NoahSaturday's workout was a short one again. Roni wanted to leave early to shower and get ready for the dinner. Most of the other guys were just rinsing off at the gym and going straight there. In the past, Noah would've done the same. He wasn't kidding when he said it was completely informal, but tonight felt different.Ever since he'd held Roni so close a few nights earlier, he still hadn't gotten over the electric current that had pierced through his body. He'd never felt anything like it, but most memorable and what he hadn't stopped thinking about was she'd felt something too. It was undeniable. Though she fought it, Noah had seen it in her eyes—felt it in her trembling body. It gave him hope—hope that if she was feeling for him what he wouldn't even try denying he felt for her anymore, then maybe somehow he could convince her things could work between them.Noah understood her fear of ruining their friendship. He feared that also—more than feared it. He didn't even like to t

Don't say it. Don't go there. "So that's the Rita, huh?"Ugh! She was so weak! The second Veronica heard Rita's name and realized this was the girl who Noah had been with so recently and would probably be with again real soon, her insides were on fire. She'd never been that type of girl, but as much as she tried, she could not stop looking at her. She'd nearly lost her appetite all at once and had to force herself to eat while trying not to stare at Rita."Um, yeah." Noah shifted in the passenger seat. Veronica had sensed his discomfort at the restaurant as well."She seems nice." She really had—too nice."She is," Noah said, glancing out the window."She's pretty." If you liked the overly made-up type with massive tits.Veronica could almost imagine those huge things bouncing above Noah as Rita rode him hard. This time Veronica was the one who looked out her window, grinding her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut. Stop it."I guess."Noah was obviously not going to willingly

"Veronica, it's good to hear your voice." His voice was exactly as she remembered. It brought back painful memories, but in a weird way, she was glad to hear him again."It's good to hear you too.""So you're stranded for the day?""Yeah, looks like it.""I was gonna say, since your plans are shot, how do you feel about getting together for some coffee?"No way in hell was she inviting him over for coffee. "I, uh ... I dunno.""We don't have to be out the whole day, just an hour or so. We can grab a cup of coffee and check out the latest exhibition at that photo gallery you like downtown. When's the last time you did that?"Veronica smiled, running her finger over the grout between the tiles on her counter. "It's been forever.""That's what I figured. Let's go, Roni, for old time's sake. I can pick you up in ten minutes and have you back before noon."Hearing him call her that made her stomach lurch. She knew it was irrational to think that she shouldn't go because Noah might

Just like that, Roni's troubles seemed to fade—women and their shopping. She grabbed a pair of oven mitts and opened the oven, pulling out two round bread rolls way too big to be dinner rolls. She glanced at him and laughed. His expression must've been as blank as it felt. Noah was trying to figure out what they were for."I'm gonna hollow them out and pour the soup in them.""Ah," he said, feeling a little stupid.He helped out by pouring the drinks. Everything they did together now felt so perfect. Noah couldn't even imagine ever leaving.She must've been as hungry as he was because they both sat, devouring the soup silently for a few minutes. Then he remembered. "So you have any plans for New Year's?"She shook her head, taking another spoonful of soup and raised an eyebrow when she saw him smirk."So here's the thing. You don't have to say 'yes' if you don't want to, okay?" She nodded. "How would you feel about a small gathering here at your place New Year's Eve?" She eyed hi

NoahAs hard as Noah tried to push away the anxiety about tonight, he couldn't help but tense up the moment he saw Roni walk into the front room. Seeing her had nearly sucked the air out of him.Her makeup was a little heavier than the norm, her curls seemed even curlier, and what she wore was enough to have every guy there staring at her now, threat or no threat. Noah glanced at Hector who was the most blatant and nudged him. "Take this outside," Noah said roughly and shoved the two six-packs of beer he'd been holding at him.Gio and Abel were more discreet, but Noah hadn't missed the way they took Roni in from top to bottom. Noah stifled a growl."Is anyone else here yet?" Roni asked, stretching her neck out to look through the kitchen window as she passed by Noah, shocking his senses. Unbelievably, she smelled better than she looked. It was completely intoxicating, and Noah had to close his eyes for a moment in reaction."The sound guy and his crew are here," Abel said, "and I