Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Noah

I hadn’t even made it halfway down the dimly lit corridor before William Hart stepped deliberately into my path, moving with the confident ease of a man accustomed to getting exactly what he wants.

“Noah,” he greeted me, his voice smooth and polished, almost warm. “Fantastic game tonight. I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of the others, but let’s be honest—you were the star out there.”

I forced a tight smile, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Thank you, sir. But really, it was a team effort.” My words sounded calm on the surface, yet inside, my heart was still pounding, adrenaline buzzing through my veins, making it hard to tell if his praise was genuine or just a prelude to something else.

“I get that, son, but you know these guys came here because of you, right? Have you given any thought to my offer?” His tone was smooth and measured, the kind of voice people use when they’re already convinced they’ve won.

And there it was—the real reason for this encounter. The handshake and polite small talk had only been a warm-up.

“I appreciate your generous offer, Mr. Hart, but Coach Aiden just put me in touch with three major scouts, and they’re ready to—”

“Noah,” he interrupted, his voice silky but firm, “what your coach offers are possibilities down the road. What I’m presenting is something you can grasp right now.” His smile stayed intact, but the sharp edge beneath his words pressed down harder, like a contract sliding across a table with a price tag attached.

“It’s tempting, no doubt, but I just wouldn’t feel comfortable,” I said carefully, each word chosen like I was navigating a minefield.

“I don’t quite follow.” His brow lifted, that polished charm unwavering, yet the look in his eyes said he understood perfectly—he just didn’t like my answer.

“Well, sir, I know Lexie and I have been spending time together, and I didn’t want anyone—especially you—to think it had anything to do with…” I trailed off, wishing I could disappear before I made things worse.

“Noah, it’s no secret my daughter likes you. I want her to be happy, of course. But let’s be clear—I believe you’re an extraordinary player, and I don’t see why this can’t be a win-win. You’re happy, she’s happy, and I get to invest in a true champion.” William shrugged as if it was the most logical thing in the world. “A player of your caliber needs to shine not just on the field, but everywhere. Image matters, Noah. Reputation matters. With your talent, my influence, and someone like Lexie by your side, you’d be unstoppable. You’d have the full package—the kind of brand even the pros dream about.”

“But Mr. Hart, Lexie and I aren’t dating,” I said more firmly than I intended. “I can’t really commit to her that way.”

“Oh, forgive me for assuming, Noah. I must have been under a different impression. You two certainly look close.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, and the pause that followed was heavy with unspoken meaning.

“We are! She’s incredible,” I blurted out before I could stop myself. It was true—Lexie was amazing—but guilt gnawed at me, knowing I’d let things appear more than they were.

William tilted his head, studying me with a sharper gaze than mere curiosity. “I don’t mean to pry, but… are you seeing someone else then?”

She let out a soft laugh, looking at me sideways. “Okay, also… about earlier, when you talked to my dad—was he being… pushy? Or just overly enthusiastic? I know he can be.”

I smiled, careful not to give too much away. “He means well. He’s really trying to help. And looking out for you, too.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh God… I hope he wasn’t talking to you about me.”

I shook my head but stayed silent because, honestly, that was exactly what had happened. Standing there, tipsy enough for the truth to sting sharper, I felt the weight of the whole charade pressing down on her as well. The way I’d led her on at first—partly to cover my own back, partly to score points with her dad—and then pulled back to just friends once I got what I wanted, while she was left to deal with her feelings and all the whispers about us being some golden couple. She hadn’t asked for any of it.

“Hey,” I said softly, trying to ease the tension. “It’s okay. Really. You don’t have to feel uncomfortable. I was the one who made it look like more than it was.”

I’d made it look exactly how I wanted her—and everyone else—to believe. I could be such an asshole.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and all I could think about was Aiden’s reward and how much I missed him. That pull toward him—dangerous and undeniable—was stronger than the noise of the party or the weight of anyone’s attention.

But deep down, I knew this couldn’t always be about me. And I had no idea that the next time I reached for that phone, it wouldn’t save me—it would ruin everything.