Don't Hate the Player...Hate the Game(80)

A balding man gave us an impatient look. “Now that you two have had your moment, do you think I might get by?”

Maddie’s face flushed crimson all the way down her neck and onto her shoulders. “I’m so sorry, sir,” she said as apologetically as she could. She then flopped down in her seat and buried her face in her hands.

“Hey,” I murmured, nudging her leg with mine. When she didn’t look up, I eased down beside her. “Come on, Mads. Don’t be embarrassed by a little PDA.”

She tentatively raised her head and gave me a weak smile. “Sorry. Getting embarrassed is just one of my little quirks.”

I laughed. “And I love all your quirks.”

She took my hand in hers. “I love you so much, Noah.”

“I love you, too.”

Shaking her head, she said, “No, I need you to understand that regardless of whatever feelings or infatuation I thought I had for Jake, it’s the real thing with you.”

Her words caused my heartbeat to accelerate to a full gallop in my chest. The way she was looking at me also told me how much she meant her words, and I couldn’t stop myself. As the seatbelt sign came on, I leaned over and kissed her. It was quite a different experience from earlier, but it was wonderful all the same. She pulled away just as the plane started taxing down the runway and gave me a disapproving look.

“What’s that look for?” I asked.

She nibbled on her bottom lip for a moment, which did nothing for my raging hormones. “While we’re being honest, I feel I need to tell you that just because I love you nothing else has really changed yet.”

“It hasn’t?”

“I mean, what I believe is still the same. Just because I love you doesn’t mean I’m going to automatically…”

I shifted in my seat as my sex drive went down in flames. “Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re virginity is safe, I swear,” I said, making a Scout’s Honor pledge across my chest.

“That and other things too.” She glanced around the cabin before lowering her voice. “It might be a while before I’m ready to…you know, polish your knob or things like that.”

I snorted and rolled my eyes. “We’ve seriously got to work on your sexual lingo!”

“Is that not what it’s called?”

“Yeah, it is, but it just sounds so ridiculous coming out of your mouth. In fact, I think you might owe a quarter to the cuss can.”

Her finger drew lazy lines along the back of my hand. “So you’re really going to be able to wait until I’m ready?”

“Yep.”

“Even when I’m so beautiful it leaves you speechless?” she teased.

“Don’t worry, I know I’m strong enough to refuse you. I did the other night.”

Her eyes widened. “When I was drunk?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I leaned over and whispered into her ear, “You were so incredibly sexy when you propositioned me in your sexy white cami and blue panties.”

Maddie’s hand flew to cover her mouth in horror. “I did?”

I shot her a wicked grin. “Oh yeah. But I was a true gentleman and said no to your advances.”

Once again, a red flush crept over her cheeks. When she finally met my gaze, she gave me a hesitant smile. “Well, just don’t look for it happening again anytime soon!”

I shook my head. “One can only dream.”

Maddie giggled before smacking my arm playfully. “So you’re really willing to wait until I’m ready?”

I stared into her dark eyes. “Although it probably means I’m completely and totally whipped, I’ll do anything you ask me to as long as it means I get to be close to you.”

“Oh Noah,” Maddie murmured. She cupped my cheeks in her hands and bestowed a long, lingering kiss on me.

I knew in that moment I’d found the perfect love, acceptance and happiness I’d been searching for. And I had Jake to thank for it.

***

Epilogue

“Mom, we’re gonna be late!” I called, as I smoothed down my hair.

“Give me a minute!” came her muffled reply from down the hallway.

Glancing in the mirror, I surveyed my appearance. Outfitted in a blue polo shirt and khaki pants, I guess I looked appropriate enough for Jake’s Life Celebration. I mean, I don’t know what the hell you’re supposed to wear to these kinda things. I’d never even heard of one until Mrs. Nelson had called me two weeks ago to invite me. It was hard to believe a whole year had passed since Jake had died. I still thought of him each and every day, and I still missed him like crazy.

Mom swept into my room. “Would you mind getting Emma Grace downstairs for me while I finish packing her diaper bag?”

I bobbed my head. “No problem. Happy to help.”

“Thanks sweetheart,” she murmured.

“Mom?”

She whipped around to glance questioningly at me. “Take a deep breath, okay?” I instructed with a grin.

With a laugh, she rose up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “Being a mom in your mid 30’s is so different than in your teens. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going.”

“You’re doing great,” I reassured her.

She blew an errant strand of dark hair out of her eyes. “Even with Greg, it’s not as easy as it was with you.”