My heart hammers against my ribs as I type out a message, then delete it. I type another, then delete that one too.
Finally, I force myself to just send something before I can overthink it into oblivion.
Me:Are you awake? I wanted to apologize for how I've been acting.
I immediately regret it. It sounds so stiff and formal, like I'm writing a business email instead of reaching out to the man who made me come so hard I saw stars.
Before I can send a follow-up, three dots appear.
My breath catches.
Noah:I'm awake. And you don't need to apologize, but I'm listening if you want to talk.
Of course Noah would say something like that. The man is too good to be true. Patient and kind and steady in a way that makes a tiny part of me ache to lean on him a little.
I type and delete several responses before settling on, well, the truth.
Me:I panicked. After Mitchell showed up, after what he said… I didn't know how to react. I was ashamed and scared and I took it out on you by shutting you out. I'm sorry.
The response comes quickly.
Noah:Rika, you don't have anything to be ashamed of. Mitchell is a piece of shit who managed to lose the most amazing woman in the world. None of what he said is true.
Tears prick my eyes. I blink them back, throat tight.
Then another message appears.
Noah:I know the kids come first. I'm not asking for anything you can't give. But I need you to know I want a real chance when you're ready. No pressure. Just… when you're ready.
I stare at the screen, my vision blurring. The relief is so intense it's almost painful.
My fingers shake as I type.
Me:What if I'm ready now?
Long pause. My heart pounds so hard I can feel it in my throat.
Noah:Are you sure?
I bite my lower lip, desire pooling hot and insistent in my belly.
Me:I've been thinking about the last time you were in my room. So much that I can't sleep.
Three dots. Then…
Noah:I can help you with that.
Heat floods my body, making my wings flutter against the mattress. My fingers shake as I type.
Me:How do you propose to help me?
Noah's reply is immediate.
Noah:Why don't you come down here so I can show you?
Oh.
Oh.
