Chapter 148: Soulmates (M)
Noah crossed his arms, eyeing Ryder with a scowl. "Stop teasing Ash, Ryder. He’s already embarrassed enough."
Ryder sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. I’ll behave." With a mischievous grin, he walked over and plopped down next to Noah on the sofa. "Anything for you."
Across the room, Elijah gently coaxed a sulking Ash toward the breakfast buffet. "Come on, babe. Let’s get you something to eat before you wither away."
Ash let out a huff, still grumbling about the video, but he followed Elijah’s lead, clearly still enjoying the extra attention. They had a honeymoon to plan, and the couple would be leaving soon to enjoy their well-deserved vacation.
Meanwhile, Ryder turned to Noah, his eyes softening. "What about us? Why don’t we stay here a little longer?" His fingers brushed lightly over Noah’s back, the gentle motion making Noah shiver slightly.
Noah hesitated, biting his lip. "I don’t know...The company needs me back soon. There’s a lot I have to take care of."
Ryder’s hand stroked a bit more firmly down his spine, and Noah’s breath hitched. "But I need you too," Ryder said quietly, leaning closer. His lips hovered over Noah’s ear as he added, "I want to spend more time with you."
Noah felt a blush creeping up his neck. He could hear the sincerity in Ryder’s voice, and it tugged at his heartstrings. The truth was, Noah wanted to stay as well, to lose himself in more stolen moments like these. "I want that too," he admitted softly.
Ryder’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Without another word, he pulled Noah into his arms on the sofa, pressing a playful kiss to the tip of Noah’s nose. "Then it’s decided," Ryder murmured, his thumb tracing Noah’s cheek. "We’ll stay here, just a little longer. I’ll make sure everything’s taken care of at the company."
Before Noah could respond, Ryder’s lips captured his in a soft kiss, full of warmth and promise. Noah’s mind raced for a second, but he quickly melted into the kiss, his hands instinctively moving to Ryder’s chest.
It was in moments like these that Noah couldn’t deny how deeply he felt for Ryder. Even though they had their complicated past, Ryder had this way of making him feel wanted, needed—like nothing else mattered but the two of them.