A Shot at Love

Can't Get Enough

My eyes flutter open as a golden hue spills through the bay windows, casting a warm glow over Noah's bed. I sink deeper into the crisp white sheets, a smile tugging at my lips as I remember all the new things he taught me last night. Eager to show Noah what a good student I am, I reach for him, only to be met with empty sheets.

I hear a soft melody coming from outside and another song begins. I recognize it. It's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" by Barry White. I love this song. Its rich beat and deep, smooth vocals invigorate me to get out of bed and go find my boyfriend.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I leap up, drawn by the sound. As I pass Noah's desk, I can't help but smile at the photo booth picture strip he has propped up from our trip to Musée Mécanique in San Francisco.

I swing the balcony doors open, it's the perfect fall day in Los Angeles—crisp and sunny, with a fabulous song swelling through the outdoor surround sound system. In the distance, I spot Noah, his silhouette sharply defined against the morning light as he works out. I hurry down the steel spiral staircase, excitedly feeling the rhythm pulse through my veins.

As I move closer, I pause to lean against the stone pergola, savoring the scene before me. Snuggled in his white button-down, I cross my arms and lift one leg atop the other, my gaze fixed on Noah, his shirtless body glistening in the sunlight. He's facing away from me, finishing a set of pull-ups, and I can't help but admire the steady motion of his defined muscles, each movement in sync with the beat of the song.

To my surprise, Noah springs down and seamlessly transitions into pike push-ups on the manicured green grass of the outdoor gym. With effortless grace, he lifts his legs, balancing into a model handstand before starting his push-ups. He is so hot.

His muscles swell with every motion, rising and falling in a mesmerizing rhythm. His form is impeccable, and I can't help but gawk as beads of sweat roll down his arms, catching the light in a way that makes him look even more irresistible.

Noah returns to a standing position, doing a double-take when he spots me. A warm, confident smile spreads across his face, and it's clear he's pleased I caught his impromptu show. He radiates a certain light I've never seen before this morning, exuding happiness as he downs whatever is in his water bottle.

He strolls over, his Adonis-like physique making him look godlike. "Good morning, baby. How are you today?" he asks, his voice smooth and inviting.

"Good morning to you, handsome," I reply, leaning in to kiss his lips. "I've just been admiring the view. Do you always listen to love songs while you work out?" I giggle, a whimsical gleam in my eyes.

"I do now." The warmth of his body presses against mine, and he flashes that radiant smile again. He kisses me sweetly, and passionately, before stepping back to gaze at me, his eyes filled with affection and wonder.

It hits me that this is just as new for him as it is for me. "Dance with me?" he asks, smoothly wrapping his arm around my waist and drawing me close. His other hand threads into mine, a playful sparkle in his eyes as he twirls me around. Noah's voice rises as he begins singing along with Mr. Barry White. His breath is warm and intoxicating against my face.

"My darling I, I can't get enough of your love, babe. Girl, I don't know, I don't know why, I can't get enough of your love babe."

He's so cute, and it's endearing — this moment is precious. I graze my fingers along his chiseled jaw, feeling the texture of his stubbled cheek. "I like this scruff on you. How'd you sleep?"

"Never better than when I'm sleeping next to you," he says, gently stroking my hair. "You know, if we adjusted our agreement to allow more than one night together per week, you'd get to enjoy my morning stubble even more often..."