My phone rings on one of the boxes next to me. Noah looks up inquisitively as I answer the call.
“What’s up, lady?”
“I’m calling to confirm that we are in fact partying our asses off for your birthday in a few weeks,” Gwen asks. “I haven’t seen much of you these last few weeks now that you're busy helping Noah move.”
“I don’t know about a party. Some ideas have been thrown around, but nothing is set in stone,” I explain.
“That’s not what your boyfriend’s man-whore of a best friend said.”
“You’re talking to Rex? Since when do you ever talk to Rex?” I ask.
“He called me this morning. I guess a party in your honor is being thrown at that damn club he owns. He left a message saying under the circumstances he had to invite me, the ass,” Gwen harshly adds.
“Well, I talked to Rex about it, but I hadn’t said yes to anything. I thought maybe Noah and I might just have a quiet night alone,” I suggest, knowing there is bound to be a fight from Gwen. “Or maybe we could just do something small …”
“Oh hell no,” she shouts, cutting me off. “This man can have you every day of the week, practically every day of the month, but there is no way in hot hades that he is taking you from me on your birthday. Tell him to back the hell off!”
I laugh. Gwen is right. I have been secluding myself a lot lately.
“It wasn’t his idea, it was mine,” I explain. “But if you want me that bad, I’m all yours.”
“Damn straight you are,” Gwen shouts. “Besides, it’s been way too long since we had a night out together.”
“Gwen, every time I see you, it’s a party,” I laugh
“That’s because I’m so damn fun,” she sasses, then hangs up, leaving me giggling to myself.
“What was that about?” Noah asks, coming closer. He hands me a beer that I take willingly.
“Gwen wants to go out for my birthday. She says Rex is throwing some party at Gatsby’s for me.”
“I know, I’m the one that asked him to do it,” Noah says, smiling.
“You? But why?”
“You come alive when you’re in a group of people, Eva. Don’t get me wrong, I like having you all to myself, too. But there is something that takes my breath away about you when we are all together. You steal the show, and damn, it’s sexy as hell to watch, knowing that I’m the one that’s taking you home and you are all mine. Plus, it’s your birthday. I wanted to throw you a big celebration, marking the first of many we will hopefully spend together,” Noah says, taking a long sip of beer.
“Are you already planning our life together, Mr. Stewart,” I tease.
Noah’s eyes shine. He looks at me like he has a secret. It’s a secret I want to know, but one I’m also afraid to find out.
“If you’ll let me,” he grins.
Shakily, I ignore his comment, and give him a smile that I hope doesn't come across as forced as it feels. This is moving too fast. Sure, I’m enjoying myself with him. But futures means plans.
Turning my attention back to my work, I start to unpack another box of clothing. Setting his beer down, he grabs me from behind, he nestles his lips against the side of my neck.
“We don’t have to go if you really don’t want to,” he whispers before planting tender kisses against my neck.
“If you keep kissing me like that, I’ll do anything you ask,” I admit, even though I’m still slightly shaken with how fast my life’s changing.
Noah laughs. It vibrates on my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
“I’m serious, Eva. If you don’t want to go, we can stay home. I can think of a million things I can do to you here that I can’t do to you there.” Noah’s voice grows heavy, passionate, and I brace myself against a box. “Then again, I can think of a few things I want to do to you there in a dark corner,” he says with a low suggestive growl. “Fuck you hard and fast, with the risk that someone is watching.”
His hands trail to my center, and he gropes me hungrily.
“No,” I pant, as he massages my clit and sends my head spinning. “I want to go, it would be … good to see everyone,” I admit through rushed breaths.
