5. Noah

CHAPTER 5

NOAH

T he bar they entered was packed, the music so loud that Noah had to ask Sophie to repeat herself three times before he gave up, grabbing onto her hand and dragging her back out the entrance. The line to go inside was already growing down the street.

"My ears are actually ringing," she laughed. "How does anyone manage to talk in there?"

"I think that's part of the point," he suggested.

Everyone inside the bar had been at least ten years younger than them and certainly not looking to talk. Noah had been surprised to feel out of place; those kinds of bars used to be his scene.

"I know another place that's a little more high-end," Noah said. "Somewhere we can get a good drink and actually have a conversation."

"How about there?" Sophie suggested.

He looked past her outstretched hand to see a small tavern. It was a low-rise brick building with a red neon sign that read "Polly's." Noah gave her a skeptical look.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "When's the last time you went anywhere that didn't have a five-star rating?"

"Just now, and I think we can both agree it was terrible."

Sophie laughed. "Okay, fair enough. But let's just try it out. If it's horrible we can go somewhere else."

Noah found himself persuaded by her radiant smile. It was different from the one he saw every day at work. "All right," he caved.

They waited for an opening in traffic and jogged across the street.

There was no line and they walked straight in through the glass doors. Most of the furniture was wooden and the place seemed to be a mixture of an Irish pub and a medieval tavern, though the music in the background was still of this century. There were enough people to make the place not feel empty but it wasn't so loud that they couldn't hear one another speak.

"Look's good," Noah agreed. They seated themselves and one of the servers took their order almost immediately.

As they waited for their drinks, he couldn't help but admire how good Sophie looked. Two light brown strands were left out of her updo to frame her face. Her blue eyes were lined in dark kohl and her lips were plump with whatever red gloss she had applied. He had already admired every inch of the dress she was wearing on their journey over here and had absolutely no complaints.

A pang of jealousy twisted in his stomach. Sophie had never mentioned dating before. But then again, why would she? Even though they saw and talked to each other every day at work, Noah was still her boss.

"You look beautiful, by the way," he blurted. "I just mean, I don't know what that guy was thinking. He's an idiot."

"Thanks," she said earnestly. "And thanks again for helping me get out of there. I really appreciate it. Next time I find a guy on the internet, I'll make sure to do a little more research before going on a date with him."

The internet? Why would Sophie need to resort to the internet to find a guy? She wasn't only extremely successful in her field; she was gorgeous. She could have any guy she wanted.

Noah was about to question her when the waitress set down their drinks.

They each took a sip, Noah letting out a satisfied sigh as he swallowed.

"See? Not so bad," Sophie gloated.

Noah held his hands up in joking submission. "Okay. You were right."

Sophie smirked pridefully, and Noah felt something tighten in his stomach. He liked seeing this side of her.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." She took a sip of her drink.

"Not that it's any of my business, but why were you with that guy tonight? Not because you're not allowed to date, but why use a dating app?"

Sophie's face fell slightly, her cheeks growing rosy.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that." He felt horrible. It was none of his business what or who she did in her personal time.

"No, really, it's okay. It's just a bit embarrassing. And I definitely feel a little desperate and pathetic, but I don't know what else to do."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I work a lot and I don't get out much. It seemed like the easiest way to meet someone."

Noah nodded, not knowing what to say. In a way, her hours at work were his fault. He never meant to make her feel bad or keep her from enjoying her life.

Their drinks were almost empty by the time Sophie spoke again. "Do you ever feel like you're running out of time?" she asked.

"Depends on the context." He signaled for another drink as she continued.

"Life, I guess." She looked down, twirling her straw around her empty drink. "I always had this perfect picture in my head of what my life was going to be like and I spent so long being focused on becoming financially stable that I forgot my true dream along the way. And now I just feel like I am going to miss my chance."

Noah rested his hand on his chin. "Your dream?"

"You know, a family."

"So you're looking for a husband?"

Sophie shrugged. "It's not even that… I always thought I would be a mother by now. I've always wanted kids. And now it's not even about finding a guy but finding the right guy , quickly. Apparently finding a decent guy is nearly impossible at our age. I just wish there was some way to fast-track the whole process."

Noah was a little surprised by her vulnerability. And also a little intrigued. "Ah… I see."

The waitress came and brought them new drinks and collected their empty cups. Noah wanted to say something else but felt like the moment had passed.

Sophie was quiet again for a moment. "I'm sorry you didn't get the promotion, Noah. I know how hard you've worked for it. I'm not sure what your father was thinking," she said.

Hearing it from her brought on an odd emotion. Like her words actually validated his hard work. And since Noah was already five drinks deep, he didn't feel the need to shove the vulnerability down.

"Thank you," he said. "It seems that my father actually does agree with us on that fact. Trouble is, he doesn't think my bachelor image would make for a good representation of the company."

A new drink appeared in front of him and he took a slow sip.

"So what image is he looking for?" Sophie asked.

"The family man."

She nodded in understanding. "So you're looking for a wife. How ironic," she teased.

"Why? Would you like to submit an application?"

Sophie laughed but Noah stayed silent.

"What?" she said. "Are you serious?"

The wheels began turning in Noah's head "I mean, yeah. Why not? I'm a decent guy. You said you're not necessarily interested in a guy but you want a child. Maybe we can help each other out."

Sophie stared at him for another long moment before she burst out laughing. "Could you imagine?"

Noah joined her, playing it off. But some part of him was serious.

Sophie would be the perfect woman for the job. She was successful and respected in her field. She was gorgeous and he already knew they got along well. And she wanted a child. This would solve both of their problems.

"Hey, I mean I have good genes. I'm more than financially stable, especially once my father names me CEO. And you wouldn't have to worry about some chump fathering your child. I would provide you both with anything you need."

"So what? You get the perfect family charade you need and I get a child?"

Noah nodded. "Essentially. Yes."

Sophie grinned. "I'll take it into consideration." She finished off her drink and they ordered another.

Noah tried not to frown; she wasn't taking him seriously. But could he blame her?

The discussion changed and somehow they found themselves discussing marketing strategies for the new line of car seat covers being released next fall. After three more drinks they called it quits.

Sophie stood, then gasped as she noticed something, her hand landing on his thigh. "Oh, you got wine on your pants! I'm so sorry, Noah. I'll buy you a new pair, I promise." She frowned, dabbing at the now dry stain with a cloth napkin.

He grinned. "It's no big deal. Don't worry about it. Seriously, it was worth it."

The presence of her hand on his thigh grabbed all of his attention and he tried to remain calm but when she looked up at him with those dark lined eyes, he stiffened.

Sophie didn't notice, as she pulled away at that exact moment, but the slide of her hand only worsened the situation.

Noah shot up, making his way over to the bar. "I'm going to go pay our tab," he said. By the time he'd finished paying, the situation had resolved itself and he met Sophie at the door. It had been years since the mere look of a woman brought him to arousal.

He felt guilty, it wasn't like she was trying to be seductive. Right?

The air was even cooler now and it felt good on his heated skin. "I'll call my driver."

"I actually don't live too far from here. I'm okay to just walk."

Noah furrowed his brows at her. "You certainly will not." It was almost one in the morning and not even Noah felt comfortable walking home alone at night.

"Fine. Walk with me, then?"

Noah wanted to urge her to let them drive but she was wearing that seductively persuasive smile again. Besides, the faster they got there, the faster their night ended.

"Fine. Lead the way."

Sophie giggled.

Noah followed, keeping an eye on their surroundings. The air was crisp and the streetlights created a nostalgic feeling that took him back to his youth. He hadn't felt this free in a long time.

"I had a lot of fun tonight," he told her.

"Me too," she agreed.

Sophie had told him it would be ten minutes maximum. They had already been walking that long but he didn't mind the walk, so he stayed quiet. They began moving away from the business side of the downtown and into a residential area.

"It's just up there." She pointed to the tall apartment building.

Noah nodded, asking her a few questions about the neighborhood. Their pace slowed; Noah didn't want the night to end. She didn't rush him either so he figured the feeling was mutual.

Sophie bumped into his hip playfully. "You know, Sophie Birch has a real ring to it."

Noah smirked. "You think so?"

"Mhmmm." She nodded coyly.

"What about your children, then? I'm sure you already have names picked out. You think theirs will sound good as well?"

Sophie laughed, slapping his arm. "All this talk about our future children and you haven't even proposed yet," she teased.

Noah's eyes caught on a dandelion on a patch of grass under the stop sign and he snatched it up, his head spinning slightly from the alcohol.

Sophie's back was turned to him, walking a few paces ahead. Noah dropped to one knee, tying the small weed into a ring.

She turned, "What are you—"

"Sophie Cain, I stand before you with my precious family heirloom ring and ask for your hand. If you say yes, you and our family will want for nothing. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

She looked fearful at first but then a dramatic smile crossed her face. She placed her hand over her heart, clutching her invisible pearls.

"Oh, Noah! I've been waiting my entire life for this moment. I can't believe you made me wait this long." She giggled. "Yes!"

Noah got to his feet as Sophie held her hand out, waiting for him to slide on the makeshift flower ring. He held her hand as he slid it on to her finger slowly.

Caught up in the moment, he swept her into a large bear hug. He spun her once as they laughed joyously before setting her down.

She looked up at him again through those dark lashes.

They were so close now, their foreheads nearly touching as they breathed heavily from the laughter. The air between them was charged and Noah couldn't help but lean into the magnetizing pull.

Giving into his uncontrollable desire, he kissed her.