Page 52 of Irresistible Love

“Sadly, no. I might be able to get out a bit earlier, but my schedule is jammed.”

“No worries. I’m sure I’ll find plenty of stuff to do. Maybe I’ll drive you to work on Monday so I can use your car if that’s okay.”

Noah chuckled. “Dude, you know I don’t drive anything fancy…”

“And you really should let me help you with that! I offered to buy you something better than your practical little SUV. We can go car shopping while I’m there!”

“We are not going car shopping,” Noah argued wearily. “Can’t we just hang out and relax? I don’t need or want anything from you, dude. I’m happy just to see you.”

“Yeah, well…I wouldn’t be where I am right now without you, Noah,” Jax said, his voice far more solemn than it was a minute ago. “You’ve been encouraging me for years and overseeing all my money so that when I’m not playing football anymore, I’ll be comfortable for practically the rest of my life.”

Damn. They rarely got this serious with each other, and he wasn’t sure what to do with that.

“Well…then that’s just another reason I don’t want you buying me a car. Why waste all that money when you’ll need it in your retirement?” he teased.

“Noah…”

“Look, I get what you’re saying and I appreciate it. But I’m also saying that I don’t need it, okay? I make money from your investments too. That’s how my career works, so the more money I make for you, the more I make for me. So really, you’re helping me without even knowing it.”

“Still doesn’t feel like enough.”

“Then you can treat me to all the dinners while you’re here. Will that work?”

His brother laughed. “You mean the two meals? Wow! I don’t want to spoil you…”

“Don’t be a jerk. Just text me your flight info and I’ll see you Sunday night, okay?”

“Sounds good. Thanks, Noah!”

They hung up and Noah made his way through the building and got on the elevator to his floor. He was hungry and had planned on making himself something easy, but now he wasn’t in the mood to cook.

“Takeout it is,” he murmured as he stepped off the elevator. His head was down and he was scrolling through the food delivery app when he saw something—or someone—out of the corner of his eye.

Lily.

The smile instantly tugged at his lips because he was so happy to see her standing by his door. The urge to scoop her up in his arms was strong, but he was a sweaty mess and figured she might not appreciate it.

“Hey!” he said as he got closer, hesitating before getting too close. “I thought you were going home?”

Her eyes were fixated on his chest, which was covered in a sweaty t-shirt, and he loved the way she openly checked him out.

“Lily?”

This time she met his gaze, but she was frowning. “Why are you being weird and standing so far away?”

“Um…because…” And he motioned to his body. “I’m just getting back from the gym and…”

She was instantly pressed up against him, kissing him.

Well…if she’s okay with it…

His arms banded around her as he held her close, kissing her back like he was ready to devour her.

Which…he was.

Always.

When they finally broke apart, they were both smiling. “Now this was a great surprise. C’mon, let’s go inside.” He opened the door for her and closed it, leaning against it and watching her. This was the first time she’d been here, and he was curious about what she was thinking. This condo was his first big splurge and by far the nicest place he’d ever lived.

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