Confessions of a Twenty-Something City Girl

In the Hot Seat

As I step out of Barney's Beanery, a cool breeze sends a shiver up my spine, and I instinctively pull my arms around myself for warmth. My cappuccino-colored Nike Jordans crunch against the uneven sidewalk as I scan the street for Noah. I walk past a line of eager patrons waiting to get in and then turn onto the side street—but he's still nowhere in sight.

A sleek limo glides to a stop beside me. I don't see him yet, but I recognize his voice as it draws closer, laced with tension.

"I don't care what she said! Kill the deal. She's no longer part of the board, she isn't authorized to give those commands. End of discussion! I've got to go."

Before I can react, Noah's hand grazes my back, sending a thrill through me as he opens the limo door and gestures for me to enter. I feel the tension radiating from his body as I quickly slide into the car, settling into the plush interior. I glance over at Noah's glorious profile, he looks on edge and exasperated. My mind is racing, a whirlwind of thoughts swirl as I brace myself for what he might say next. Is he here to end things with me?

Noah is silent, his expression shifting as he reaches for two glasses from the bar and pours us drinks. This is a break-up drink, isn't it? The limo starts to move, but I can't seem to find my voice to ask where we're headed. I steal another glance at Noah, and our eyes finally lock; the streetlights catch his gaze, casting a flicker of intensity that makes my heart race with anticipation.

Noah hands me a glass, tossing back his drink with a fluid motion before draping his arm over the seat behind me. He leans in closer, his voice low and edged with frustration. "What's it like having this much power over someone?"

I blink in surprise, the question catching me off guard as I take a cautious sip of my drink. "Wh-what do you mean?" I ask, perplexed, gazing out at Santa Monica Blvd.

"You know exactly what I mean." His stare returns, intense and unwavering; I can feel his eyes burning into me, sending heat prickling along my skin.

I trace my finger along the rim of my glass, finally meeting his eyes. "I'm confused by your question because I thought you were here to end things between us."

Noah scowls, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Why would you think that?"

"Between Meredith kissing you right in front of me and her warning me that you two were getting back together, I'd say that's where it all started," a small laugh escapes my lips. I take a sip of my drink, the cool liquid steadying me.

Noah's eyes darken. "She's really trying to fuck with me," he growls, taking a deep breath. I can't quite read his next move.

"Want some?" I offer a gentle smile, lifting my glass of tequila in his direction.

He cracks a smirk, and I sense a wave of relief wash over him. "You're always so willing to give. I love that about you." His fingers brush against mine as he takes the drink, sending my pulse racing once again. "I love a lot of things about you," he continues, "and it's really thrown me for a loop."

Love? My heart flutters. "Oh, I—"

"I don't mean that in a bad way. There are endless things to love about you, but you're making me feel new emotions, and I don't know what to do with all of it."

My hand reaches for Noah's, and his grip tightens around mine. "Me too. But we need to sort out everything happening around us. This isn't healthy."

He turns his piercing, wary gaze to me, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing each knuckle gently. "You're right. Kingston, I'm deeply sorry for Meredith's actions today. She's a dangerous woman, and I need to protect you. I spoke with her afterward, and she won't be pulling any more stunts like that. We're working to expedite her removal from the board, but until it's official, I have to tread carefully. I don't trust her, especially around you. I'm handling it—please know that."