Chapter seven

I was a little nervous about going to a private party with a client I’d practically kissed senseless. My bosses would be furious if they ever found out. I had refused to think about having anything to do with Noah, but my body had other plans. Everything about him made me tingle, made me feel alive.

I put the finishing touches on my makeup. I wore a flowery dress, and my curls were neatly pulled into a ponytail, courtesy of Dawn, who had made sure I looked my best.

But something didn’t feel right. I wasn’t of his world. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong here. What was I even doing?

My phone rang—it was Noah.

“I’m downstairs, Amelia. You ready?”

“Yes, give me a minute,” I replied, arranging my vanity with the phone pressed to my ear.

I headed to the lobby and there he was—Noah Prescott—looking like a sculpture carved by a god. His black tailored suit fit him perfectly, his dark hair in place, that impossible face of his… I wanted my tongue all over it. Control yourself, Amelia.

He saw me and smiled. I walked toward him, my heart hammering. When I reached him, silence fell between us.

“You look beautiful… and so ravishing,” he said, his eyes roaming over me, sending heat rushing to my cheeks.

“As do you,” I replied.

“Okay, let’s go,” he said, pointing to a Lamborghini parked nearby.

“You own that?” I asked, impressed. I hadn’t ridden in one in a long time.

“Yes… among others,” he said with a wink, opening the door for me.

I slid in beside him, heart racing, and we drove off.

As we approached his driveway, the sound of chatter and music floated to us. I took a deep breath and slid out of the car, taking his hands in mine.

“They’ll love you,” he whispered. “Nothing to be afraid of.”

I nodded. Let’s get this over with.

He led me through the grand hallway into a sunlit dining room where family and friends had gathered. Warm greetings echoed around me. His mother smiled, his younger sister gave me a teasing grin, and friends casually chatted, wine glasses in hand.

Noah guided me gently to his side. “This is Amelia Monroe,” he introduced to his friends and some colleagues. “She’s been handling some of my investments.”

“Welcome, Amelia,” his mother said softly. “We’ve heard so much about you.”

“Thank you,” I said politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

The evening carried on smoothly. Noah never left my side. Glances, small touches of his hand brushing mine… the electricity was palpable. His sister’s mischievous look hinted she was subtly interrogating me, but Noah’s protective eyes made my pulse race.

After meeting most of his family, Noah excused himself for a meeting. I wandered through the house and eventually found myself in the backyard garden. A voice beside me startled me.

“And you must be the lovely Amelia.”

I turned to see a very pretty woman—brunette, white-tan skin, brown eyes, high cheekbones. Definitely someone you’d feel insecure around.

“Yes, and you are…?”

“Forgive my manners. I’m Sadie, executive assistant to Noah Prescott,” she said, extending her hand.

I shook it politely. “Nice to meet you.” She didn’t smile.

“I was honestly wondering what your relationship with my boss is. I thought he was a client of yours,” she said, a hint of ice in her voice.

“Yes, he is a client, but this is just a friendly, harmless invitation,” I replied.

“Harmless, huh? You wouldn’t be the first he brought to these things,” she said, eyes sharp.

Why did my stomach twist?

“That must be nice,” I said, looking away.

“Noah is a very sensitive boss,” she continued, scanning me up and down. “I wouldn’t want anything to compromise his work.”

What did she want?

“Sure, of course. I’ll be heading inside now,” I said, slipping past her.

I finally found Noah in his study. His eyes met mine, and he excused himself from his meeting.

“Hey, sorry I left you alone. You good?”

“Yes, I’m fine, but it’s getting late. I should head home soon,” I said.

“Okay, give me a minute to wrap this up,” he said.

Later, I kissed goodbye to his mom and sister. Noah led me back to the car, and we drove off in silence.

“You have a lovely family,” I said.

“Yeah, I cherish them. They’re everything,” he replied.

“I’m sorry about your dad,” I said softly. “I read he was ill?”

“He was. It was a strange time for the family, but I’m glad we got through it,” he said, glancing at me.

His hand rested on my thigh, lingering there. That felt… incredible.

Soon, we arrived at my apartment.

“Here we are,” I said.

Noah reached across to help with my seatbelt—and within seconds, his mouth was on mine. Hard, fast, demanding. I melted into him instantly, taking everything he offered.

I felt the heat of his body through the thin fabric of our clothes, pressed closer, needing more. His hands slid over my curves, grounding me, making me feel like I was the only person in the world.

When he finally pulled back, just enough to look at me, his gray eyes smoldered with an intensity that left me breathless. My pulse thundered in my ears.

“Amelia…” he murmured.

I leaned in for more, I wanted more, I blamed this move on the way too many champagne I had at the party.

He responded back, groaning in pleasure and deepening our kiss, his mouth trailed my neck and stopped at my chest.

“Go upstairs before something we’d regret happens,” he whispered, his voice rough.

I nodded, too stunned to speak, and went up to my apartment.

Second time or coincidence? Either way, his kisses had made me heady, drunk on desire… and I wanted more.