Page 29 of The Photo
Joseph passes the well-fed dog to me carefully. I draw the small dog into my chest and clutch on to him like he’s a cuddly toy. “It was lovely to meet you both.” I nod and bring Ralph’s ear close to my nose.
“Likewise.” Toby tickles the dog affectionately. “See you later, Ralphy.”
Joseph leans across and kisses the dog’s head. “See you soon, Ralph.” His eyes meet mine. “Safe trip home, Rowan.”
I can’t help wonder how many times he’s been on Noah’s doorstep, greeting random women who he’ll never see again. I smile tightly and hover in the doorway when they turn to walk away.
“It’s been a while since we’ve seen a darling little thing like that around here.” Toby nudges Joseph with an elbow, assuming I’m out of earshot. “I can’t believe he let her meet Ralphy. That’s a first.”
Joseph mutters something under his breath before they disappear into the elevator.
It’s been a while? How long is a while? Is that days or weeks or maybe months?
The lock clicks shut behind me. I lean my shoulder to the wall and stare into Noah’s sitting room. Ralph’s ears prick the second he hears padded footsteps. His entire body vibrates in my arms. I set him on all fours, watching him hurtle towards Noah as he approaches.
Damn. How can one man be so super sexy?
Noah’s dark hair is slicked back, glistening with a damp sheen. A towel wraps his narrow hips, curving his thick, hard thighs like a kilt, and he wears a killer smile on his face.
Ralph leaps into his owner's arms and slathers him with kisses. Watching the interaction turns my insides all gooey. He’s a masculine, dominant man cradling a cute dog. I’d love to be in their life. The realization fills me with sadness, and a little bit of jealousy. I wish for his permanent affection and those rich cocoa colored eyes to turn molten becauseI’vepleased him.
“The shower is still running. Get in. I’ll wash your back in a sec.” He peeks over at me with Ralph’s face next to his. My knees weaken.
“I think I can squeeze you in before I go,” I quip.
He laughs. “Yes, you certainly do an excellent job of that.”
I stick my tongue out at him playfully, then shift my gaze away. The heat from his innuendo floods my cheeks. “Give me a few minutes.”
This is crazy. My stupid sentiment is all over the place. I leave him to play with Ralph and mosey into the bedroom. The unmade bed looks so inviting. I drop to the edge and plonk my cheeks in my palms. Dirty photos and fingertips. Messy sheets and whispered commands. The sexy instructions are still so fresh.
My phone rings from the nightstand. “Hey,” I answer with a sigh.
“Rowan. Get back here. I can’t stall Spud Head for much longer. He wants everyone to meet in the conference room before we go to the airport.”
“Ugh!” I groan. “I’m not ready to leave yet.”
“Well, you have to.” She huffs with exasperation.
“Do I?” I scoot off the bed and peer around the door frame to spy on Noah. He’s wrestling with Ralph over a knotted rope.
“Rowan! Get your scrawny ass back here! I’ve had your back all morning, don’t get me in trouble for lying.” I’m willing the towel to drop—just a quick flash of the goods—let me see his dick one last time. “Rowan?”
I roll my back into the wall and tip my head to the pastel paintwork. “Okay, and thanks for covering for me.” The words come out weakly. “I appreciate it. I’ll be there soon. I’ll leave in a sec. The big bubble is about to go pop.”
“Rowan? Please come back down to earth.” Chelsea’s tone is softer. She thinks I’ll be a mess, but I won’t. Honestly. This was a one-night stand. A winning lotto ticket. A once in a lifetime anomaly. An epic sexual adventure.
To say I’ve mentally prepared myself for his grand exit out of my life would be a big fat lie. I’ll still follow his social media account once I check to make sure he’s okay with that. Then, I’ll continue to keep tabs on him from afar.
“It's okay, Chelsea. I’m on solid ground.” Noah’s husky laugh from the next room fills me. My chest brims with a craving more than just lust. Truth be told, I wish he was my boyfriend, and I was his rope wrestling partner.
Leaving him will wreck me.
“Was he a bore in the bedroom? Shit in the sack? Oh wait, I bet he breathes like Darth Vader in his sleep?”
“No!” I chuckle.
“If anyone disturbed my sleep with breathing issues, I’d hold their nose until they suffocated. No man, no matter how good looking, comes between me and sleep.”
