Page 34 of River
I talked him into getting a hydrating facial while two different women worked on his hands and feet.
An hour later, we walked out of there with big smiles.
“Didn’t it feel good?” I asked him.
“Yes, I’m like a whole different person.” He stopped by a vendor selling sunglasses and dipped low to look into the mirror while touching his face. “Feel how soft I am.”
Stepping closer, I touched his forehead and let my finger run down over his nose to his cheek.
It felt intimate and dangerous, and once again, Noah’s gaze fell to my lips.
“Much better,” I declared and pulled my hands back. “I’m thirsty. Do you want some water?”
“Sure.”
Two shops down, we were able to buy bottles of cold water, and as I paid the shopkeeper, I turned to Noah and saw him roll his neck as if to ease soreness.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I think I just slept wrong. The bed is extremely hard.”
“You know what you need?”
“What?”
“Come with me. I have an idea.”
“I don’t know. Can I trust you?” There was humor in his tone, and the question seemed redundant.
“You don’t need to trust me, do you? It’s not like I could make you do anything you don’t want to do. You’re much bigger and stronger than me, and as a police officer, I assume you know how to fight too.”
Noah frowned. “I didn’t mean it like that. Obviously, I’m not scared of you physically. I just felt unsure about what you have up your sleeve.”
“Well, in that case, bring your bravery and follow me.”
“We’re going in the direction of the beach.”
“Yes.”
“Are we going to my place?”
I didn’t answer.
Noah ran up to walk next to me. “Is my new hairstyle turning you on?” He laughed. “I’m sure Peter is out on the water by now. I’d be totally okay, going to my place.”
I bit my lip, knowing that it would take a lot more for me to trust him enough that I’d ever make out with him. And yet, images of us kissing didn’t scare me as much as I’d expected.
“Noah.” I stopped and looked up at him. “I saw how much you like being touched.”
“Mhmm.”
“And you’re sore. So I’m going to give you an incredible massage.”
“You are?” His whole face lit up. “Can I give you one back?”
“If you wish,” I said with a secretive smile and walked on knowing full well that he was expecting something other than what I had in mind.
