A Shot at Love

Champagne Problems

Noah's hand slips around my waist, pulling me snug against his lap as the entire club seems to hold its breath, waiting for her answer. Every eye is on Priya. I glance back at him—a sexy smirk playing at his lips, as if he's been in on the secret all along.

Priya takes a beat—then shrieks, "Yes!"

Russ slides the diamond onto her finger, then sweeps Priya into his arms and spins her around the ring. The opening notes of Marry You by Bruno Mars pulse through the speakers just as confetti bursts from the ceiling, raining down over the club.

I throw my arms around Noah's neck, practically bouncing against his lap with excitement. "Did you know?" I shout over the music, giggling.

He plucks a piece of silver confetti from my hair and pulls me in closer. "Russ is my boy. We exchange very classified intel," he says with a grin—and maybe even the faintest blush.

My stomach dips. Wait... does he think Priya told me he's in love with me?

Before I can overthink it, Noah's lips find mine—the room might as well explode in sparks. He draws me deeper into the kiss, and I melt into him without a second thought.

His hand cups my face as he slowly leans back, his eyes locked on mine, heat simmering in his gaze. "Tuesday night," he murmurs. "Don't make any plans. You're mine. I want to take you somewhere."

"Is that so?" I tease, settling onto his lap with my hand resting on his chest—his toned muscles peeking out from beneath his NASCAR costume.

His fingers thread through my hair. "Yeah... it's important to me," he says, voice low. "We've been so wrapped up in work and all the chaos—I need to get something off my chest. Don't worry, it's good." His lips graze mine, and the peppermint on his tongue sends my senses into a full-blown spiral.

Get something off his chest?

Oh my God—he's going to tell me he loves me.

And of course, in true Noah fashion... on his terms, in his time.

Heat floods my cheeks. "Then I'll be there," I whisper, smiling as I press my lips to his. His hands glide down my gold silk dress, gripping me at the hips—until his phone buzzes in his pocket,

"Your pants are buzzing," I giggle, wiping a smudge of lipstick from his mouth.

He pulls out his phone, the screen lighting up his face as a scowl forms between his brows.

"What is it?" I ask, watching him closely as he reads the message.

Noah slides his phone back into his pocket, his whole vibe shifting.

Whatever was in that text, it hit hard.

His gaze flicks back to mine, and there's something stormy in his eyes, like he's already ten steps ahead, trying to fix it.

"I'm not trying to pressure you about moving in," he rasps, his look searching mine. "But my team just confirmed—the break-in at your condo was linked to one of the gangs attacking West Hollywood. And I'm not okay with you being alone right now."

The crease between his brows deepens, his expression giving everything away. He's rattled.

"I was outside on the phone earlier, trying to get the main guys arrested," he adds. "But they're still out there."

I want to live with Noah—so much. But I've been holding off on saying yes until after our meeting with Meredith. I need that chapter closed before we start the next one.

I trail my hand over his shoulder and down his arm, trying to ease the tension. "Let's take turns staying at each other's places until everything's settled," I say gently. "We'll figure it out."