Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

A sudden jolt hit my stomach. “Wait—are you serious?” I asked, disbelief coloring my voice.

She gave a small nod, her smile effortless, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. “I wanted to tell you when we were alone, away from everyone else. He’s throwing a party next week—very exclusive, with some really important guests. He specifically asked me to invite you.”

I blinked, stunned. Flattered barely scratched the surface. Chances like this didn’t just come knocking—they could change everything.

“Thank you,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her fingers brushed gently against my arm. “Noah, I honestly think you’re incredible. You’ve got so much potential, and I want to see you reach it.”

Her words stabbed at my heart, twisting painfully. This was what I’d always craved—to be noticed, to be acknowledged, to finally get a real shot at making something of myself. To pull my family out of the hole we were in, to save my sister, to build a future that mattered.

And yet, it should have been Aiden offering me this. No one else.

As we wandered back toward the dorms, we paused on the steps overlooking the campus, where warm lights spilled out from windows and laughter floated on the night air. Lexie turned toward me, her hair brushing lightly against my arm, her scent wrapping around me like a soft cloak.

Before I could stop myself, she leaned in and kissed me.

Her lips met mine, and I kissed her back—calm on the surface, but inside I was unraveling. What kind of quarterback got nervous over a girl and a kiss? My heart hammered like I’d just run a hundred yards—not from desire, but from pure panic.

Trying to regain control, I pulled back just a bit. “Want to head back? Maybe get another drink?” I silently prayed she’d say yes. Maybe she’d have one too many and decide to call it a night. Maybe then I could slip away.

Instead, she slid her arm around my waist, her voice low and smooth. “Or maybe you could invite me over instead?”

Damn it.

Why were girls so bold these days? Didn’t anyone know how to play it cool anymore? Suddenly, I wanted to sprint back to the bathroom, shove my phone into my hand, and have Aiden forbid me from touching her—like he used to. But then again, that was part of his contract: no thirds.

“Careful,” I warned, grinning nervously. “That’s premium Wolf territory.”

She leaned back on her elbows, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “Guess I’ll just have to pay the toll then.”

—

My throat felt dry.

Before I could gather my thoughts, she leaned in again—closer this time. Too close. Her chest pressed softly against me, nearly touching mine, and damn, I was definitely not gay. Maybe bi, but not gay. The attraction was undeniable, electric, and I felt a sudden twitch of desire that betrayed my nerves.

She probably sensed it because when her lips brushed against my ear, there was no mistaking the message—this wasn’t a joke, or just playful flirting. It was an invitation. A promise.

I froze, caught between the burning ache in my chest and the heat radiating between us, fully aware of where this could lead if I didn’t put a stop to it now.