Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 112

Chapter 112

“No…” he murmured, shaking his head slowly, as if trying to deny the truth that hung between us.

I pressed a gentle kiss to his temple, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my lips. “That’s exactly it, baby boy. The only thing that saw me through the accident, through every loss and setback, wasn’t just coaching. It was being Mr. A. The Master. That’s where I truly belong. That’s where I feel complete.”

His eyes lifted to meet mine, a flicker of pain shadowing his expression. “I understand, Sir. I really do. But… am I not enough? Training me, being with me… doesn’t that count for something?”

A tightness gripped my chest. I slid my hand into the thick curls at the nape of his neck, drawing him closer until our foreheads rested together. “Oh, baby boy. You are more than enough. More than I ever dreamed of. But one day, you won’t need me anymore. You’ll become the greatest player I’ve ever trained. You’ll step onto that NFL field, and the whole world will claim you. You’ll travel, live the life I never could. And I’ll be so damn proud… but what happens then? What do I do when you don’t need me anymore?”

Tears shimmered in his eyes. “But that’s not now. And if that day comes… you’ll come with me. You’ll always be by my side.”

“As what, Noah? Your cheerleader? Your coach? Your ex-coach and secret lover?” I asked quietly, the bitterness of the thought stinging. “How would that help your career?”

He parted his lips to argue, but no words came. He understood. He felt how delicate everything was.

“As my private coach,” he ventured, a fragile hope breaking through the doubt.

I gave a soft, bitter smile. “And watch you succeed where I failed, chased by fans—women and men alike—while I stay hidden in the shadows as your secret? Is that really what you want?”

When we finally parted, his voice was rough but steady. “You are, Sir. I met you as my coach and Mr. A, and you will always be enough. Enough as my coach, enough as my Master…” His hand pressed firmly over my heart. “But you’re enough just as you are. And I know you worry I’ll leave if I make it big, but I’ll prove you wrong. I’m going to be the best damn player in the NFL… and the best damn sub in that club.”

Then he was the one capturing my lips, fierce and hungry, passion burning between us. When he pulled away, breathless, he whispered, “And one day, I’m going to be everything else, too.”

My hand slid up the back of his neck, gripping tightly, pulling him back in. I crushed our mouths together, a rush of heat flooding my chest. “You already are everything else, little brat.”

We lingered there, breathing each other in, the tension melting into something softer, more tender.

I kissed his temple one last time and murmured against his skin, “Now… how about some dinner?”