Noah's New Plan - 18. Chapter 18

Noah frosted the cinnamon rolls, humming softly as he drizzled the sweet glaze over the tops. The smell of the freshly backed pastries filled his small apartment, and brought a smile to Noah's face.

The tips of his fingers stung as he picked up one of the hot rolls and set it on a plate. He blew on his fingers, then snagged three more.

Noah carried the plate into his bedroom.

Eli lay in Noah's bed still asleep. The sheet and comforter covered the lower half of his perfect body. Noah found himself mesmerized by the patterns of hair on his muscular chest and belly. Even the man's myriad of tattoos were fascinating. It was something he'd never found attractive before. The same with Eli's shaved head and beard.

Perhaps his tastes were evolving. He certainly found Eli attractive. Maybe there was more to it than just physical attraction...

"Are those for me?"

Eli watched Noah through heavy eyes.

"Freshly made."

"Mmm. Breakfast in bed." Eli lifted the covers, beckoning Noah join him.

As Noah slid into the bed, he couldn't help but sneak a peek at Eli's crotch. The man's thick penis lay flaccid against his thigh. Noah found his mouth watering, and it wasn't from the cinnamon rolls.

Noah and Eli sat back against the headboard, snuggled up together. They enjoyed their breakfast in comfortable silence. Except for the sounds of Eli's happy humming and lip-smacking.

Derek never had time for snuggling or breakfast in bed, even when their relationship was new and exciting.

Leaning against Eli's shoulder, he ate his cinnamon roll.

He wasn't so sure if this was something he wanted to get used to...

But it sure was nice.

* * * *

"Have a nice afternoon, Mrs. Roberts."

Noah handed the woman the copy of Fifty Shades of Gray she'd put on hold. He tried to balance his smile with the urge to laugh. He'd always thought of her as a stuffy old bat. Maybe after reading a few chapters of the book, she'd loosen up a little.

He loaded up the cart with the returns and set it aside for Nicholas.

"Noah. I need to speak with you."

Noah closed his eyes and sighed. He really didn't want to talk to Derek right now. The last time he saw his ex was the morning Derek caught him in bed with Eli. That was a memory he absolutely did not want to re-live.

"I'm a little busy at work, Derek."

Derek looked around the library. There were a few people reading and a couple of people using the computers, but it was mostly empty. He turned back to Noah and shot him an annoyed look. "Busy. Right. Have one of your kids man the desk."

Noah grit his teeth together. He spoke quietly, trying to be discreet. "Stop telling me what to do. I may not be some high-paid attorney, but I still have a job to do here."

"I indulged you for far too--" Derek stopped mid-sentence. He plastered that smile on his face. The fake one that Noah hated. "I'm not here to argue with you."

"Noah?" Nicholas walked up to the counter, giving Derek a withering glare. "Do you need help."

"No, Nicholas. I'm fine. I'll be in my office."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Noah turned to Derek. "Come on. Before I change my mind."

As Noah led Derek away, Nicholas called out. "If you're not back in five minutes, I'm calling Eli."

* * * *

"What are you doing with that man?"

"Eli?" Noah leaned back against his desk. "We're dating."

Derek shook his head in disgust. "I can't believe you let him touch you. He's a filthy animal."

"You don't even know him. I'd appreciate it if you left him out of this."

Derek began to pace the floor. "I don't want you seeing that man."

Noah's mouth dropped. Who did Derek think he was, telling Noah who he could or could not see. He lost that right when he walked out. "You don't get a say in who I see."

"I'm only looking out for you. I know what's best for you. I was the one who took care of you."

"Maybe. And maybe I let you. But I'm on my own now. I make my own decisions. Are you jealous?"

"Jealous? Ha. Don't make me laugh."

"You are jealous."

"Why would I be jealous of that piece of trash?"

"First of all, he's not trash. He's a kind, generous man. He lets me be myself, and he likes me for who I am. He cares about me, about my feelings..."

He loves me.

Noah didn't say the words, but as he thought about Eli, he knew it to be true.

Derek snorted. "He's a man. The only reason he sticks around is because you're an easy lay."

The jerk was just trying to provoke him, but Noah wasn't going to take the bait. "That only proves you know nothing about the man."

Derek's face went red and he pointed his finger at Noah's face. "I don't want you seeing him!"

"Well, I didn't want you screwing what's-his-face while we were still together. I guess neither of us gets what we want."

Derek stopped and stared Noah down. "You've changed."

"I suppose." Noah reached up and adjusted his glasses.

"Not just the glasses, or your hair. Your attitude. You've developed quite a mouth."

"Thank you."

"That wasn't a compliment."

"I know." Noah walked to his door and opened it. "Now get out of my office."