Page 52 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Did you tell him?”
“I said it was a joke, but he saw right through me. That’s when I realized he wasn’t like my father. He cared. Not about the pen or his image, but about me.”
Noah’s laughter had faded, replaced by a look of admiration. “Sounds like Sam knew exactly how to handle you.”
“More than I ever gave him credit for,” I said, my heart lighter as I shared pieces of my past with Noah.
The softness in his eyes seemed to reach into the very depths of my heart. “Thank you for sharing those stories. I hope I get to see more of that side of you. The playful, the bold... the real Zoey.”
His large, warm hand enveloped mine. I didn’t flinch, didn’t pull back. I felt every line on his palm press against my skin, grounding yet electrifying.
“You’ve lost a lot, Zoey,” Noah said. “I can see that. And I hope, with time, you’ll find those parts of yourself again. I hope you know you don’t have to do it alone.” He stroked my hand lightly with his thumb.
My heartbeat quickened, fluttering like a caged bird inside my chest. Noah made that low, rumbling sound again. It was a soothing contrast to George’s growls, which had always been edged with anger. Noah’s rumble felt protective, a subtle reminder of the strength he carried, but without the threat. It didn’t scare me. In fact, it made my stomach flutter.
“Thank you,” I said. My heart continued its rapid dance, but now it wasn’t just from nerves. It was something else. Something new.
Noah cleared his throat, a sound that seemed to resonate with his unspoken thoughts. His fingers brushed against mine in a lingering touch, as if he were imprinting the moment into memory.
“Well, given that it doesn’t take an afternoon to pick out somethingdecadent, I think my mother and Heather might have ditched us,” he said. “I should probably take you home. I wonder if they didn’t have their own agenda today.” A corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. “What were the odds that you’d be here right as my mom developed a sudden craving for pastries?”
I chuckled, even as I felt my cheeks warm. “Oh, Heather is one sneaky bitch,” I said under my breath. “Funnily enough, though, Heather had a sudden urge for the ‘best omelet in town’ and demanded we come here.”
Laughing, Noah stood and extended his hand to help me out of my chair. “Come on,” he said, still chuckling as we walked toward the exit. “Let’s get you home.”
As we stepped outside, the setting sun cast a golden glow around him, turning his sandy hair into a halo of light. He guided me to his truck. With a grace that belied his size, Noah opened the passenger door for me.
“Watch your step,” he cautioned as I climbed in, the warmth of his hand on my back a steadying presence.
“Thanks,” I said, settling into the seat as he closed the door with a soft thud. The interior of the truck smelled faintly of leather and pine. The comforting scent made me feel safe and cocooned from the world outside.
Once Noah started the engine, I glanced over at him, taking in the scar on his brow. It didn’t detract from his boyish good looks and the way his jaw tensed ever so slightly when he concentrated.
His shirt hugged his body, emphasizing his physique, revealing the definition of his muscles as they flexed and strained beneath the fabric. Beneath Noah’s casual demeanor lurked a blend of explosive power and enduring stamina. It was easy to imagine him in the ring, fierce and unyielding, yet here he was, showing me a kindness I hadn’t known I needed.
After a few minutes with nothing but the hum of the engine breaking the silence, I stole a glance at Noah. His grip on the steering wheel was firm, knuckles just a touch whiter than usual.
“Everything okay?” I ventured.
“Of course.” But his voice held a strange edge, and his jaw was set hard. I frowned, but before I could press further, we turned onto my street.
As we pulled up to Heather’s place, I caught sight of Heather peeking through the curtains. She ducked away quickly, but not before I shook my head with a smirk. Always watching.
“Thanks for the lift,” I said as the truck came to a stop.
“Anytime,” Noah said. He turned off the engine, plunging the cab into silence. Then, after a moment that felt too long and tooshort all at once, he spoke again. “Would you... would you let me take you out again?”
The question caught me off-guard. My thoughts flickered to Heather’s words, her knowing smile. If she believed in Noah, maybe I could, too. “I’d like that,” I said.
“Great. I’ll call you later this week.” He already had my number; there was no need for pretense.
“Okay.” As I reached for the door handle, Noah stopped me.
“Wait, let me walk you to the door.” He jumped out of the truck, circled around the hood, and opened my door.
The thud of the truck door closing behind us seemed to echo in the quiet street. Noah moved ahead, his tall frame casting a shadow that stretched toward the porch. I followed, hyperaware of his presence beside me.
“Watch your step here,” he said, touching the small of my back as we navigated the uneven garden path. His tall frame towered over me, but I wasn’t intimidated. Instead, it felt like I was enveloped by an invisible shield.
