Page 49 of The Photo
She nods. “I know.”
“Is that a problem for you?”
“Is it a problem for you, Noah?” she challenges.
I shake my head. “As long as we didn’t have break up sex.”
Rowan bites her lip and smiles shyly. “No, it was make up sex—and we still need to talk.”
She’s so damn perfect. I stalk towards her. “Rowan.” When I sigh out her name, I watch her pupils flare, and her throat bob when she swallows. “I’m so fucking sorry for being an asshole last night. You deserve better than that.” My head shakes from side to side. “So much better,” I add with a regretful murmur.
“Last night.” Her brows slide up. “Noah. Two men broke into my apartment and stole everything I own. I escaped out of my bedroom window, hit the concrete like a sack of spuds and treated myself to a few nights in the hospital with a concussion. I would never sell you out. Never. Ever.” She draws out the last two words for emphasis. “Then you just wentpoofout of my life.”
“Fuck.” My heart shrinks. “You could’ve died. They could have—I fucked up.”
Rowan shrugs casually and takes a sip of her coffee, holding me in silence while she thinks. It feels like an eternity before she finally speaks. “What you’re supposed to say is—you’re nothing like a bag of spuds.” She shoves the paper cup into my hand, and the corner of her mouth hitches to a foxy smirk.
“And your ankle?” I resist squeezing the cup to a pulp.
“Torn ligaments from a less than elegant fall.” She eyes me over her coffee lid.
“A swan dive?” I suggest, even though my stomach knots with annoyance. I wasn’t there for her. All because I was heartbroken and adrift in my own insecurities.
“Exactly.” She grins. “I’m on the pill, by the way. Just thought I’d stretch that out for a little bit to see if you were taking part in all the truths. Your reaction was pleasing.”
I exhale. Not because I’m relieved, but for the fact she’s been to hell and back, and now she’s standing here giving me the time of day instead of flipping me the bird. “Look, Rowan. I knew in my gut you didn’t sell the photos, but when the website owners spun that story, well, I panicked. So I went home to my parents’ house and sulked like a teenage dickhead. I should have flown to Ireland to talk to you. Just so you know, the only women I spent time with were my mom and my sister. I was drowning under my feelings for you.” Her cheeks apple as she grins like I’ve just made all her dreams come true. “And, I’ve never had unprotected sex before.” I watch her closely, noting her eyes widen a fraction as disbelief quietly catches her. “I missed talking to you the most,” I confirm. “And—all the truths—if you’re pregnant, I’d be honored to be the father. And, if you want to get married—I’d be even more honored to be the guy you choose.”
“Jeez!” she exclaims. “No holding back on all the truths.”
“Will you let me make it up to you?”
“How?’ she whispers, a hint of bashfulness warming the pale skin on her neck.
“I love you, Rowan.”Fuck. I’ve never said that to a woman before. I’ve never felt it before either. “Please forgive me for not being there to protect you and for not being around to care for you after life got too real. If I had of known you were robbed—or in the hospital—”
“Back up a sec. Reverse. What did you just say to me?” Her lips part. “Iwhatyou, Rowan?”
“I said, I love you.” I repeat, and my heart slams with adrenaline.
“Noah Adams, the universe will blow a massive raspberry in your face if you’re lying!”
I cup her cheek and drop my lips to hers. Coffee and sweetness. “May all the seahorses in the ocean die right now if I’m not telling the truth. I’ve fallen for you, and that’s why I reacted all so badly,” I mumble into her mouth. “I felt used—devastated.”
“I was a little devastated myself,” she says playfully, batting her lashes purposefully.
“A little?” I question with a nip to her earlobe.
She groans out a sigh. “A lot.”
“I’m obsessed with you.”
“It took you long enough.” Her voice shakes. “I’ve been crushing on you for over a year. You’ve a lot of catching up to do.”
“Baby, this isn’t a crush.”
“No, it’s not,” she confirms. “It’s the real deal. I’ll tell you how much I love you if you feed me donuts after we continue with all the fucking.” Rowan winks and inches back. “And—was that a marriage proposal?”
“I was just confirming that I’d like to be at the top of your list for the position. If you’re ranking potential candidates, that is. When I ask you, it won’t be over coffee and donuts.”
