Confessions of a Twenty-Something City Girl

The Keys of Kingston

Noah's gaze pierces into mine, those striking blue eyes searching for my answer. A flutter stirs in my chest as I squeeze his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against my own. "Okay," I finally manage, a smile breaking across my face as I let my heart take the lead.

His eyes light up, brighter than I've ever seen, a mix of joy and relief that sends a thrill through me. He pulls me closer, his voice low and filled with sincerity. "So, you're mine? All mine?"

I'm putty in his arms. "I'm yours. Fully. All in. Fireworks-over-the-stadium kind of stuff," I giggle. My eyes lock onto his, brimming with delight as we discover that we both feel the same way. "I love that you remembered what I said about searching for big love."

Noah flashes a heart-stopping, take-no-prisoners smile, "I remember every brilliant word that comes out of that beautiful mouth of yours." He reaches up and caresses my face, his thumb retracing my lower lip. "But I particularly love that you gave me the greatest birthday gift in the world – you."

I blush at his comment. "Don't think you can escape that one! We're definitely planning something special for your birthday, Westbrook," I say, my eyes sparkling with amusement.

"If that pleases you, then certainly," he murmurs in acknowledgment. Oh, the thought more than pleases me.

"It looks like River East finally got himself a girlfriend," I tease, running my hand over his crisp white button-down and feeling the strength of his chest beneath. Noah's hands glide down to my hips, and without warning, pulls me into his lap.

"Lady Black has no idea what she's in for." He closes the distance and consumes me with his lips, his tongue teasing mine. I can taste a hint of spearmint as he kisses me. I catch my breath, and he leans in closer, running his tongue along my lips, parting them again. He quite literally is taking my breath away. "I have a surprise for you when we get home."

I pull back, wrapping my arms around his neck to keep him close. "Of course, we're heading to Chateau Westbrook – and what if this ride did not play to your advantage?"

His lips quirk up into a playful smile. "We'll never know." He leans in again, softly pressing his mouth to mine.

I trace my fingers along the fabric of Noah's grey suit. "We need to figure a few things out."

His expression is clear and bright. "I've already got it covered. Until Meredith is officially off the board, we have to stick to the terms of the agreement. My team is working overtime to expedite her removal. If you have any friends in Los Angeles County who know about us, they'll need to sign an NDA—non-negotiable. The fewer people involved, the better. Since we'll be outside of LA tomorrow evening for the charity gala, I don't think NDAs will be necessary then. Once Meredith is off the board, we can go public." He is always ten steps ahead.

I nod. "Got it. How do you want to handle meeting my family? How should I introduce you?"

Noah looks at me, perplexed. "As your boyfriend?" he asks, clearly unable to fathom any other answer.

Heat floods my cheeks, but then my stomach drops at the thought of Noah and my ex in the same room tomorrow night. "So much for your 'Famous Billionaire Bachelor' title," I grin, and Noah gives a playful shake of his head.

"Still a billionaire," he smiles, beaming with confidence the way only a man with his net worth can.

I can't help but laugh, yet the weight of our situation quickly pulls me back to reality. "We should be careful. You're a hot topic right now, and who knows how much more attention will be on me after that performance tonight with—"