One Last Time(93)

As much as I’d like to pretend I’m sad about that, I’m not. I hated that job. Now, I own a lifestyle magazine geared to women over thirty. We focus on home, relationships, children, workforce things, and style.

I. Love. My. Company.

As long as I don’t say the name.

“Ahhh.” She nods. “I McGettit.”

Nicole bursts out laughing, and they high five. Assholes.

“You can McGet out of my house.”

“And what would we do for entertainment?” Nicole asks.

“I hate you. All of you. Hate.”

Erica was in charge of submitting the forms for the corporation. I pre-signed them because I was heading to France for two weeks. She was supposed to fill out the information once I decided on the name, which was Friends in Chic, and submit it. Easy as pie.

She felt our name wasn’t trendy enough. So, she named our very prestigious magazine, Kristin Mc-Gets-it.

Nicole and Danielle lock arms and giggle. “We accept your hate and raise you a we don’t care.”

My friends are on my list—with Erica.

Aubrey runs in with a box, stopping our little feud. “Auntie Danielle, can you make sure Aunt Nicole doesn’t take this please.”

Nicole raises her brows and laughs. “Me? What did I do?”

“You said you were going to eat my animals for lunch.” Aubrey pulls the box to the side. “They’re not food.”

“I was hungry, and you wouldn’t let me leave the room.”

Aubrey looks at Nicole and shakes her head. These two are a mess separately, but together they’re out of control. Aubrey will do things that remind me so much of Nicole it’s scary—I’m not excited about it. I love my best friend, but her mother was gray very early in life.

“You’re not supposed to eat them, Aunt Nicole!”

Nicole sighs dramatically. “Fine, I won’t eat them.”

Danielle and I watch with our hands over our mouths as Aubrey extends the box and then pulls it back.

“Aubrey Nicole!” Nic yells. I think she likes using my daughter’s middle name as much as she can. Had I known that naming Aubrey after a friend meant she would be like that person, I would’ve chosen Heather.

Maybe.

Aubrey takes the box and walks off.

“That girl.” Danielle laughs. “I can’t, she’s the best thing ever.”

“I happen to agree.” Noah’s deep voice causes my pulse to spike.

He’s here. He’s here early.

“You’re home!” I break out in a run and leap into his arms.

“Hi, sweetheart.” He laughs as he barely catches me.

I kiss his lips over and over, beyond ecstatic that I can. It’s been over three weeks since the last time we saw each other. The kids and I video call with him every night, but it isn’t the same.

I can’t touch his skin, feel his warmth, or smell his cologne. My memory is no substitute for the real thing.

His green eyes are a little lighter and his skin has a bronze tint to it. For the movie he just wrapped filming on, he was playing a spy, and they had him buzz his hair. I thought I would hate it, but he’s insanely sexy. If I could’ve climbed through the computer and have him assault me with his weapon of mass destruction, I would have. However, we don’t do anything over the internet. So . . . I had to wait.

I don’t have to wait anymore. My tongue delves into his mouth, sliding against his tongue, tasting all that is Noah.

“If you’re going to have sex right now, can I watch? I’m all for free porn,” Nicole asks from behind us.

Noah breaks the kiss, and I pout. “Go away!” I yell to them.

“Don’t worry, there’s more of that,” Noah promises before kissing my nose.

There better be. I want more now, though. Stupid friends and kids who are keeping us from a little mattress dancing.

“Danni will watch the kids . . .” Nicole offers.

Not a bad idea. I open my mouth, but Noah speaks first. “Good to know.”

“I think he thinks I’m kidding.” She nudges Danielle.

Danielle snorts. “I think he’s afraid you’re not.”

“Or that I’d join in,” Nicole jokes. “I’m game for either.”

My legs are wrapped around his waist, and I attach myself like a second layer of clothing. He looks down at me with a mischievous grin. “You planning to interject?”

“She couldn’t handle your hotness, baby. Plus, she likes two men . . .”

Noah chuckles. “You two have spent too much time together lately.” His voice drops low so only I can hear. “Tonight, we’ll see what else has rubbed off.”

Oh, there will be lots of rubbing tonight. I wiggle my brows and smirk. “I’m counting on that, hot stuff.”

“I missed you.” Noah twists a little as I continue to hang on him. “You getting down so I can move?”

“Nope.”

I’m perfectly content like this. I have three weeks’ worth of hugging to make up for. I almost feel bad for him, but then I don’t. For the last eight months we’ve dealt with long flights, time zone issues, his ridiculous filming schedule, press inquiries about our relationship, and me starting my new job. It’s been hell.