Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 150

Chapter 150

That was the moment everything clicked for me. This wasn’t just about the ball or the crowd roaring my name. No, this was deeper—about choices that would pull me in completely different directions, about decisions that felt impossible to make. I was being torn between futures, each demanding a part of me, and none of them came with an easy path.

I grabbed Lexie’s arm gently and pulled her aside, away from the noisy throng. “I’ll be back,” I said firmly. “I need to talk to these people first. They came all this way for me.”

Without hesitation, she leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek, her warmth lingering there. “Okay. Meet us in the lounge after, alright? We’ll be waiting.”

Then, just like that, she disappeared into the sea of faces, and I turned toward the scouts who were waiting patiently. My heart was pounding, my mind a whirlwind, and my loyalties already stretched to their limits.

By the time I found a spot at the after-game party, a cold beer in hand, my head felt stuffed with cotton. Too many hands shook mine, too many pats on the back, and far too many “Hell of a game, kid!” compliments that made my jaw ache from constant smiling. All I wanted was to collapse onto a couch, shut out the noise, and just breathe for a moment.

But that was wishful thinking. The moment Lexie slid in beside me, her scent wrapping around me like a soft cloud, her hand brushing my arm, and her head leaning in just a little too close—I knew the moment had come. The conversation I had been putting off was unavoidable now. Might as well face it head-on.

She rested her head on my shoulder, looking so sweet and hopeful it almost broke my heart. God, this was going to be rough. Not that it was new territory for me. My reputation wasn’t exactly spotless—I had a habit of pulling away when things got too intense. But to be fair, I hadn’t even slept with her yet. So technically, this was one of my more honest, guilt-free “let’s just be friends” talks. Progress, I guess.

I shifted slightly and nudged her gently. “Lexie… come on. Let’s take a walk.”

She grabbed my arm as we moved toward the hallway, away from the pounding music and the crowd’s chatter.

Relief flooded through me, though guilt twisted inside like a knot.

Then, almost casually, she added, “We’ll see you Saturday.”

I snapped my head up. “Wait, really?”

Her eyebrows shot up like I’d just said something crazy. “Of course! Whatever you and I have—or don’t have—has nothing to do with your career. My dad wants you there. Everyone does. Noah, you’re amazing. People can see that.”

Okay. That was easier than I expected. Now all that was left was to tell Alden.