Page 129 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

“But …” He exhaled. “Things fortunately worked out and I didn’t have to sell it. I kept it in storage for a while after college, and then I eventually decided to give it away to someone who needed it much more than I did.”

A charitable donation? How could he ever part with a car like that? Evidently he was not a materialistic man.

“Do you miss the car?” I asked.

“You’ve seen all the cars in my garage. Clearly I have overcompensated the loss,” he said amusingly. “I don’t miss things,Aria. I could lose all my wealth tomorrow and I would be able to survive. However”—he took my hand in his—“if I lostyou… that would kill me.”

Noah wouldn’t lose me. Not ever again.

“It still scares me knowing you could walk out on me at any time,” he added, looking so distressed.

“Why would I even consider doing such a thing at this point?”

“Because I feel like I’ve descended to Hell and taken you there with me. You’re blind and can’t see the flames around us.”

The only fire I saw was the flickering flames of passion in his eyes, every time he looked at me.

“I guess that explains why I feel so feverish whenever you’re near.” I raked my teeth over my bottom lip, seductively.

“Be serious.”

“I am.” I sighed. “I don’t believe we’re in some allegoricalHell, Noah. How could I possibly be in Hell when an angel has rescued me from exactly that?”

“The Devil was an angel—fallen.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Are you suggesting you are the biggest villain of the world? I don’t see horns and glowing red eyes.”

“I don’t need horns orred eyes.” He snickered.

That was true. Luciferwasdeemed to be the most beautiful angel in Heaven. “You’re not a Biblical character allied with darkness,” I reasoned.

“Since when did you become a religious philosopher?”

“I’m nothing of the sort.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m just reminding you that you are an exceptional human being. At times I feel like you are out of this world, but you’re nothing remotely close to evil.”

He held my gaze and let my words sink in before saying, “I should not have done what I did with you earlier tonight.” Noah looked so remorseful, and that killed me because I had not regretted it. Not one bit.

“You didn’t force me.” I frowned, letting my hands slide down the soft fabric that covered his muscled chest.

“I shouldn’t have encouraged you. I keep crossing lines I promised myself I wouldn’t cross.” He reached out and touched my face, his eyes radiating warmth and affection, all for me. It was so overwhelming. “I’m disappointed in myself.”

No, no … please don’t tell me you regret kissing me. That would kill me.

“I’m not a little girl,” I murmured, desperate to remind him that I was, in fact, a legal adult who was aware of all my decisions. Was there even a right and wrong when it came to loving someone? Who made the rules of love, anyway? God?

Noah tried to smile, looking apprehensive. I guess he didn’t want to debate with me about the limitations of our forbidden relationship.

“Eat your cupcake,” he said.

“It looks so pretty. I almost don’t want—”

“Oh, you’redefinitelygoing to want to eat it.”

I could smell the coconut and my stomach began to growl. I held the cupcake and slowly took a bite, savoring the delicious taste of the chocolate and the soft texture of the cake mix. The coconut gave it a pleasant fragrance, complimenting the flavor of the chocolate.

“Mmm …” My eyes rolled back while my taste buds exploded in pleasure. “This has got to be the best cupcake I’ve ever had in my life!”

“You’ve got some on your …” He smiled, pointing at the corner of his mouth.

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