Chapter 3- The Day We Met.

Olivia.

The house was finally going to be ours.

With Amelia and James spending the night at The Watergate Hotel, Noah and I would have the place to ourselves for the first time in weeks. It was about time. Really.

God, I needed this. He had seen my afflicted heart.

The past few days at work had drained every ounce of energy from me, leaving me wound so tightly I felt like I might snap. All I wanted was a quiet evening wrapped in Noah's arms—his slow kisses, his teasing smile, the comforting warmth of his body pressed against mine until all the stress melted away.

Maybe tonight would finally give us that chance. Maybe tonight was going to be that night I had been craving so badly.

I looked over at him and smiled. "Will you follow me home?"

His lips curved into the crooked grin that had always made my heart skip a beat.

"Sure," he said. "But I have to leave early tomorrow morning."

The smile slipped from my face.

"Oh?" The air from my lungs had left me empty inside.

"I forgot to tell you... I'm going out of town with my parents."

Of course he was.

I forced myself to nod, pretending the words hadn't stung. But oh, they had wounded me.

Lately, it felt like our communication had become one long series of afterthoughts. He always remembered to tell me things after he'd already made the plans. Plans that sometimes did not include me.

It wasn't the trip itself that bothered me.

It was the fact that I always seemed to find out at the last possible second.

His father had always been kind to me. Mr. Myers made me feel welcome every time we crossed paths. He always gave me the sweetest and warmest smiles.

His mother...

That was a whole another story.

No matter how polite I tried to be, I always felt invisible around her, as though my presence barely registered. She never outright insulted me, but she didn't have to. The indifference in her eyes said enough. Her gestures. Her body language. She clearly despised me.

In four years together, Noah had barely invited me to family gatherings. I'd never celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas with them. I'd never sat around their dinner table or shared one of their holiday traditions.

And if I was being honest with myself...

I blamed his mother.

Whenever Noah invited me to his parents' mansion, it was usually because they were traveling, or because his mom was out of town with her girlfriends.

I adored spending time with his younger brother, Chris. He was goofy, brilliant, and somehow just as obsessed with banana splits as I was. We had more than one thing in common. Like taking pictures of Noah when he was napping and then turning them into funny memes.

Still...

The imbalance between our families was impossible to ignore.

Noah had spent countless weekends with mine. Every summer since we started dating, he'd come to Richmond for two weeks. He'd celebrated New Year's Eve with my dad and stepmom. During our first year together, we'd drive home every six weeks just to spend the weekend with them.

When I accepted my job in Northern Virginia after graduation, he was the one who sat across from my father and promised I'd never be alone. He even helped me move into the rental house Amelia and I shared.

My family had welcomed him without hesitation.

Sometimes I wished his would do the same.

"So..." I tried to sound casual. "Where are you guys going?"

He shoved one hand into his pocket. His gaze never leaving my face. It's as if he was waiting to see pain in my eyes.

"New York," he then replied, so indifferently.

I studied him for a moment. My throat felt dried. I guess I was kind of hoping for a guilt invitation.

"Is your brother finally getting married?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.

His older brother had gotten engaged a while ago. Ironically, I hadn't heard the news from Noah.

Chris had been the one to tell me.

I'd never even met Noah's oldest brother. He'd moved to New York years earlier to run his late father's billion-dollar company after inheriting the family business. From what Noah had shared, they weren't especially close.

"They're not getting married," Noah muttered. His eyebrows knitted together.

"What happened?" my curious self asked.

He let out a humorless laugh.

"The asshole called off the engagement six months ago."

Six months?

Why was I only hearing about this now?

Probably because we never talked about him. That has to be the only explanation.

"I'm sure he had his reasons," I said quietly. "People don't usually end an engagement without one."

Noah shrugged.

Then, almost effortlessly, he changed the subject.

Again.

I noticed what he was doing immediately.

Every time I tried to circle back to his trip, he steered the conversation somewhere else. He wasn't going to tell me why he was really going to New York. I had tried.

And pushing him wasn't going to change that. If anything, it would only ruin the mood for what I had planned.

"I'll see you at home," I finally said.

Without waiting for another excuse, I climbed into my car.

Home was barely eight minutes away. One of the few perks of living in Alexandria was that everything felt close.

When I turned onto my street a few minutes later, Noah's car pulled behind me.

His black Corvette purred into the driveway beside my aging white Honda Civic, the deep growl of its engine echoing through the quiet neighborhood.

The car suited him.

Sleek.

Powerful.

Impossible to ignore.

His parents had surprised him with it after we graduated two years ago. It probably cost more than most people earned in a year.

Meanwhile, I was still driving the same Honda Civic my dad had bought me during my senior year of high school.

Not that I cared.

Dad made a very comfortable living as an attorney, but he wasn't a billionaire like Noah's parents. They owned one of the largest construction companies in the State of Virginia, and wealth had always been second nature to them.

To me, extravagance had never been important.

Besides...

I would've never let my father spend that kind of money on me.

The moment I stepped inside the house, I kicked off my heels and sighed with relief.

Finally.

Just us.

I could already picture the evening. The two of us tangled up in bed.

Or perhaps just curled up on the couch, ordering takeout for a food I would never eat because I would be too busy devouring his lips. With his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles over my half naked skin while we watched a movie neither of us would actually pay attention to.

It was embarrassing how easily that man unraveled me.

Even after four years together, the anticipation of having him all to myself still made my pulse quicken.

I turned around, expecting him to walk in behind me.

Instead...

He lingered outside.

His attention was fixed on his phone.

The screen illuminated his face for only a second before he slipped it into his pocket and walked inside.

Maybe it was work.

At least, that's what I told myself.

Funny enough...

None of this would've happened if Amelia hadn't refused to take no for an answer.

Back then, I wasn't the girl who went to football games.

Or parties.

Or anywhere crowded.

I was the girl who always had an excuse.

Homework.

Work at the small town library.

Studying.

Anything that kept me from putting myself out there.

Sometimes bullying changes the way you see things. The way you used to do things. And the way that I was a social butterfly.

By the time I reached college, I had convinced myself that keeping to my little circle was safer than risking being hurt again.

While everyone else chased memories, I buried myself in textbooks, researched graduate schools, and spent most afternoons helping my stepmother at her beauty supply store.

Honestly...

It wasn't a bad life.

Quiet people learn to find comfort in quiet places.

I remember the exact day Noah walked into my life.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

One week before Thanksgiving.

The Wolves were playing one of their biggest rivals, and after months of relentless begging, Amelia, Iris, and Caroline had finally convinced me to go. I wasn't sure if they were really into football or just the team playing that violent sport.

Or maybe...

They simply needed someone to drive them. That was my other conclusion. None of them had a car — except for me.

Either way, I surprised all of us by saying yes. Yeap, I even surprised myself.

Mostly because I was heading home to Richmond the following afternoon, and I figured one football game wasn't going to kill me. Little did I know.

"Woo!" Caroline screamed, jumping to her feet the second the team ran onto the field.

"Let's go, Wolves!" Everyone cheered. The girls were pumped by the crowd.

Her boyfriend, Steven Martinez, jogged past with the rest of the team. The muscular guy was very good-looking.

"Stevie!" she shouted at the top of her lungs. "Play your ass off, and I'll make it worth your while tonight!"

I nearly choked on my cherry lollipop.

"Caroline!" I hissed, mortified. Her dirty talk was heard all across the stadium. "There are professors sitting behind us."

She shrugged without an ounce of shame. "So?"

I swear, that girl had never been embarrassed a single day in her life.

"What about me?" A deep, playful voice drifted toward us. "If I play well, who rewards me?"

Every head in our row turned toward the field.

Number 33 had stopped only a few yards away. He rested his helmet against his hip while flashing Caroline an infuriatingly confident grin.

Caroline cupped her hands around her mouth.

"One of my girlfriends will!"

"Oh my God..." I muttered. "You did not just volunteer us," I argued.

"I absolutely did." She laughed.

Number 33 slowly looked across the four of us.

Not rushed.

Not awkward.

Patient.

Like he already knew he'd find exactly what he was looking for.

Then...

His eyes landed on me.

They stayed there.

A heartbeat longer than necessary.

"The one with the lollipop," he shouted.

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"What the hell, Caroline?" I snapped, shooting to my feet.

She caught my wrist before I could escape. "Oh, relax, Liv," she muttered. "He's just flirting." She shot me a glare.

"He'll forget all about it once the game starts."

I was literally shaking.

"I promise," she assured me.

Behind me, Iris laughed.

"Sit your stubborn ass back down," Caroline ordered.

Even Amelia was smiling. And that scared me.

Traitors!!!

I glared at all three of them before reluctantly taking my seat again.

Crossing one leg over the other, I shoved the lollipop back into my mouth with far more attitude than necessary.

If looks could kill... they were all dead. Caroline would've been buried before halftime.

The game was lit from the very beginning, but I was so invested in the little soreness I had experienced with Caroline.

I was still fuming at her for putting me on the spot like that.

Despite my protests, I couldn't stop watching the game. I was truly enjoying everyone's performance.

Football had always been our thing—my dad's and mine.

Every Sunday, we'd camp out in front of the television with bowls of popcorn and cheer for the New York Giants. Well... he cheered. I merely followed along because I adored him. Secretly, I'd always preferred the Redskins, but admitting that would've shattered his heart.

So yes...

I knew football.

And I couldn't deny that Number 33 was putting on a show. The guy was pure talent.

He was fast.

Explosive.

Every route he ran looked effortless, and every catch seemed impossible until he somehow made it look easy.

When he sprinted into the end zone and secured another touchdown, the stadium erupted. Everyone was on their feet.

Then...

He turned toward the bleachers.

Toward me.

Lifting the football, he pointed directly in my direction.

My stomach dropped.

Oh no.

Was he seriously reminding me of that ridiculous bet?

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I quickly looked away. I was sure they had noticed how blushed I was.

There was no way he actually remembered.

...Right?

Oh shit! But he did.

And he kept playing like a ferocious beast. Out there he was the prey.

And by the beginning of the fourth quarter, I'd had enough.

There was no universe in which I was sticking around to find out if he was going to carry through his request. "Ladies," I said, already gathering my things. "Can we go?" I had a lump inside my throat.

Amelia barely spared me a glance before looking back at the scoreboard. "Olivia, there are only two minutes left," she contended.

"I'll be waiting in the car," I declared with furrowed eyebrows. I then quickly pointed toward the parking lot before heading down the bleachers. I could still feel their gazes lingering on my back.

Those girls had completely lost their minds if they thought I was staying around to entertain some cocky football player.

The only reason I didn't drive away without them was because they all lived in the same residence hall as I did.

Unfortunately.

I climbed into my Civic, started the engine, and leaned back in my seat.

The game would be over at any second.

And while I waited, I pulled out my phone to text my dad.

Me: I can't wait to see you and Anne tomorrow.

Almost immediately, my dad replied.

Dad: We're looking forward to having you home, sweetheart. What time are you leaving?

I smiled. A mere text from him brought me back home instantly.

Just thinking about it made me feel lighter.

Me: Probably after lunch. Amelia wants us to have a Friendsgiving before everyone leaves campus.

Dad: Sounds good. Anne and I will have dinner ready around five-thirty.

Me: Who did you invite for Thanksgiving this year?

Dad: The usual crowd. Drive safely tomorrow, kiddo.

Me: Love you.

I tucked my phone away with a contented sigh.

Then...

Someone knocked on my window.

Three sharp taps.

I looked up.

"...You've got to be kidding me." I let out a heavy breath.

Steven stood outside laughing.

Beside him...

Number 33.

I slowly turned toward Caroline. My blood was boiling.

She couldn't even pretend to look innocent.

Traitor!

A thousand times, traitor.

Number 33 smiled before tapping on my window again.

This time, he crooked a finger toward himself.

"Come here."

I shook my head.

His grin only widened.

Seriously?

The guy looked unfairly handsome standing beneath the stadium lights. He was literally glowing.

He had the kind of smile that belonged in a toothpaste commercial and eyes so blue they almost didn't look real.

How had I never seen him around campus before? Someone that attractive shouldn't have been possible to overlook.

"It's time to collect my reward," he called.

I immediately looked at Caroline and flashed her my middle finger.

She burst into laughter.

"I played my heart out for you," he teased. "Don't I deserve at least a congratulations?"

"I never asked you to." I responded, meanwhile sheltering myself inside the car.

He beckoned me again.

"No..."

His smile turned dangerously charming.

"But your friend did."

Before I could protest, he reached for the handle.

Click.

The driver's door swung open.

He extended his hand toward me.

"Come on, beautiful."

Every logical part of my brain told me to slam the door shut.

Instead...

I stared at his hand.

Then at him.

"Are you always this persistent?" I asked.

"Only when something catches my attention."

"And what exactly caught your attention?"

His gaze slowly drifted to the cherry lollipop between my lips. This was a brand new one; I had just popped into my mouth. I had picked up an awful habit, and luckily, I also had a good habit of visiting the dentist so often.

"You."

My heartbeat stumbled.

Damn him.

He knew exactly what he was doing.

Somewhere behind him, my so-called friends erupted into cheers.

"Oh my God, Olivia!" Caroline shouted.

"Just go!"

I rolled my eyes.

"I hate all of you."

"We know," Amelia laughed. My best friend was now an annoying college girl whom I wanted to punch in the face.

With an exaggerated sigh, I slipped my hand into his.

His fingers closed around mine.

Warm.

Firm.

Confident.

He helped me out of the car until we were standing only inches apart.

Much too close.

Way too close.

So close I could smell his cologne.

Fresh.

Clean.

Dangerously intoxicating.

"Did you like the touchdown?" he asked quietly.

"What?" My brain was foggy.

"The touchdown."

His lips curved into a smug smile.

"I scored it for you."

I laughed despite myself.

"You're incredibly full of yourself," I muttered.

"I've heard that before."

The guy was proud.

"You actually believe that?"

"I know what I saw."

"And what exactly did you see?"

"You."

His voice softened.

"You watched every second."

The guy had calculated my every movement.

"I was watching the game," I stated.

"You were watching me."

"I was not."

His grin widened. "Liar."

I opened my mouth to argue.

Nothing came out.

Because somehow...

He was right.

His eyes lingered on mine for a long, silent moment.

Then they drifted to my lips.

My pulse immediately doubled.

"I think..." he murmured, "...I'm still owed my reward."

My breath caught.

Before I could think of another sarcastic comeback, he gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

His fingertips barely grazed my skin.

Still...

It sent a shiver all the way down my spine.

"I've wanted to kiss you since the moment I saw you sitting in those bleachers."

My lips parted.

For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.

The stadium...

The cheering from my friends...

The people around us trying to get to their cars...

Everything disappeared.

Then...

He closed the distance.

His lips met mine in a slow, confident kiss.

Warm.

Soft.

Completely unexpected.

For one suspended moment, I forgot how to breathe. My fingers instinctively curled against the front of his jersey as his hand settled gently against my waist.

The kiss deepened just enough to steal the air from my lungs.

A startled breath escaped me.

The crowd erupted into whistles and cheers, snapping me back to reality. Oh shit! What had I done?

I pushed lightly against his chest and stepped away, my heart pounding so hard I was sure everyone around us could hear it.

"What the hell was that?" I demanded. I was so full of myself. I knew what had just happened.

He looked at me with a smile so devastatingly handsome it should've been illegal.

"I believe..."

His eyes sparkled with amusement.

"...that was my reward." he smiled.

Then he turned around... and walked away.

Just like that.

I stood there, completely speechless.

Who kissed a complete stranger...? ...and then walked away without even asking for her name?

The absolute nerve.

And yet...

As angry as I was...

I couldn't stop staring after him.