Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Noah

Stepping out of the bathroom, I hoped to spot Aiden nearby—close enough that I could pull him into one of the stalls and, despite his inevitable protests about how reckless and dangerous it was, go ahead and take care of him. The idea alone made a smirk creep onto my face.

But that smirk vanished quickly.

“Noah!” Lexie’s cheerful voice rang out, cutting through the air like a bell. “Quite the star you are tonight…”

Crap. Reflexively, I wiped away the mischievous thoughts that must have been written all over my expression, as if she could read every dirty idea swirling in my head just by looking at me.

“Lex,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “You look stunning, as always.” And she really did—her hair gleamed under the lights, her eyes sparkled like jewels, and that flawless smile of hers lit up the room. She was the kind of girl who turned heads the moment she walked in.

She chuckled softly, looping her arm through mine as we started walking back toward the tables. “I’m so proud of the new team. You all looked incredible out there.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, trying not to stumble over my own feet.

Then she slid the question in smoothly, like butter melting on warm toast. “So… why didn’t you bring your girlfriend? The guys were saying you’re dating someone.”

My mind froze. Girlfriend? Which one?

Oh no… She must be talking about the girl I’d been pretending to be with. What was her name again? Candy? Cindy? Damn it.

I shook my head, hoping my panic didn’t show. “No, not really. I hung out with someone a couple times, but just as friends.”

And just like that, I saw the shift—her entire posture softened, shoulders relaxing, eyes brightening a little, lips parting in that way that clearly said, Oh, he’s available.

“So you’re keeping yourself open for the perfect girl,” she teased, flashing a knowing smile.

I laughed awkwardly. I knew I was supposed to say something cheesy, like, “What if I already found the perfect girl?” But the thought made me want to gag. The ridiculous things horny guys say to pretty girls…

And don’t get me wrong—I was definitely horny. After days of forced abstinence, my body was aching for release. Just imagining being inside someone warm, soft, beautiful made me twitch. And Lexie? She was gorgeous—from her bright blue eyes framed by long lashes to her silky blonde hair, hourglass figure, long legs, ample chest, and perfect round ass. If I were Ken, she’d be my Barbie, no question.

But unfortunately for both of us, I wasn’t interested in the way she wanted. Still, with my whole Cindy/Candy cover story blown, I figured it was time to start pretending properly before rumors spiraled out of control.

I gave her my best grin as we neared the tables again. “Once this crazy boot camp wraps up, I’ll finally be able to breathe.”

She tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Has your coach been keeping you really busy?”

I smiled inwardly. Oh, you have no idea.

Out loud, I said, “We’ve all been swamped. But yeah—I’m the outsider, so I’ve got to work twice as hard to prove myself.”

Then I shoved the thought down hard. I wasn’t a sellout. I wasn’t about to ditch Aiden and crawl into some investor’s pocket just because it glittered with opportunity. But still… the temptation lingered, tucked away like a secret card in a deck.

I stood, thanking Mr. Hart politely and shaking his hand like I’d just been handed a golden ticket to the future. As I turned to leave, Lexie rose with me, her short lavender dress swishing in perfect rhythm with her movements. She leaned in close, her voice bright and inviting.

“My father really seems to like you,” she said. “I can’t wait for us all to cheer you on at your first big game.”

I grinned, feeling awkward but flattered. “Guess we’ll see if I’m worth the hype.”

She laughed softly, her arm brushing mine as we walked. “You will be. I can tell.” Then, with a sly tilt of her head, she asked, “Want to get out of here? Take a walk?”

The question hit me like a sucker punch. I knew exactly where that could lead. And Jesus, just the thought—her body, all curves and golden shine, warm and inviting—had me twitching hard in an instant. My body screamed yes, begging for any kind of release after days of holding back.

I sucked in a breath, forcing my head to win over my dick. “I can’t,” I said finally. “I’m supposed to stay and mingle, you know? Meet people. Maybe some other time?”

“Of course,” she said sweetly, leaning up to press a soft kiss to my cheek. “See you soon, Noah.”

I froze, her perfume lingering on my skin like evidence, then lifted my eyes—half worried about how Aiden might have read that kiss.

But he wasn’t anywhere in the room anymore.