me. “I don’t need time to think about it. I already know that I want us to move in with you.”
His smile wins my heart all over again. “You sure?”
“Never been more so in my life. I want us to be together all the time.”
The ding of the elevator has him moving us off to the side and trying to cover me, but the sudden shift tugs on my towel, forcing it to the floor. “Ack!” I practically climb into this man, using his suit as my shield and hiding myself the best I can. “Please tell me no one—”
“Be still.”
I hear the clomp of shoes across the stone floors, then the door opening, letting the sounds of the city invade before it closes and goes quiet again.
“Close call, but he couldn’t see anything.” Noah bends down and grabs the towel. “You’re lucky it’s before morning rush hour.” He’s wrapping the towel around me as we shuffle back to the elevator.
“I’m lucky for more reasons than that.” I punch the button since his hands are full of me at the moment. “What took you so long anyway if no one was on the elevator with you?”
“I heard you call my name, so I got off on the next floor and ran up the stairs.”
I huff. “We must have just missed each other.”
“If it matters, and it always does, you made excellent time.” I start laughing as he kisses my head. He holds me so tight that I don’t even care if someone sees me half-naked.
I have this man’s love, and I know I can trust him with my life. I still have to laugh at myself. “What floor are you on again? Just in case I decide to try to beat my own record.”
“I’m hoping next time will include clothes. I’m too fucking jealous to handle guys seeing my girl.”
“Your girl, huh?”
“Yep,” he says proudly. The doors open, and we let a few people off before stepping onto the elevator. As soon as we’re alone again, he says, “And I’ve been yours since the moment we met.”
The elevator opens back on my floor, and he unlocks my apartment. While I stand inside the doorway, he remains outside. This reminds me of when we were first dating. It’s not so long ago that I can’t forget that there’s been nothing expected about our chosen path. “I’ve loved every minute with you since.”
“I love you.” I may have had my breath stolen away by that confession, but I’ve never seen him look so determined. “I love you, Liv. I’ve loved you all along.”
“I still haven’t had caffeine.” He grins, comfortable in his stance to rush me in mine. “Screw it.” I throw my arms around him. “Who needs caffeine when I have you? I love you so much, Noah. I’ve loved you since the day I stopped hating you.”
He bursts out laughing. “What more could I ask for?” He kisses me with the passion of a thousand boyfriends, and I’m here for it. And spending my future with him.
34
Noah
Two months later . . .
“Hey, Mom.” I close the door to my apartment. “I didn’t know you were coming over.”
“Hope you don’t mind. I was in the city and stopped by to see my grandbaby.” Max has a soft spot for my mom. He’s a perfect angel for her. She jokes that he knows she can’t deal with much, so he goes easy on her. Whatever it is, it’s working for them. Their relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. The kid loves his Nana.
Even when I squat down to say hi, he’s running to her. “Nana.”
I laugh. “How fast they forget us.”
She pushes up to greet me with a hug. “Liv’s not feeling well. I ordered some soup. If I had known sooner, I would have made it for her.”
“I’m sure she appreciates it.”
“She hasn’t eaten yet. I checked on her about thirty minutes ago, but she was going to lie down. I didn’t want to disturb her again. I stayed so she could rest, and the perk is that I get to spend more time with my Max.”
Glancing toward the bedroom, I ask, “Do you mind staying with him a little longer?”
“Take your time. Max has been fed, and I already bathed him. I’m in no hurry. I’m staying with Lark and Harbor for the rest of the week. We’re on baby watch.”