Page 130 of Play On

“You’d better,” he says, brushing his lips against the bridge of my nose.

“I will.”

“When are you heading back to England?”

“Tomorrow.” I smile at him. “I’ve got work to do back in Dorset, you know. For the future. And at the gift shop. I swapped shifts so I could come to Melbourne. I will be working on Monday.”

“So you land on Saturday,” Noah says, doing the travel maths in his head.

“Yes. I think I’ll stay the night in London, then drive back to Dorset on Sunday.”

“Yeah, get some sleep on Saturday. I know your flight isn’t as comfortable as flying on the charter is when I travel.”

“Oh! I almost forgot. I have something for you. For when you are on the aeroplane or in your hotel room.” I roll out of bed and begin to put my bra and sweater back on.

Noah groans. “I don’t like when you put your clothing back on.”

I laugh. “Why, because that means the sex portion of our night is over?”

“That, and I know I’m going to have to go soon.”

I frown. “Well, I’m not exactly fond of that idea either. But my gift will make you think of me when you’re on the road.”

I move over to my suitcase and rummage through it. I can hear Noah get up, and I turn around to find him slipping into his boxers. I inwardly sigh when I see his muscular legs, chiselled abs, and tattoo sleeves.

God, he’s a beautiful man.

I force myself to turn back around and retrieve what I had brought for Noah. I wait for him to finish dressing, and as soon as he does, I go over to him. “This is for you.”

I give Noah the book I had brought for him. He holds the tan-coloured cloth book in his hands and stares down at it, then his eyes widen as the city lights illuminate the title for him.

Classical Mythology.

He immediately lifts his gaze to meet mine. “Violet, this is the book from the painting.”

I nod. “It’s Lady Lily’s book. This book is what made me realise what a mistake I made in shoving you away. I feel I found it because she wanted me to find it. I want you to have it.”

“But Violet, this is part of your family history,” Noah says.

“I think it’s part of our history now,” I say. “Open it.”

Noah furrows his brow and opens the book. On the inside, he finds the original notes from Lady Lily and Lord George, but then his eyes widen. He immediately looks up at me, his dark eyes searching mine.

“Read it,” I say simply.

Noah looks back down at the newest inscription and reads out loud. “Fifteenth July. Noah, I knew I wanted to give you this book one day because of the importance it had in bringing us together. I can’t think of a more perfect time than after seeing you play in Melbourne. Think of this book as my way of being here in some way for you, even when I physically can’t, reminding you of our connection. I’m so proud of you and I’m always with you, cheering you on, no matter where I am in the world. I love you so much, Violet.”

Noah finishes reading but doesn’t lift his eyes from the page. I push my tears aside as I watch his Adam’s apple move. Then he slowly closes the book and looks up at me, his eyes soft with emotion.

“I … I don’t know what to say,” he says. “Thank you doesn’t do the gift justice. It’s … it’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”

I’m overjoyed that my gift has touched him like this. “I’m so glad you like it.”

“I love it, Violet. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Noah lays the book on the bed and envelopes me into his arms. I move my arms around his back, holding him tightly, my cheek pressed against his chest. I listen to the beating of his heart and close my eyes, thinking of how lucky I am that I found my person in Noah Darby.

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