MISSING YOU

JANUARY 2019

Noah exits the terminal and I race through the crowd and leap into his arms. He tightly holds me against his chest as he swings me around. I nuzzle into the crook of his neck and inhale his familiar scent of chamomile and peppermint.

He cups my cheeks and crashes his lips against mine. I wrap my arms around his waist and squish him closer, soaking in his warmth. Even though we talk all the time, I've missed having him at arm's length and against my body.

"Hey, baby." He smiles.

"I can't believe you're here with me. How was the flight?"

He strokes my cheek and smiles.

"Long and boring but all worth it."

"Hopefully next time I can come to you."

Noah sleepily rubs his eyes and nods.

"Let's grab your things and get you to bed."

Noah follows me to the conveyor belt and I scan over the bags in search of his. When the bag appears, he bats my hand away and pulls the suitcase off. I roll my eyes and shake my head.

"I appreciate the help, but I can do it myself." He smiles.

"Oh Noah." I shake my head.

He takes my hand and I lead him out of the airport and to the car. When we arrive at the apartment, Noah discards his suitcase to bask in the beautiful sight of the city. It's much better at night with the twinkly lights.

Once he's finished basking in the view, he looks around the apartment and crinkles his nose.

"You haven't decorated the apartment. I thought you'd at least buy some cushions or display some photos."

"What's the point in decorating? Sometimes I'm gone for weeks and I don't plan on living here forever. Wouldn't it be a waste buying decorations when I should be saving for a house?"

"A cushion and a couple of photo frames won't break the bank." He chuckles.

I shrug my shoulders and sigh.

"You need a place that feels like home."

"You still need a place that feels like home."

"You are my home."

"Well, a home away from home, silly."

"Maybe we can go shopping and pick out some cushions?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Tomorrow?" Noah yawns. "I didn't sleep much on the plane."

"Of course, come to bed, you should sleep."

I grab his bag and shoot him a 'don't you dare' look before wheeling it into the bedroom. I glance at the drawers, then look at the bed. Unpacking can wait a couple of hours.

Noah enters the room and discards his jacket and pants on the floor before climbing under the covers. I lay beside Noah and he rests his head on my chest. I wrap my arms around him and kiss his head.

He hooks his arm over my stomach and sighs. I run my fingers through his hair and over his body. Despite the distance and time apart, he feels like home.

* * * * *

Noah stands beside the cooker with a spatula in his hand ready to flip the chicken. I finely chop the vegetables for the salad and put it in a bowl to toss. Once the chicken is cooked, Noah plates the food and we sit on the couch. The radio plays in the background and we stare at the twinkly lights.

"This chicken is delicious. I've missed your cooking." Noah sighs.

"Perhaps we can work on your cooking skills while you're here. I know a week isn't much time, but it's enough to teach you a few basic meals."

"Sometimes I cook food, I don't just order takeaway anymore." He proudly smiles.

"I'm happy to hear you're not ordering a ton of takeaway, but beans on toast isn't cooking and you can't survive on this." I shake my head.

"It's delicious."

"What if I taught you how to cook this chicken dish? Plus you don't have to cook a salad, just chop it up." I smile.

"Okay, maybe some cooking lessons wouldn't be so bad." He shrugs.

"How's Percy?"

"Still annoying but he's doing well with work and training. I thought he'd goof off more at college without Lea to slap him into line, but he's very focused on training. Sometimes he reminds me about our gym sessions."

"Seriously?" I chuckle. "I'm happy he's succeeding. I thought he'd be partying it up without parental control."

"Sometimes he goes to parties, but he's grown up a lot."

"How's work going? Probably easier without Percy and I?" I chuckle.

Noah laughs as he nods.

"Certainly less stressful without Percy annoying me but I miss you sneaking into my office." There's a glint in his eyes which makes me chuckle. We've got a few good memories of the things we've done in his office.

"I recall you inviting me to your office," I correct.

"Regardless of who invited or snuck in, I still miss those moments together." He winks.

I nibble on my lower lip and push the spinach leaves around my plate.

"Are there any cute girls in your class?"

"Charlie."

I steal a glance in his direction.

He raises his eyebrows and shakes his head.

"Never ask me that question again, because you know damn well it'll only ever be you. Besides, if I had it my way, you would be Mrs. East, regardless of the fact you live in Australia."

"Mrs. East, hey?" I smile.

"Mrs. East."

"I like the way you say it."

"Mrs. East." He chuckles.

A whirlpool of emotions twirl in my heart, and despite the deep breath trying to calm the storm raging within me, a tear streams down my cheek. Noah takes our plates to the kitchen and returns to me. He pulls me against his chest and I snuggle in.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't do anything wrong. It's just really hard living in this big empty apartment without you. Sometimes Maddison comes over and I've made a couple of friends through surfing, but I miss everyone, even Lea sometimes."

He strokes my hair and kisses my forehead.

"This arrangement won't last forever."

"I know." I sniffle. "I feel silly and selfish for crying about this. So many people would love to be sponsored like I am."

"Don't think like that. It's normal for you to be homesick, you're living away from people you care about."

"Thanks."

"Are you enjoying surfing and competing, though?"

"Yes." I sheepishly nod.

"I love the way you come alive when you surf and it's enough to keep me going. I want you to seize all the opportunities and have no regrets when you decide it's time to settle down. You can't turn the clock back and regret is a heavy burden to carry."

"Just promise me you won't find any cute girls."

Noah grabs my face and leans his forehead against mine.

"There's nobody else for me, Charlie. Just you and me forever, baby."

He kisses me with so much passion, my toes tingle.

Slowly editing this bonus section :') Ignore the comments, it's from a chapter earlier on in the book, haha.