He leaned over, palming my cheek as he brought his lips to mine. I literally felt electricity sizzle from that point of contact straight to my core. It pulled tight like a string as my body vibrated. His tongue glided against mine in a quick, sensual tease before he drew away.
“Quinn might be awake,” I said breathlessly.
“I can deal. Patience is a virtue,” he teased as I unbuckled my seat belt.
I laughed. “Your mom used to say that.”
I heard the click of his seatbelt buckle, and then his touch brushed against my hip. He lifted my seat belt so it didn’t tangle on my arm. The subtle gesture felt protective.
I had just gathered up my purse from the floor when the cold air washed in as he opened the door for me. Noah was that kind of man. He insisted on me getting over some things. I was so used to pushing through life and taking care of myself that it almost made me feel a little uncomfortable.
His hand rested on the curve of my spine as we walked up the stairs inside. Our footsteps echoed when we crested the landing on the second floor. The door across from mine opened, and Melanie peered out. “Oh, hi,” she said, trying to act all surprised.
I knew it was a ruse because she could see the driveway from her living room window. Melanie wasn’t very subtle and was absolutely nosy. I didn’t mind. It was good to have friends who cared.
Noah simply smiled. He had the kind of smile that put anyone at ease. It was gracious and polite with a hint of a twinkle in his eye. “Well, what a surprise to see you, Melanie.” He was going to play along.
Her eyes sparkled with her return smile, and I could tell she was enjoying it. “What did you bring Quinn tonight?” she asked, her gaze darting down to the paper bag held in Noah’s hand.
“A delicious new place. Well, it’s not new, but it’s new to me. It’s like an old British pub, and they make yummy meat pies and sandwiches. I should’ve thought to bring you something,” I commented.
“No worry, dear,” she said with an airy wave. “Next time we have lunch, why don’t we go there?”
“Perfect,” I replied.
“Good night,” she said. Just as she was about to close the door, she peered out again. “And, don’t worry, you can park there all night.” She winked at Noah before disappearing.
My cheeks were hot. I eyed him and mouthed, “Sorry.”
He smiled and pressed a kiss to my temple. A moment later, we were in my apartment. “I adore Melanie, but she’s nosy.”
“Sasha, I don’t care at all,” he said flatly. “In fact, I’m glad you have a good neighbor who checks on you.” We hung our coats and took off our shoes. “Quinn doesn’t seem up,” he observed.
I arched a brow. “Just because we can’t hear her doesn’t mean she’s asleep. Let me check and see if she’s awake.”
I walked down the short hallway, hearing the low hum of what had to be her phone or computer. She loved streaming things on her devices rather than watching television unless that was something we did together.
“Quinn,” I called through her door. “Are you hungry?”
I heard Noah’s low chuckle from the kitchen at the sound of her hopping off her bed and opening her door.
“How was dinner?” she asked cheerfully as she skipped down the hall and into the kitchen.
Following her, I offered, “Delicious.”
Noah was already opening the bag for her and handing it over. “What’s this?” She peered in and looked back up expectantly.
“A meat pie. Your mom said you like steak. It’s a British thing. They call it a pie, but it’s sort of like a pastry sandwich. Very old-school. They even make ones that have sweet on one side and savory on the other. Apparently, that’s what farmers used to take out in the fields when they were working all day.”
Quinn loved history and smiled brightly at that little nugget of information. “Thank you. Can I eat in my room?”
“Of course. Just put your plate in the sink after,” I replied.
“I’m not taking a plate,” she said with a saucy grin. “I already have water.” She glanced at Noah. “I’m only allowed to have water in my bedroom since I have a habit of spilling things. This is made to eat without a plate.” Sliding on her socks over to my side with the paper bag in hand, she pecked me on the cheek. “Good night.”
At that, my teenage daughter was gone in a flash, the sound of her bedroom door closing behind her punctuating the end of that interaction.
I was suddenly and unaccountably nervous. Although I had obviously been with Noah more than once by this point, this was the very first time I’d had a man spend the night with my daughter in the house. My few ventures into dating hadn’t ever gotten serious. I’d never actually brought anyone to my house. This felt oddly momentous.