By: Whitney Tyrrell

I woke up the next morning with a pounding head and in a bed I didn’t recognize. I shot up realizing I was topless so I covered myself quickly looking around the apartment. Where was I? What did I do? I sat there for a second before seeing a picture of him and a friend on the nightstand. Noah, shit what did we do?

“Good morning beautiful.” Noah walked in towel around his waist and a cup of coffee in his hand.

“Don’t good morning me.” I scowled.

“Not a morning person I take it.” He sipped his coffee.

“You took advantage of me!” I scoffed off.

“No I believe you came on to me.” He smirked. I sat and thought for a second before remembering the drinks, the kisses, the, oh no.

“What was I thinking? I’m not that kind of girl.” I rubbed my forehead.

“That’s what you said, numerous times.” I watch his grin widen.

“You’re just loving this aren’t you?” I reached beside me and grabbed his button up shirt trying to gain some much needed dignity.

                “I’m loving this a lot true, but we should get you some breakfast. Get up, let’s go gorgeous.”

                “Turn around.” I commanded.

“I’ve already seen you naked, now you decide to be modest?” He chuckled and obeyed.

“Alright I’m good.” I stood up in his button down and had my panties on from last night.

“Pancakes or eggs?” He was still wrapped in a towel.

“Um, either is fine but don’t you want to change or something?” I looked at his god like stature.

“I was just going to do that, just tell Maria what you want.” He shuffled back to the bedroom with his coffee in hand and I wandered down the hallway.

“Good morning, would you like some coffee?” I heard a friendly voice when I came into the view of the kitchen.

“Oh yes please.” I suddenly felt self-conscious of my attire.

“Have a seat don’t be shy. I’m Maria, I’ve worked for Noah since his freshman year, charming young man.” She grinned obviously realizing how uncomfortable I felt.

“You got that right.” I was shocked at my blunt statement but all she did was laugh.

“So what can I make for you?” She leaned against the marble counter.

“Oh you don’t have to.” I felt bad giving her orders.

“Dear, please it’s my job.” She gave me a reassuring smile.

“Would pancakes be too much?” I took a sip of my coffee.

“No not at all, I’ll get right on it.” She started grabbing ingredients.

I sat for a couple more minutes before Noah came out in a suit and tie like it was casual wear.

“Why are you all dressed up?” I choked on my coffee, trying not to stare.

“Lots and lots of work to catch up on today, feel free to make yourself at home I left my card on the front table for you to get some clothes.” I watched him move around the kitchen so casually.

“Woah back up, I’m not your girlfriend or anything you’re not buying me clothes. We don’t even know each other.” I watched as Maria set my food and syrup in front of me.

“You need something to wear for tonight, I’m taking you out this time let’s take it slow.” He smirked as he saw my cheeks blush and Maria smacked him.

“You be nice now Noah James.” She scolded.

“Sorry.” He wrapped his arm around her like she was his mother.

“You go before you’re late, I’ll make sure Brier is taken care of.” She started cleaning up.

“I’ll see you later Bee.” He kissed my forehead like it was so natural.

I finished my breakfast and Maria showed me around a little and then before I showered I decided to check my phone. Sophie probably has been calling me for hours even though it was only 8:30 but she’s always up.

Bee where are you?!

                Bee did you leave with Noah?

                Oh my gosh some girls said they saw you two making out!

                I need all the details, ASAP

                Seriously it’s 7 time for you to wake up and sneak out!

                Okay I’m freaking out it’s 8 and you’re still there! Text me!

I couldn’t help but laugh, typical Soph. I texted her filling her in and she freaked it kind of made me feel good actually. I hopped in the huge shower in his connected bathroom and let myself sink in last night’s details. The way his hands felt on my skin, his lips on my neck and his muscles wrapped around me. I broke my daydreaming once I noticed that the water had started to get cold. I got out and returned into my clothes from last night.

“Alright miss Brier I’ve been told to make sure you head out and go shopping right now.” Maria ushered me towards the door once I was finished getting ready.

“Will you come with me, I feel ridiculous going alone.” I felt a little shy.

“Of course, let me grab my things.” She smiled and walked off.

We hit up Barney’s and I really didn’t want to buy anything in the first place but Maria insisted that I get the three dresses I tried on and the necklace I found to go with one of them. She said that Noah likes showering people with gifts not to mention he has endless supplies of money so it wasn’t an issue.

“Well I think I’m good I don’t want to break his bank.” I walked out with the bags and felt guilty.

“Oh dear we’re just getting started. You’re from the upper east side sweetie you should be used to this.” She smiled and pulled me in the other direction.

“What is this place?” I walked in looking around at all the gorgeous clothes.

“I call it Heaven, every year for my birthday and Christmas Noah buys me an outfit from here.”

“I can see why you call it that. But seriously where are we?” I continued looking around as a sales lady approached us. She knew I fit in so her charm kicked in.

“Welcome to Fivestory can I help you?” She smiled kindly.

“Yes, we’re here for at least four different sexy yet classy outfits.” Maria spoke confidently, I was already starting to like this woman.

“Perfect follow me.” She led us to some clothes and we began a tiny fashion show and I felt sexy as hell.

“Oh my gosh that’s the best time I’ve had in a long time. Thank you for coming with me.” We left the shop with hands full and laughing.

“You’re most welcome, I like you Brier, you’ll be good for Noah.” She gave me a reassuring smile.

“Oh we’re not dating.” I blushed.

“Not yet at least.” She grinned and got into the car that Noah sent for us.

“He’s so cocky and stubborn, I don’t think I could date a man like that.” I felt my honesty might be a bit much.

“He’s like that on the outside for a reason, give him a chance sweetie after all he’s giving you one.” She seemed so wise.

“You’re right, I’ll give him a chance.” I settled into my seat.

Later that night I wore the J. Mendel geometric seam dress that Maria convinced me to get at Barney’s and put on a pair Sergio Rossi pumps. I looked damn sexy not to toot my own horn or anything but, toot, toot. I was impressed with myself.

“Are you ready yet?” I heard a rapid knock on the door.

“Yes just one moment.” I checked my hair and makeup one last time and decided I couldn’t look anymore flawless.

“You took forev…You look, wow, you’re just, um wow stunning.” He stumbled over his words and I couldn’t help but feel my skin redden.

“Thank you, you look great too.” I kept my composure.

“Well are you ready to go?” He gave me a crooked grin.

“Sure am, let’s go.” I grabbed my shawl and we left.

His driver drove off after we entered the car and took us to Bar Italia, I’ve personally never been but Noah reassured me that I would enjoy it.

“Good evening, Noah. Two?” The hostess was a little too friendly.

“Yes thank you Rose.” He smiled kindly but showed no interest.

“Your server will be right with you.” She sat us in a darker place of the restaurant and I looked at the wine list.

“You’re very quiet tonight.” His observation sounded bland.

“Not quiet just I don’t know nervous.” I fidgeted with my hair a little.

“Why would you be nervous? I mean we kind of already took the next step.” He laughed.

“Not kind of, we did and that doesn’t mean that now that I’m not intoxicated and now that this is the real deal that I won’t be nervous.” I looked up at him.

“Well take a breath and relax, I have a great evening planned.” He winked at me and oddly enough my heart rate calmed and my palms quit sweating.

“I’m David I will be your waiter tonight, can I start you two off with anything to drink?” He looked very professional.

“Yes, we’d like to have a bottle of your Pinot Grigio.” He handed David the wine menu and we began scanning over the food menu.

“I feel like really out of place here.” I mumbled.

“What do you mean? You should be used to this lifestyle you were raised on it.” He looked confused.

“I know but I’ve always felt uncomfortable in these sort of settings.” I fumbled with the cloth napkin on my lap.

“Well I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Come on. Let’s go.” He got up and reached for my hand.

“What? No it’s fine I’ll live trust me.” I pulled my hand back.

“Too bad you’re coming with me.” He yanked me out of my seat and we headed for the entrance.

“Mr.Arch where are you going?” I heard the hostess come after us.

“I’m sorry Rose, please just put the wine on my account and give it to the next couple that comes in.” He smiled kindly and continued to walk away.

“Uh, alright thank you.” Rose was beyond bewildered.

“Where are we going?” I slid into the car.

“You’ll see.” He grinned and gave the driver directions.

“Pull out your hair.” He commanded and I obeyed.

“You’re bossy.” I pulled out my loose bun.

“That’s one thing you know about me.” He seemed like he was tempting me to ask more.

“Will I ever get to know you? The real you?” I looked at him questioningly.

“Yes but for now we’re going to have fun.” He took off his blazer and loosened his tie.

“Whatever you say boss.” I laughed.

“That’s more like it.” He gave me a devilish grin.

We arrived at what looked like a hotel and I knew what was coming.

“No we are not doing this again.” I felt ashamed that he thought of me like that already.

“You silly girl this is a club too. My friend owns it, it’s the hottest up and coming place around it’s chill but upscale.” He looked out at the lights.

“I don’t know.” I hesitated.

“Do you trust me?” We met each others eyes and I felt that same electricity between us.

“Yes.” I took a deep breath and we were out of the car.

The music from inside was loud from even outside this would be interesting. The guard let us in and there was a line behind us. But Noah Arch got what he wanted.

“You want a drink?” He set his arm around my hip and leaned in.

“Apple martini please.” I replied into his ear and had a seat at the bar.

“Scotch on the rocks and an apple martini please.” He said to the bartender.

“Noah! Hey great to see you and who is this gorgeous lady?” I take it this was his friend.

“This is Bee, Bee this is Cole, he owns the place.” Cole took my hand gently and kissed it like he came from an old Hollywood movie.

“Well you two have a good time let me know if you need anything.” He gave me a look that made me feel nervous.

“He seems interesting.” I turned back to Noah.

“He goes after what he wants and he always gets it. We’ve been friends since high school.” He took a drink.

“Well he’s very ambitious that’s for sure.” I looked around at the place.

“Yes he definitely is. Now drink up let’s go dancing.” He bossed me around again.

“You’re so damn bossy.” I took a drink.

“Yes I am now let’s go.” He smirked.

“Yes master.” I felt my voice purr a little.

“Not tonight.” His eyes gleamed with dirty thoughts.

“Funny. Alright let’s go I really like this song.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor.

The best part of being tiny is being able to fit anywhere, I let myself push through the crowd with Noah following behind and once we hit the middle of the floor I began swaying to the music letting myself go and watching Noah do the same. This was my scene, my atmosphere, I belonged here. We danced for a few songs before my feet started to kill.

“Break?” I turned around to face him and our lips nearly touched. We haven’t kissed since well that night so my breath naturally hitched a bit.

“Careful now.” He teased me.

“You’re a work of art you know that?” Our lips still nearly touching.

“Yes I do.” I watched his eyes flicker down to my lips and then back up to my eyes.

“Are you going to move for me?” I tried not to notice his blatant emotion.

“My apologies ladies first.” He moved out of the way and I was finally able to breathe.

“Are you at least enjoying yourself?” We sat at the bar and he ordered us more drinks.

“Yes I am, thank you.” I let my hand rest on his knees.

“You’re most welcome Bee.” He handed me my drink.

“Cheers.” I clanked my drink to his.

“So where to next?” He downed his scotch like it was nothing.

“Well I am starving.” I set my drink back down.

“Food, yes that might be good.”  He pulled out his phone letting his driver know we were ready to go.

“We don’t have to leave now.” I laughed.

“I know he’s just pulling the car around. Go ahead and finish your drink I’m going to have one more.” He ordered another scotch.

“You’re going to get drunk.” I commented.

“I’m sure I’ll live.” I watched him down his drink once more.

“What’s your secret?” I looked into his eyes.

“What do you mean?” He coughed a little.

“Obviously you have a secret past. What is it?” I watched him look at me.

“Not right now.” His face was stern.

“Why not?” I had to admit I was a little nosy.

“I said not now.” He snapped and started walking away.

“Noah, wait. I didn’t mean to upset you, I’m sorry.” I really didn’t mean to upset him.

“Forget it. I need to take you home.” He walked towards his car.

“But my clothes are at your place.” I felt small, well smaller than usual.

“I’ll have them sent to you. What’s your address?” He growled.

“I live in the dorms you know that.” I stumbled over my words a little.

“Joe take her to Columbia and she’ll tell you where to go from there.” He opened the door for me and gave his driver the orders.

“You’re not coming?” I felt awful.

“No, get in. Maria will have your clothes dropped off tomorrow.” He shut the door and Joe drove off.

I looked out the back window and saw him enter the club once more. What did I say? I didn’t know I did anything wrong. I felt a pit grow in my stomach and finally I turned back around facing the now cold New York weather.

“Miss? Don’t worry about Mr. Arch he’ll be fine.” Joe tried to reassure me.

“I don’t know what I did wrong.” I gushed a little.

“Mr. Arch has a dark past Miss, it’s not your fault you didn’t know.” Joe must have known Noah for a long time.

“Yeah I hope not.” I looked out the window and let my fears drown out and felt the feelings wash in.

Once I got back to my dorm I let my tears come rushing out, I was lucky enough to have the room to myself. I didn’t know what I did wrong, I knew I would screw something up. I was starting to like him. He was funny and light hearted but yet dark and mysterious. He was so caring of everyone he always thought of others. I just wanted to know about him is that so wrong? I didn’t talk to him the next day, I didn’t talk to anyone. Maria left my clothes for me in dorm office and I picked them up, Sophie tried calling a couple times and I just told her I wanted to be alone which I did, I caught up on homework and studied for an exam I had the next day.

I gave up the hope of ever running into Noah after a week of false hope. No calls, texts or e-mails he didn’t want anything to do with me and I would just have to accept that. Life is never fair and right when I get a good opportunity in my lap I screw it all up by being a nosy upper east sider, even though Noah should be used to that since he is one. Noah James Arch had officially kicked me out of his life and I had to do the same with him. Another chapter in my life closed.