Page 129 of Play On

This was physical and emotional intimacy on a whole new level.

Right now, I’m in Noah’s arms, and I feel his lips brush against my temple. The blackout curtains in the hotel room are nearly closed, but there’s just a sliver left open, so the lights of downtown Melbourne provide a bit of light to illuminate the room. We’re wrapped up in each other, in a tangle of white sheets, and my feeling is one of complete bliss.

I’m still revelling in what just occurred between us. This time, sex was slow and sweet, and the entire time we told each other we loved each other.

I’ve never felt so cherished and loved in my life.

And I’m pretty sure Noah feels the same way.

I run my fingertips along his Greek god tattoos, thinking of how for so long, he’s worn this armour. Reminding himself to be a warrior and to fight. He said these tattoos were for football, and I believe that—but I believe subconsciously, they were reminders to protect himself. Shield himself from being vulnerable to emotional pain.

But now he’s laid down his shield.

Noah has let me in. Not just into his life, but into his heart.

“Violet?” he says softly, his fingertips gently caressing my hair as my cheek rests against his chest.

“Hmm?”

“I want to tell you what tonight meant to me.”

I shift so I’m on my side now, and Noah turns in to face me. He reaches for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine, and squeezes it gently.

“I never thought I would look into the stands and see someone there for me,” he begins, his voice quiet. “I told you it was the one thing I was envious of Camden about. That he has Bella. His parents. His brother and now his sister-in-law. Someone is always there for him. I never thought I’d have that.”

I remain silent, as I know how important it is for Noah to speak now.

“When I first saw you tonight in the stands, I thought I was going crazy,” he continues, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing the knuckles. “But there you were. You came all the way to Australia to surprise me. I still can’t believe you did it. You came halfway around the world to watch me play.”

“I would do it again,” I say, staring deeply into his eyes. “I would go anywhere in the world to be there for you, Noah. Because I love you. Love is showing up for someone. It’s supporting them and cheering them on. I will always do that for you. Always.”

Noah swallows hard before speaking. “Seeing you in the stands is the best surprise I’ve ever had in my life.”

I smile at him. “I’m so glad it made you so happy.”

“When I saw you, I realised that this is what I deserved. For so long I told myself I was getting what I deserved—having no one—for my part in my dad’s death. But you made me see that iswrong. It was never my fault. And I do deserve to—to be loved,” he finishes, his voice barely audible as he says the last word.

Now I’m crying.

“You do deserve to be loved,” I say, my voice breaking. “And I’m honoured that I am the woman who gets to love you, Noah. You lowered your walls for me. I know how hard that was, but you found the courage to do it. Not only did you let me in, you allowed yourself to love me. And I’m so grateful for that.”

Noah releases my hand so he can wipe away my tears.

“I really believe Dad sent you to me,” he says, his voice rough as his eyes lock on mine. “He told me to look out for you. I’m so glad I listened to him. Because I love you, Violet. And I will always be in your corner.”

“I know you will.”

“I know it’s going to be a whilst before we are living near each other, but I want to reassure you, I’m going to see you as much as possible. I would drive to Dorset even if I could see you for only an hour. Shit, who am I kidding? I would drive for five minutes with you. I swear I’ll do it.”

“I know you will, and I’ll do the same for you. But I promise you, I’m going to work really hard on getting to London as soon as possible. I have to get some experience, unfortunately, and that will take some time.”

“It doesn’t matter. We’re still going to see each other as much as we can.”

“I know. I believe you,” I say. “But when I get back to Dorset—as soon as I recover from the jet lag, I mean—I’ll ask my parents for the opportunity to do some art exhibits at the estate. I’ll need several to build out my CV, then I will be able to apply for positions in London. But putting those exhibits on will take time. More than I’d like.”

“I don’t want you to worry about that,” Noah says firmly. “We will be together every week. When I’m playing at home, you can come stay with me on the weekends.”

I smile at him. “I will do that, you know. And drive to Surrey to have a cup of coffee with you.”

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