Page 62 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Nothing silly about that,” I said, chuckling softly. “What else?”
“Beyond that...” She paused, biting her lip. “I just want to be happy. Maybe find someone to share my life with. Possibly have more children.”
Her words painted a future so vivid, so full of life and love, it was almost tangible. I wanted to be part of that painting, to be the one standing beside her. But I held my tongue, afraid to rush her, to scare her away with the depth of my desire.
“Sounds perfect,” I said instead, raising my glass to her. “To your dreams, Zoey. May they all come true.”
“Cheers,” she said, smiling, raising her glass in a toast.
I couldn’t help but chuff, a soft sound of amusement mixed with a swell of affection, as the image of Zoey with a child—our child—danced in my mind. It was a future that called to me, one I found myself wanting more than I’d ever admit. The thought of being part of her and Roland’s lives, of giving them the world and the safety they deserved… it was everything to me.
“It’ll happen,” I murmured, peering into her eyes that radiated tales of courage and endurance. “You deserve everything you dream of, Zoey. And I hope... I really do hope that there’s a place for me in them, someday.”
She searched my face, perhaps for sincerity or maybe a hint of pressure. But I meant every word, and I wanted her to know that without feeling any rush or obligation. The corner of her mouth lifted in a cautious smile, and it was enough for me.
The conversation continued, flowing effortlessly between us, and before I knew it, the lights in the restaurant dimmed, signaling closing time. Yet, I wasn’t ready to let this night end. Not when every second with her felt like a chance to rewrite our stars.
With my heart thrumming, I said, “I’m not ready for this night to end. Would you be comfortable coming over to my place?”
She hesitated, just for a heartbeat, and I held my breath, preparing for disappointment. But then she nodded.
“Okay,” she said, and I nearly lost it right there.
“Great,” I managed to say, staying as cool as the evening breeze outside.
As we walked to the car, I fought the urge to punch the air in victory. Instead, I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers, and she didn’t pull away.
I flickedon the soft glow of the floor lamp in the corner and grabbed a bottle of wine and some glasses from the kitchen. I returned to where Zoey sat and handed her a glass. I filled it with a smooth red, and her eyes followed me, a gentle curiosity in their hazel depths.
“Hope you like this one,” I murmured, offering her a glass.
“Thank you. I’m sure I will.”
I put on some music, and the low, mellow tune flowed out of the speakers. We settled into the couch, our bodies angled towards each other, the space between us shrinking with every word exchanged.
“Your place is nice,” she said as she gazed around the room.
“Thanks,” I said. “It’s better with you in it, though.”
That made her blush, and I couldn’t help but inch a little closer. The conversation drifted from light-hearted banter to dreams, to hopes, all the while our feet nudging, knees brushing. It was a dance, a slow build-up of something undeniable.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” I told her.
Her response was a deep breath and a gaze that held mine captive. Right then, my restraint crumbled, and I leaned in, capturing her lips with mine. She melted into the kiss, her hands finding my shoulders, pulling me closer. The passion surged, fierce and consuming, and I poured every unspoken word into that kiss, hoping she’d understand.
She traced the line of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. This woman, whom fate had tossed into my life, was awakening parts of me I thought were long dormant. She wanted me. I could feel it in the urgency of her touch, hear it in the hitch of her breath against my mouth.
I tore my mouth from hers. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes,” Zoey answered, breathless. “I... I want this.”
“Only if you’re sure,” I said. My heart hammered against my chest, yearning for her, yet caution urged me not to rush her past her comfort zone.
“I’m sure, Noah. Please,” she said, her voice laced with a desire that matched my own.
My lips crashed against hers. With tender care, I continued to explore the connection that pulsed hotly between us, determined to show her just how much she meant to me without pushing too far. Tonight, it was all about her, about us, and nothing else mattered.
I reached for Zoey’s hand, my fingers intertwining with hers as I guided her to the bedroom. Her pulse fluttered beneath my touch like a caged bird, her vulnerability almost palpable in the dim light of the room.
