Page 87 of Falling for Fury

Noah

“That should be the pizza,” I call out to Ethan, Lucas, and Stella on the way to the front door. Keeping myself busy these last six months with friends has been about the only thing keeping me from spiraling in Addison’s absence. I see her every now and then, and her cute attempt at being platonic in her texts keeps the blood pumping through my veins as I wait her out. I can’t quite tell if it’s determination or denial, but I’m convinced she is softening to the idea of us again.

Work has now balanced out. EcoX’s work has commenced since everything sorted itself out. I looked into Chicago locations for a new office, but I’ve put that on hold until some details get ironed out. By details, I mean my love life. I’ve tried not to hold my life back, making sure I’m just as happy, healthy, and successful when she is ready for us. I don’t want to start from the start. I’m determined to pick up right where we left off. If she needs some healing time, that’s cool. We have our whole lives.

Still doesn’t help with the sting of loneliness, especially when nights roll around and I feel just a little bit colder. The updates from Stella and Lucas help, too, though. Knowing Addy likely still experiences her panic and bouts of rage viscerally, but has decided not to confide in me hurts. It makes me feel useless as a man, as someone who loves her. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t keep me up at night wondering how she is doing, but I get it.

Stella, Ethan, and Lucas are at my place, with Matt and Caleb on their way to watch the game and sink some beers before another week starts. Stella has been a new addition to our usual catch up of late. Coming to Pucks with us, she and Lucas have become good friends, and it sounds like she doesn’t have a lot of those going around. Matt and Ethan didn’t seem bothered by the added estrogen. Although, I would never say that around her. I’m certain Stella has a little black book and can make a person disappear in under twelve hours.

“Let me grab you some cash,” Stella calls, following behind me as I open the front door.

“You’re not paying for shi—”

“Hi.” Fierce green eyes, sweet strawberries, and a show-stopping smile hit me and steal my breath from my lungs as I open my front door. Her hand is raised, about to knock on my door, eyes rounded and hopeful. So fucking beautiful. My memories of her never do her justice.

“Addison?” I say because I am not sure if I’ve finally had a psychotic break and am now imagining her here in front of me.

Before she can answer, Stella comes up beside me. “Here, don’t be an idiot, take the $20. Oh, hey, Addison, I didn’t know you were coming over tonight.” Stella’s face brightens as she sees Addy at the door, but Addy’s face changes. Her eyes dart to me a questioning look, and my god, after everything that I’ve put her through, I’m not about to have her believe I’d go and sleep around, and with her friend of all people. I throw the door wide open so she can see Ethan and Lucas through the hallway at the table and I immediately clarify.

“Matt and Caleb are on their way. We’re about to eat pizza and watch the game. Stella came with Lucas.” I smile, somewhat awkwardly, but relax when Addy’s smile grows a bit, her posture relaxing, and something like guilt flashes in her eyes as Stella reads the room and shifts awkwardly on her feet.

Before I can do anything else, Addison launches herself at me. Her head buries in my chest and arms wrap tightly around my middle. “I missed you,” she whispers, and my chest squeezes so tightly I blink back tears as I return the tight embrace. I turn my head to Stella, telling her to get lost with my eyes. She holds her hands up defensively, biting her lower lip and mouths, ‘okay,’ as she turns and heads back for the kitchen.

“You’re… You’re here?” Again, still not believing it.

“I don’t want space anymore, Noah. I just want you. Will you have me back?” Still in shock, I can’t seem to make words, not sure this is actually happening, and that she is saying what she is saying. Like she has to ask this?

I hook a finger under her chin to have my favorite green eyes back on mine. “I never gave you up, shortcake. Just gave you time. I missed you, too.” Then I do what I’ve been dreaming about for the last six months, I plant my lips softly on hers, which she deepens instantly. It’s like my senses awaken at the taste of her, her scent thoroughly engulfing my mind, body and soul, and I feel my heart pick up as it settles in. Addy is back.

I want you. After all this time, she has come back to me. I give myself a mental pat on the back at my restraint. Addy is back in my arms, and I’m being a perfect gentleman–ignoring the semi in my pants at her sparkling green eyes, pretty pink lips, and heart-stopping strawberry scent that consumes my lungs. At least I’m not ripping her clothes off… yet.

She pulls away slightly to spear me with eyes full of hope, the green forest of my future. “So you still want this? Broken bits, rage, and all?” she whispers self-consciously. The answer requires no thought as I give her my heart in a smile.

“You’re so far from broken, Addy. And, shortcake, I’ve been falling for your fury since the day I met you.” I seal the words with a kiss. Hooking her arms around my neck, she meets my need with hers, swiping her tongue with mine. “Addy, baby,” I whisper against her. My self-control from before is quickly slipping through my fingers.

“I love you. I’m sorry for taking so long. I’m glad I had time to sort myself out, but I’m done. I don’t want to heal or grow alone anymore. I want you with me. I want to heal and grow together.”

“Addison, you never have to apologize to me for anything. I’ll always be with you. I love you.” She bites her bottom lip and tries to hide that megawatt smile I haven’t seen in a while, and it warms me from the inside. I return her smile. “You know, a heads up on this 90s rom-com-frat-house-meet-cute would have been nice.” She giggles softly at my choice of words, this whirlwind of Addison feeling like it’s come full circle with her turning up like this. “I could have made everyone leave so we could have the house to ourselves. You know, make up for lost time.”

“Oh?” The hunger and challenge reflect in her eyes. “I’m sure we can encourage them to leave early.”

There she is. My Little Demon.

A chuckle travels up my throat as I claim her mouth again. This kiss hungrier, more desperate, needing to completely eradicate the space and time away from each other.

“I need you, Noah. I need you now.” Right back at you, shortcake. Snap goes the leash on my control.

“Alright guys, I’ll catch up with you later. Go watch the game at Pucks,” I shout into the house, not leaving Addison’s eyes. She smiles in return and bites down on her bottom lip. I pull her into me and replace her teeth with mine, drawing her mouth to mine as a moan slips past her lips. “Now!” I’m going to need to get her upstairs pronto, before I embarrass myself. It’s been too long, and all those solitary showers did nothing to satiate my desire when it comes to her.

“Ugh, lame. I can’t believe you’re kicking us out for a girl,” Lucas complains as he makes his way to the door, Ethan and Stella giggling together behind him. Ethan slaps Lucas on the shoulder, but looks in Stella’s direction.

“Some men know how to prioritize.” Interesting. Stella doesn’t notice Ethan’s attention, but Lucas does, eyeing between them, but ignoring it as they leave through the front door. I don’t have the time, patience, or brain power to analyze that. I drag Addison against me through the threshold, slamming the door behind our friends as they leave without any more goodbyes.

“Where were we… oh, that’s right.” I bend and throw Addison over my shoulder to head upstairs. She squeals playfully and smacks my ass. “You’re going to get it, Mr. Karvelas,” she chastises teasingly.

“Oh, I sure hope I do.” I pinch her ass as we enter my room, closing it off to the world, keeping Addison to myself and taking in every moment. Mine. She is finally all mine, she came back to me.

Addison

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