Page 108 of Connected By Stars
“I’m getting ready while I talk to you.” I hear her muffled voice as she rummages through something on the other end of the line. “I wanted to let you know that everything has been finalized, and it’s a go.”
I get off the couch and glance down the hall,making sure Bell is still in the bathroom. “That’s great. I can’t believe the lawyers got the contract drawn up so fast.”
“They owed Noah a favor,” she says, laughing. “Can you come by tomorrow morning and sign them?”
“Tomorrow is perfect. I’ll be there.” Bell walks out into the kitchen, and I can’t help the way my heart still speeds up when I see her. She’s wearing a pair of white jean shorts and a light blue crop top. My eyes skim her body as hers roam over me in my fitted green t-shirt and dark jeans before locking those blues with my green. “Bell just got done getting ready, so we’ll meet you guys in a bit.” I hang up, my eyes never leaving hers.
“Who were you talking to?”
“Emma.” I slowly walk her way and bend down to nuzzle her neck. “You look beautiful.” I lightly bite her, and she tightens her grip on my arms. Grasping her hips, I bring her flush against my body, letting her know exactly what she does to me every time I’m near her.
I silence her moan with my mouth as my tongue seeks hers out. I take my time tasting her. I savor her until we both are left breathless.
“Have I told you today how much I love you?” I feel her grin against my lips.
“Yes, but I never tire of hearing it,” she breathes.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“We better get going. Is Sophia riding with us?” I reach for my keys and wallet on the counter.
“No, she said she would drive separately.” I look over at her, and she has a worried look on her face.
I take her chin in my hand and lift it so she’s looking at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I just worry about Sophia. Now that we’re a couple and Noah has Emma, I know she’s recently felt like a third wheelwhenever we do things together. I guess I’ve been feeling a little guilty because I’m so happy and have everything I’ve ever wanted, and she’s still searching. I’ve been spending almost every night here, and I just don’t want her to be lonely.”
“Hey,” I hug her tightly and rub her back. “Sophia is going to be just fine. We’ve both talked to her, and she’s happy for us and understands why you’re over here a lot. She’s been busy this summer, putting in some extra time with the summer programs at her school, and the new school year will start in a couple of weeks. She has a couple of friends at work she’s been going out with when you and Emma can’t go. The last thing she would want is for you to feel guilty about being happy.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” She sighs against my chest.
“She’s probably enjoying the peace and quiet and having the TV all to herself.”
“She probably is,” she laughs softly. We lock up and head down the apartment stairs to my jeep.
By the time we get to Joe’s, Noah and Emma are already saving us a spot at the table with Sophia. The girls immediately start talking to one another while Noah and I get a couple of buckets of beer from the bar.
“Emma told me she called you to let you know the papers are ready to be signed.”
“Yeah, she did. Are you sure she wants to sell?”
“Are you kidding me? She couldn’t be happier to sell to you. We still have her parents’ place in Tennessee, and I’ve already got my eye on another house to buy for flipping. The timing couldn’t be better. When are you doing it?”
I look over at the table, and Bell looks my way like she can sense the connection and my eyes on her. She smiles at me before going back to her conversation with the girls. “Soon. I want to do it right and talk to your dad first.”
“He’s going to say the same thing I said to you.You know we both couldn’t be happier that you’re the one who loves Bella just as much as we do.”
“I still want to ask him though. It’s just a respect thing that I want to do.”
“I get that. Our parents are going to be over the moon.”
“That makes five of us because nothing will make me happier.”
Noah puts his hand on my shoulder and grins. “Who would have thought it would happen so fast for us? I guess it’s no surprise. We’ve always gone after what we wanted and never did have the patience to take things slow.”
“No, patience has never been our strong suit,” I laugh. “Once I know what I want, there’s no stopping me until I get it.” And there’s no doubt in my mind that she’s the one I want.
