Page 114 of Play On

I could come up to Surrey after work on Wednesday and head back on Thursday night. I have to open the gift shop on Friday.

Saucy Shorts is typing …

No, you’re working. I can come to you. I’ll book a place closer to Wintersmith Hall this time. Maybe you can come to Surrey on Saturday and stay until Monday if you want.

I grin at that.

If I want.

In fact, I can’t think of anything I want more than to spend more time with Noah.

Except to see his face when he spots me in the stadium in Melbourne.

Wearing his shirt.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Surrey

My excitement builds as I drive down leafy, tree-lined streets and pass by gated mansions. It’s finally the weekend, and I’ve made it to the posh village in Surrey that Noah calls home.

Even though I only had dinner with him a few nights ago, I couldn’t wait to wrap up my day at the gift shop and hit the road to get to Surrey.

So I can get to know Noah better in the place he calls home.

He told me this village is home to footballers from multiple teams, with some even commuting from London to live here. He explained the main reason is for security. Most homes, like Noah’s, have high-tech security systems and panic rooms. Gated entries. Noah’s road is monitored by twenty-four-hour security cameras.

Of course, this wealth has poured into the main village. When I drove through it a few minutes ago, I passed by chic eateries, hip coffee shops, and posh boutiques. Oh, and all were frequented by people driving luxury sports cars and SUVs.

Finally, I reach Noah’s road, and sure enough, there’s a large sign posted at the entrance saying it’s a private drive and monitored by closed-circuit security cameras. I make my way down the road, passing by gorgeous mansions, until I come to Noah’s home. I pull into the driveway, taking a moment to studyhis house. It’s a traditional-style mansion. At least from what I can tell from behind the shrubbery and trees that are obscuring parts of it from my view.

I drive up to the gate and decide to have some fun with Noah whilst I call him to let me in.

I pick up my phone and call him. One ring, two rings …

“I hope you are calling to tell me you are at my gate,” Noah says.

I swoon as I hear the smile in that low, sexy voice of his.

“Well, that depends. Is this the home ofDaddy Darby?” I ask playfully.

Silence.

“Hello?” I tease.

“I amnotDaddy Darby.”

Ha! The smile I heard in his voice previously has now changed to a tone of complete embarrassment.

“According to TikTok, you are not only Saucy Shorts, but Daddy. Or Daddy Darby. Do you know there are multiple users with an account name that includes DaddyDarby?”

“Violet, if you call me Daddy Darby one more time, I’m not letting you in.”

I can’t help it. A loud shout of laughter escapes my lips.

“Okay. I’ll just go find another footballer who will let me call him Daddy. It can’t be that hard.”

The gate immediately opens.