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Chapter Four
Noah
I’m waiting on the bench outside the Tavern when I see Elli pull up in her car. I wasn’t sure she would come.
She’s changed into a pair of dark skinny jeans, boots, and a blue shirt. I stand as she makes her way toward me, drinking in the sway of her hips and how her shirt strains over her full tits. Her chestnut locks flow down her back, and my fingers itch to tangle in those thick waves while I kiss her hard and deep. There’s time for that later, once I’ve fed her and learned everything there is to know about her. She fascinates me in a way no other woman ever has.
She covers half the distance between us before suddenly holding up an apologetic hand and turning on her heel back to the car. For a minute, I think she’s decided to back out of our date as she opens the door and leans into the car. A second later, she re-emerges with her purse.
“Sorry!” she hollers as she gets within shouting distance. “I swear I’d forget my head if it weren’t attached to my neck.”
I chuckle and shake my head. Never a dull moment with this woman, that’s for sure. I’m quickly realizing that my personal life has been nothing but dull moments in recent years. I was bitter when my back injury halted my professional career, and I’ve carried that resentment around for too long.
Elli is like a breath of fresh mountain air blowing away the stuffiness surrounding me. I’m a good ten years older than her, but I could give a fuck. Age means nothing when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
“Thought you were bailing on me there for a minute.” I smile as she comes to a halt in front of me.
“No chance,” she replies enthusiastically. “Couldn’t wait to get away from the three leeches.”
“The three leeches being…”
“My stepfather and his sons. Monumental pains in my ass,” she huffs, her hazel eyes sparking briefly with frustration. Just as quickly, it’s gone, and she turns her million-watt smile on me. “Anyhoo, I’m starving. Shall we?” She nods toward the Tavern.
“Oh, we shall,” I promise, holding her gaze.
She blushes as I reach for her hand and link our fingers, tugging her inside. I’m hungry for something far more satisfying than food, but I need to be patient if I’m going to win her over.
Elli guides us to an empty booth at the back of the pub. She slides into her seat, and I follow suit, sliding in opposite. A server appears immediately, and Elli greets her with a warm smile.
“Hey, Simone. How are you?”
Simone is a beautiful woman with a warm smile. She reminds me a little of Halle Berry, with her short hair and high cheekbones.
“Hey, yourself, Miss. Elli. I’m good, thank you for asking. Long time, no see,” she replies, smiling at Elli affectionately.
Elli wrinkles her nose. “I know. It’s not the same since Harmony left.”
“How is she doing? Could’ve knocked me over with a feather when I heard she was moving to New York to sing in some band,” Simone says, shaking her head in disbelief.
“She’s always had the voice of an angel, but you know how shy she is. I spoke to her yesterday, and she’s doing great. Mack is taking care of her.”
Simone’s brow furrows. “Mack is the guy she’s singing with, right?”
“Yeah, he hit the big time about ten years ago in a boy band, and he’s been trying to make it as a solo artist since. His record label had Mack put out a call for a singing partner, and when his manager heard Harmony singing in one of her vlogs, he reached out to her. It’s like some kind of fairytale,” Elli says dreamily. “I’m happy for her, but I miss her.”
“Of course, you do. She’s your best friend,” Simone says gently, reaching out to squeeze Elli’s hand. She finally turns her gaze on me. “And who is this handsome man?”
“Noah,” I say, extending a hand toward her. “Pleasure to meet you, Simone.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, sweet cheeks.” Simone’s smile broadens, and her eyes twinkle knowingly as she looks between Elli and me. “Now, what can I get you two to drink?”
“Lime and soda for me, please, Simone,” Elli replies. “And is the Tavern special on the menu tonight?”
“Sure is.” Simone nods.
“What’s the special,” I ask, looking at Simone.
“Steak and vegetable pie with dauphinoise potatoes, and it’s mighty good,” she replies with a beaming smile.
