Chasing Heartbreak by Kat T. Masen

 

KATE

 

Noah loves his toys.

When I say toys, I mean his Lexus.

His other baby.

“Listen, I’m not a car enthusiast like yourself, but when are too many cars too many cars?”

Noah keeps his eyes on the road, shifting gears as he drives up the steep street.

“You can never have enough.”

“But explain to me again why you want to look at the house with the four garages when you only have one car?”

“Correction… I have a motorcycle, too.”

“Okay, so that’s two.”

“And there are the boat and jet ski...” he trails off.

“You have a boat and a jet ski? What else have you been hiding?”

The corners of his mouth lift. “Nothing yet. But I do love water sports.”

“Well, I’m English, so our water sports consist of watching crazy-minded people swim the English Channel. I also should sort out my own car soon. Care to go shopping for me because I couldn’t think of anything worse.”

“A mini-van? Because you know, once we actually have kids, you’ll have to cart them around to soccer games. Living the mom life.”

I keep my smile fixed. Noah enjoys pushing my buttons just to goad me. That much is evident when I see him side-eye me with an annoying smirk on his face.

“You know, maybe, I hear soccer moms get bored with their workaholic husbands. Always away at the office. Before you know it, I’ll be binge-reading romance novels when the kids are at school waiting for the plumber to arrive,” I tease, watching his face fall. “Oh, wait, or is that a carpenter? I can never remember who wears the short shorts with the tanned-colored work boots.”

“Okay, jokes over. I like you in the office where I can keep my eye on you.”

I lean back in the seat with a satisfied smile and admire the large houses we drive past.

I’ve only been here for a few days when Charlie springs on me a place not too far from hers which just came on the market. They are motivated sellers, something about a nasty divorce and a wandering pussy. Charlie’s words—not mine.

Noah agrees, but the only time we can fit it in is today during lunch. It should’ve been a quick trip if Noah didn’t insist on taking a detour because he claims he’s suffering blue balls.

Despite my arguing that not only did we have sex for four straight hours last night, we also snuck in some anal in the shower this morning. He continues to amaze me with his stamina, something I thought I could keep up with but clearly, I’m drained. Adjusting to the time zone becomes more problematic than I thought, my body still on Parisian time. Nevertheless, he got the blow he desperately craved on some abandoned street near a hiking trail.

Noah pulls up to the house as we hop out of the car and greet the realtor.

The house is privately gated, English Tudor nestled within the historic Santa Monica mountains. It has six bedrooms, five baths, large living areas, plus a gourmet kitchen. Noah holds my hand as we walk through, and I bite my tongue to stop myself from commenting on the wainscoting.

There’s a large study area should either one of us need to work from home. The more I see the property, the more I fall in love with it.

The realtor takes us to the master bedroom, where our eyes are immediately drawn to the tacky mirrored ceiling. I turn to look as he does the same.

“You would think,” I whisper. “If you had these mirrors, the wife’s pussy didn’t need attention elsewhere.”

Noah bows his head, chuckling softly beside me. “It’s awful, but I think it’s the selling point of this house.”

I nudge him with my elbow, knowing all too well that if we buy this house, Noah will not take them down.

Outside is a sprawling backyard with a luscious green lawn, a large pool with spa on the side, a basketball court, plus striking views of rolling hills and scenic mountain ranges, making it the perfect location.

“So, what do you think?” the realtor asks, looking hopeful.

“It’s a nice property,” I tell him, keeping my expression fixed. “We’ll have a talk and get back to you soon.”

I shake his hand, prompting our exit, not giving any indication of how I truly feel because that’s the first sign of weakness. Negotiation is a strong trait of mine, and there’s not a chance in hell we’ll pay their asking price.

Inside the car, I turn to Noah. “What do you think?”

“That you’re a shark with excellent negotiation skills.”

“I mean about the house.”

“It’s beautiful, it has everything we need, but to be honest, I don’t care as long as you’re by my side.”

“Cue the romantic talk, Mason,” I huff with a playful smile. “But did you see the wainscoting?”

Noah covers his face with his hands, releasing a groan. “Enough with the wainscoting. I don’t care about that. If you love it, it’s ours.”

I do love it. I love it too much. Charlie knew I’d love it, and because Charlie loves it, and we have similar tastes, I know this will be the one.

“I don’t want to give Richard an offer just yet. The sellers are motivated. I did a little snooping, and a large percentage of this sale will go to the pussy cheater. So, the jilted husband will accept lower just to get her back.”

“How do you even know all this?”

“Don’t underestimate my power, baby.”

Noah’s phone buzzes between us. He reaches to grab it, reading the text with a concerned expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Morgan. She has to fly out tonight for a last-minute meeting and asked if I can have Jessa all weekend.”

It’s supposed to be our first weekend together in which we have no plans but to lay in bed and watch Netflix. Keeping my expression stilled, I press my lips thoughtfully together to curb my disappointment.

“Is that okay?” he adds, eyeing me dubiously.

“Of course, she’s your daughter. You never have to ask.”

“I know, but it’s our first weekend.”

“Listen, we’ll have fun. So, Morgan knows, right?”

Noah rubs his neck, wincing while avoiding eye contact.

“Oh, bloody hell,” I berate, my British slang tumbling out in sheer frustration. “Vous êtes impossible!”

“Hey!” Noah scoffs, his face hardening. “Pick a language, will you? I’m not impossible. I told her you moved to the States and that we’re in a relationship.”

“But?”

“I just left out the part of you living with me…” he trails off in a softer tone.

I throw my head back into the seat, annoyed at his resistance to finally tell her the whole truth. “You need to grow some balls and tell her.”

“I have balls, thank you very much,” he notes in dark amusement. “In fact, you loved them in your mouth only an hour ago. I’ll tell her, I promise.”

“Well, you’re running out of time, buddy. Jessa will come over tonight, and what would you like me to do, magically disappear all weekend?”

“No,” he states firmly. “I’ll sort this out today.”

The ride to the office is quiet, each one of us keeping our thoughts to ourselves. It dampens my mood, and after we go our separate ways, I receive a text from Noah during an afternoon conference call.

 

Noah:It’s done.

 

I should’ve felt relieved, no more hiding our relationship, but it isn’t enough. I know that if I’m to be around Jessa and help Noah co-parent, I need to speak to Morgan face to face. I don’t want to always be communicating through Noah because, let’s face it, men can be hopeless at times.

Pressing dial on my phone, I let my temporary assistant know that I’ll be stepping out of the office for an hour. Grabbing my things, I remember that we drove to work in one car. Shit. Thinking quickly, I order an Uber and hope that the address I have is correct, and most importantly, Morgan is at her office.

Clutching my purse beneath my arm, I step into the fancy building and make my way to the receptionist’s desk. The red-headed bimbo with her obvious hair extensions plasters a fake smile as I ask for Morgan.

“She’s not taking appointments right now.”

“Well, perhaps if you give her my name, I’m certain she’ll see me.”

The young girl, clueless and a waste of office space, dials her number, bowing her head until she hangs up.

“Follow me.”

I walk behind her, noting her dress is way too short to be acceptable in the workplace. But this isn’t my office.

Stopping at the door, she ushers me in as my eyes meet Morgan’s from across the table.

“You may leave, Tiffany.”

I purse my lips, standing in place. “May I take a seat?”

Morgan remains silent. I sit down on the white leather chair, crossing my legs as my eyes gravitate toward her pictured frame of Jessa on her desk.

“I’d like to make it clear that Noah didn’t send me here, nor is he aware that I am here.”

Morgan looks perplexed, but beneath it, I see the eyes of a woman who has zero empathy for me right now.

“Then why are you here?”

“Noah has told you of our relationship and our living situation?”

“Why, yes.” She releases a disturbing laugh. “It’s all very last minute, isn’t it? I tell him I need to go away and ask if he can take Jessa, then he throws this giant curveball in my face like I’m not supposed to care.”

“I understand your concern.”

“Do you?” She stands, moving closer to the window to create distance between us. The red body-con dress she wears molds to her figure perfectly, matching the shade of lipstick applied to her full lips. “Do you understand what it’s like to be a mother of two children, one with special needs? And to have your husband bounce from woman to woman?”

“From memory, Michael came into your life, and you welcomed him with open arms, correct? You loved his father and made sacrifices to be the best stepmother you could be,” I inform her, trying to drive my point home but attempting to keep my tone controlled. “So, while I don’t have any biological children, I do believe in the power of love. I understand what it’s like to be loved by a parent. My role in Noah’s life is not to replace you. You’re irreplaceable. I’m his best friend, his partner, and his family is everything to him. As for the bouncing woman-to-woman comment, nobody is perfect. Noah isn’t, I’m not, and I’m pretty sure you aren’t either.”

“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that,” she mumbles, lowering her head. “Because I’m being made to feel like I am irreplaceable.”

“You’re Jessa’s mother and always will be. Nothing could ever change that. I’m only asking that we work together as a team. We all want the same thing, for Jessa to be happy and feel the love she so greatly deserves.”

“And what about Michael? He’s grown fond of Noah. Noah has always been this male figure in his life. I can’t take that away from him.”

“He’s welcome in our home, Morgan,” I insist, my eyes watching her closely. “You don’t have to do any of this alone. Just remember that.”

Silence falls between us, and despite my phone blowing up with notifications, I don’t want to push her. I don’t want any animosity between us, worried it will filter through to the little girl who’s innocent in all of this.

“I knew, from the beginning, that you and Noah had this unbreakable bond. I should’ve followed my instincts.”

“I know exactly how it feels to be on the outside looking in. I’m not here to flaunt our relationship. I truly want to make this work. And while you may not trust me around your daughter, I hope, with time, you’ll feel comfortable enough to do so.”

I check my watch while standing. “I appreciate your time today.”

As I turn to leave the room, Morgan calls my name.

“Jessa likes to read at night. Her favorite is Beauty and the Beast like her cousin, Addison.”

I nod my head with a knowing smile.

“She’s obsessed with unicorns right now, so if she doesn’t eat her food, tell her that unicorns eat all their food so they can fly.”

“Seems logical.” I nod again.

“And Noah always spoils her when they go out. If you can try to control his urge to buy her every stuffed toy known to man, I’d appreciate it.”

“I’m happy to crack the whip and control his spoiling of stuffed toys.”

I release a sigh, keeping my stare fixated on Morgan. “It’ll work out, this whole co-parenting thing. We simply have to find the rhythm, so we can play the right chords.”

I turn back around, leave the room, and head back to the office.

When I step inside my office, Noah is standing at the window, arms folded and his brows snapped together with an unrelenting stare. He’s removed his jacket he wore earlier on, wearing only his white business shirt with a herringbone blue vest and matching pants. His tanned belt and shoes match. The guy knows how to dress, making it harder to resist him. He screams sexy even when he’s staring at you with angered eyes.

“Where were you?”

“I went to see Morgan.”

“You met with Morgan?”

“Yes.”

“And?” His eyes widen, hands moving toward his pockets in anticipation. “You’re alive?”

Moving over to where he stands, I grab his hand and place it on my heart. “Yes, still beating.”

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

I explain to him what happened, knowing his pride and ego will have an opinion, but I’ve learned how to make him see the bigger picture and not focus on what isn’t worth his time. His fear of losing his kids often makes his reaction reactive.

“It’s not that easy, everything you’re offering.”

“Life isn’t easy, Noah,” I remind him sternly. “We’ve said from the beginning that our relationship will be unlike others. Granted, your baggage is bigger than mine… I only bring Eric.”

“I don’t know. I’d argue who’s is bigger.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course, I do.” He softens.

“Then, we can do this together, okay?”

He nods, sliding his hands back into his pockets, knowing all too well our office protocol, and touching each other is off-limits.

“So, what time are you picking up Jessa? And, what do you want to do this weekend?”

“Hmm, I was thinking of a movie tonight. Chances are it’s Beauty and the Beast for like the hundredth time. Then tomorrow, we hit up Santa Monica Pier. She loves all the stuffed bears.”

The corners of my mouth quirk up.

“Why are you smiling like that?”

“Oh, nothing,” I say, with a surge of happiness. “Just something between Morgan and me. You know, secret women’s business.”

I half expect him to beg me to tell him, but instead, he crosses his arms, giving me that sexy stare he always does. “It is happening already. I guess it’s going to be two against one, huh?”

“Three against one, honey, you forgot about Olivia,” I so eagerly remind him. “Aren’t I lucky to have fallen in love with you?”

“The luckiest woman in the world.” He chuckles softly before his expression turns hopeful. “You know how grateful I am, right?”

“Yeah,” I shrug my shoulders with a playful smirk. “I guess so. But it won’t hurt you to show me later, you know, once Jessa is asleep.”

Noah licks his lips before leaning in to whisper, “You’ll have to be as quiet as a mouse. Think you can handle that?”

“I’m always up for a challenge, Mr. Mason.”