Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Aiden

Fraternity parties had never been my scene. Honestly, I couldn’t have cared less about them.

That was, until today—watching Noah push himself to the brink during practice, nearly risking injury, and recalling how desperately he’d pleaded to attend one of these parties sparked a new thought in my mind. If he was so determined to go, then fine. I’d let him have his night.

But I wasn’t going to let him off easy. No, I planned to serve him a taste of his own medicine. After all, two could play at this game.

Noah Blake was a stunning sight—his flawless physique and that quintessential all-American face, caught perfectly between youthful innocence and a mischievous glint. He had a way of stirring every inappropriate thought imaginable in a man’s mind. Yet, I wasn’t unfamiliar with turning heads myself.

At thirty-five, I maintained the physique of an athlete—muscles sculpted and kept in prime condition. Broad shoulders, a chest that filled out any shirt with ease, and eyes that had caused countless women to catch their breath over the years. I’d been the object of desire for both men and women for as long as I could remember.

But tonight wasn’t about flirting or showing off. No, my thoughts were consumed by that stubborn, maddeningly addictive boy I cared about.

It was time he realized—he wasn’t the only one with choices.

I wanted to blend in tonight, to appear as just another guy at the party—not the coach, not the authority figure, simply someone looking to unwind with a drink. No whistles, stopwatches, or clipboards in sight.

Still, the moment I stepped inside, casual or not, heads turned. The deep bass of the music vibrated through my chest, laughter bounced around the room, and more than a few eyes locked onto me instantly.

I let my gaze wander over the crowd, forcing a polite smile as I tried not to focus on the inevitable damage this night of beer, cheap liquor, and greasy food would do to the body I’d spent months refining. That was the coach in me talking, but tonight wasn’t about discipline or instruction. I pushed the thought aside.

Then I spotted him.

Noah—stunning as ever.

I cleared my throat. “You guys having a good time?” I nodded toward them both.

Before either could respond, a voice called my name from behind. Turning around, I saw Marcus Kane, one of my former players and a close friend of Keon’s, making his way over.

“Coach Mercer! Damn, good to see you,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Man, I never properly thanked you for that NFL recommendation. I’ve been killing it since I left college last year.”

“That’s great to hear,” I replied sincerely.

“Come on, I want to introduce you to a couple of the new guys I’ve been working with.”

I let him pull me away, exchanging a quick glance with a noticeably jealous Noah before the crowd swallowed me up.