Page 114 of Noah

Sean jogged into the room. "Whoa, what's going on in here?"

I took a wobbly step toward Frederick. "Your father was just about to apologize to Noah for his disparaging remarks about his chosen profession. A profession he loves. A pub he has poured his heart and soul into. A pub that is thriving and is a safe and warm hub for the community."

I pressed my index finger to Frederick's chest.

"I am extremely proud of Noah for working hard and following his dream. It makes him happy. Your son. Happy. If you can't see and respect the success of his dream, then you need to do some self-reflection. Why would you want to make one of your children miserable? He's not interested in joining your firm. Never has been. Never will be. Accept it and move on."

My gaze flitted from Frederick's face to Noah's.

Had I overstepped?

Noah shot me a smile and winked at me, tears in his eyes. What I read based on his face was appreciation, relief, pride, disbelief, and love.

If I had it right.

The room remained silent until Sean coughed out a laugh. "So glad I came for dinner."

"Good for you, but we're leaving." Noah strode over to me and gripped my arm, leading me from the room past Celine who was tsking at Noah. Or at me. I hadn't simply torched a bridge. I had burned down the entire damned town leading to it. I hadn't been able to control myself. The words from my heart had erupted unfettered. I loved Noah and no one talked about him that way.

In my car, Noah slammed the door—and started laughing. Hysterically. Gasping and sighing between each outburst. He finally slowed and pressed his forehead to the steering wheel.

"Did I fuck up?" I asked.

Noah swivelled his head and peered over at me. "No, my sweet man, you did not fuck up."

"Your parents are going to hate me."

"I don't care." Noah placed his hand on mine. "My siblings absolutely adore you now."

I'd store that statement for further investigation. I liked the idea that Noah's family could potentially exist without his parents. That Noah had a circle of family love and acceptance.

"More came out than I intended," I said.

"What you said was perfect. Don't apologize. My parents needed to hear what you said about me." He tightened his hand around mine. "I'm lucky you're in my corner. Wouldn't want to face off against you. No wonder you're so good at your job."

"I love you."

"And I'm yours. I love that you protected me." He hummed. "Makes me horny."

I scoffed out a laugh. "You're always horny."

"Mm … not like this." Noah licked his lips. "My man swooped in and let my father have it. Dressed him down. Spoke truths to him I wished I had the guts to express."

My cock swelled and I swallowed—hard.

The look in his eyes was pure lust—and love.

"Drive," I said.

It took forty long minutes to get home. There was Christmas traffic. People getting to and from Christmas Eve celebrations. We were barely through the front door when Noah started stripping off his clothes. His boots and socks, followed by his coat and shirt.

Bentley was going to have to wait to go out.

I clung to the band of Noah's dress pants and tugged him toward me. I leaned back against the wall to steady myself. "God, you're sexy," I whispered once my lips were near his ear.

"And yours." Noah cupped my face and ran his hand into my hair. "I need you tonight."

"You can have me every night if you want. I'm yours too."

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