Page 122 of More Than Just Friends

I should’ve…

I didn’t get the chance to finish forming the sentence in my head because Noah’s mouth crashed onto mine.

The force was so strong and unexpected I almost fell off the sofa.

But in true Noah style, he caught me in his arms and held me tight.

I melted into him and deepened the kiss.

As our tongues flicked against each other’s, happiness and relief flooded my veins.

I wasn’t too late.

We’d found a way back to each other.

I was home.

Noah was my home.

And I never wanted to be without him.

He pulled away slowly and as our eyes locked, he smiled.

‘I missed you,’ he said. ‘I thought you’d forgotten about me.’

‘I could never!’ I kissed him again. ‘After everything I put you through, I just didn’t want to rock up here and just say that I loved you. I wanted to find a way to show you. Actions speak louder than words, right?’

‘Right. Well, thank you. I love the sound of a table tennis table and the flat, but most of all, I love the sound of us being together. Properly.’

‘Yep. Me too. It took a few days to find the right place. Stella put me in touch with one of her clients, Theo, who works at the Romance Library. Apparently, he was a property development hotshot and has loads of connections. He was the one who found it and as soon as I went to the viewing a couple of days ago, I knew it was the one. They’re keeping it on hold for us until Monday if you want to come and look at it with me?’

‘Of course I do!’ Noah beamed.

‘I’m sure you’re gonna love it. And like I said, it’s got room for the table tennis table you’ve always dreamt about having, so we can play together whenever we want.’ I smiled.

‘Sounds amazing! But what about your walk-in wardrobe and knicker drawers?’ Noah grinned.

‘Those can wait. If I start saving now, maybe by the time we celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary, we might just be able to afford it!’ I laughed.

‘Wedding anniversary, eh?’ Noah cocked his head, a huge smile on his face. ‘Are you proposing tonight as well? God, how did I not realise before that you’re obsessed with me?’ He chuckled.

‘I know, right? All the signs of my obsession were clear. If you turn over that sheet of paper, there’s the evidence to prove it.’

When he flipped the sheet over, Noah laughed. There were multiple doodles with Noah and Ali Forever and lots of variations of love hearts. Some with Cupid’s arrows, some decorated with stars.

‘Excellent illustrations!’ He smiled.

‘Thank you. I may have etched one into the side of the table tennis table too.’ I grinned.

‘Wow. You’ve got it bad!’

‘Yep. I’m crazy about my boyfriend,’ I said, dramatically emphasising the word boyfriend.

‘Has a nice ring to it. Thanks, girlfriend.’ Noah laughed.

‘And although I’m not proposing tonight, I want you to know that I’m open to anything with you.’

‘Anything?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘Got some kinks you want to share with me?’