The memory of Noah’s lips lingered as I gently swiped my fingers across my mouth. Leaning my head gently against the door, his words flooded my head.
“You taste of honey, my sweet Grace. Your body holds my body captive.”
Shaking my head, I quickly changed and crawled into bed as Libby slept a few feet away. Closing my eyes, the only thing I could see were caramel eyes looking deep into my soul. It was as if Noah reached a part of me I had successfully buried after Michael had betrayed me and brought it back to life.
“Grace? Did you enjoy your night?”
Snapping my eyes open, my breathing picked up as my heart pounded so loud in my ears, I was sure Libby would hear it.
“I’m exhausted, Libby. We’ll talk in the morning, okay?” I said as I tried to sound as normal as possible.
Libby sighed. “Okay, Grace. Night.”
Swallowing hard, I barely spoke back. “Night.”
My insides were screaming at me to talk to Libby. I desperately wanted to ask her if she thought it was possible to fall in love with just one kiss. Rubbing my kiss-swollen lips together, I fought to hold back my tears.
It was only supposed to be a one-night stand.
That’s it.
You cannot possibly fall in love with someone just from one night. One beautiful, magical night. It felt as if I’d known Noah my whole life.
“I want to make love to you all night, Grace. Please stay with me, baby.”
Noah.
Rolling over, I pulled the covers up to my chin and pressed my lips tightly together as I tried to ignore the feelings rushing through my body.
I won’t fall in love. I can’t fall in love.
Noah’s whispered words replayed in my mind. “You truly are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever put my eyes on.”
Reaching up, I slowly wiped my tears away as I closed my eyes. No one had ever talked to me the way Noah did. The way he looked at me, as if I was the very air he breathed, had almost brought me to my knees more than once.
Noah.
Dare I open my heart to the one man who had ignited something so amazing, I felt as if I could hardly breathe? The man who held the power to completely destroy what little heart I had left.
No, I promised myself I would never open myself up to hurt again. This would have to be enough. One amazing night with Noah Bennet would have to do. I allowed myself to feel for one incredible night.
The hardest thing I had to do now was forget Noah even existed. I’d move on and keep the memory of tonight locked deep down inside.
Noah.
Who was I kidding? My body craved him just lying there. I’d forever crave the feel of his hands on my body. His tongue exploring my mouth. His words whispered against my lips.
“You’re mine now, Grace. I won’t ever let you go.”
Grace
I sat in the library as I rolled my neck around and let out a sigh. My mind had been preoccupied and I couldn’t afford to not be focused. I’d fallen behind in my classes when Lauren got sick.
Glancing back down at my book, I tried to read the words on the pages but my mind quickly drifted off to a memory of Noah and me.
Sitting back, I let the sun warm my face as Noah rowed the canoe.
“So, are you going to just sit there while I do all the work, Grace?” Noah asked in a teasing voice.
“Yep.”
Keeping my eyes closed, I could tell he had turned directions. Trying not to smile, I asked, “Are you getting tired, Noah? Was last night too much for you?”
Noah chuckled. It was the first night I’d stayed over at his apartment he shared with one other guy who also attended A&M. I wasn’t sure why I was keeping how close Noah and I were getting away from everyone. Maybe it was my way of keeping this relationship distant from my real world. That, or I didn’t feel like answering Alex, Lauren, and Libby’s constant questions.
Whatever my reasons were, I pushed it from my mind.
“Baby, you could never be too much.”
Opening my eyes, I tilted my head and gave Noah a sexy smile. As hard as I tried to keep from falling in love with him, I fell deeper every moment we spent together.
“Is that a challenge?” I asked as I leaned forward, making sure to squeeze my arms together so my breasts showed just the right amount of cleavage since I only had a tank top over my swimsuit.
Lifting his eyebrows, Noah glanced over to the shore. When I looked over my shoulder, there was a small path. Noah paddled us over and jumped out. Reaching his hand out for mine, I placed it softly in his. The rush I got just from his touch about caused me to let out a moan. Stepping up onto the shore, I watched as Noah pulled the canoe up and grabbed my hand.