“I missed you,” she murmured.
“I missed you,” he said, giving her another gentle kiss.
“We should be careful; this is Spain, not home after all,” he said, picking up Jessa’s discarded suitcase and setting it back on its wheels. Jessa hadn’t cared when she’d thrown herself into his arms and it had tipped over.
“Sorry,” said Jessa, smiling.
Noah kissed her cheek, one arm going around her waist, and he rolled the suitcase with the other, heading toward the exit.
“Did you sleep on the plane?” he asked.
“Not really,” said Jessa.
“You should have a nap when we get back to the hotel,” said Noah.
“I want to spend time with you,” Jessa said, snuggling into him, wrapping both arms around his waist.
“You will. Just get some sleep first,” he said, kissing her temple.
At the hotel, Jessa had a quick shower and then got into bed beside Noah, settling on his chest and hooking one leg over his body too.
“Am I too heavy on you?” she asked sleepily.
“Not at all,” said Noah, his hand stroking her leg, loving that she wanted to be close to him.
“Did you sleep?” asked Jessa.
“Not much. I was too excited you were coming, and then when I did sleep, I had a nightmare,” Noah said, remembering the dream.
“Nightmare?” asked Jessa, her brow furrowed.
“Yeah, I dreamed that you called and said you couldn’t come,” said Noah.
“I’m sorry. I’m here. I’d never not be here,” said Jessa, pressing a kiss against his chest. “Why wasn’t I coming?” she asked.
“I don’t know, you wouldn’t tell me in the dream, and then when I kept asking, you went silent on me...then I woke up,” he said, his hand stroking through her hair.
“I’m sorry you dreamed that. I’d never not tell you, and I’d never disappoint you like that,” said Jessa, nuzzling his neck.
“I know, it was just a bad dream,” said Noah. “I was anxious to see you.”
“I am so glad I’m here with you,” Jessa said, beaming.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Jessa woke up, warm and cozy, finding herself in Noah’s arms. She felt more refreshed after the largely sleepless flight, and she looked at Noah. He hadn’t slept either, so she was glad to see him fast asleep. He looked relaxed, almost boyish as he slept, and she caressed his cheek lightly. He moved slightly, snuggling closer to her, and she smiled softly, stroking his hair and pressing kisses onto his skin. Noah woke just as Jessa was kissing his cheek, one hand stroking through his hair.
“Morning,” he said, opening his eyes to look at her. He admired her, his fingers tracing her face lightly.
“Morning,” said Jessa, kissing his hair. She couldn’t stop at just one, and he smiled as she kissed his cheek again and again.
“Mmm, best way to wake up,” he murmured.
“It is,” agreed Jessa, kissing her way down to his chest.
His breath hitched in his throat; she was slowly driving him wild. She got up then, sauntering into the bathroom, knowing well the situation she’d now caused.
He mock glared at her as she closed the door with a wink, and he waited his turn. He was sitting on the bed when she came back out, the problem she’d created very pronounced. Jessa smirked, and he went into the bathroom, keen to freshen up and get back to her.
Jessa wasn’t even visible when he came out, though he could see her form under the sheet.
“Jessa...” he said, sitting down beside her and lifting the sheet.
She giggled, and he saw that she’d decided to drive him crazy straight away, naked under the sheet.
“Wow,” he said, speechless.
She was utter perfection, and he trailed his fingers down her arm, moving to her waist and letting his fingers trail lower still. She sighed her pleasure and pulled him down onto the bed, capturing his lips for an intense kiss.
THEY WANDERED THROUGH Madrid’s city center being tourists after the morning spent in each other’s arms. Noah was used to the city now, having stayed for long stints numerous times, but he enjoyed showing it to Jessa.
They stopped at a café for a quick snack and coffees, and Noah got Jessa to hold a table for them while he went to order. As he conversed with the barista, she realized this must be the usual place he got coffee as he and the barista were chatting and laughing. She saw the barista look over at her and say something to Noah. Noah blushed, but grinned widely. Noah then came over to her.
“Jessa...come meet the cheeky guy making the coffee,” he said. “He wants to meet you.”
“You friends with all your baristas?” she asked with a smile.
Noah chuckled. She got up, and he wrapped an arm around her waist.
“This is Santi,” said Noah.
Santi grinned at Jessa, and she immediately saw why Noah got along so well with him. He had an easygoing demeanor and a friendly smile for every customer.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” said Santi, his Spanish accent clear, but his English was very good.
“You too.” Jessa smiled.
“He comes in...with a sad face every day. But not today. Today you made him smile,” said Santi.
Noah blushed as Jessa grinned.
“You’ve been sad,” she said, pouting at Noah.
“Thanks a lot, Santi,” he teased.
“You were missing her; I’m only telling her the truth!” said Santi.
Jessa stroked Noah’s back with a smile. “I’m glad he’s smiling today then,” she said.
Santi grinned and concentrated on their coffees and put them both on a tray, and Noah took them with a smile of thanks.
“Have a great day; keep smiling,” said Santi.
They smiled and thanked him, sitting down at the table.
“You’ve been sad,” said Jessa, squeezing his hand.
“You knew that, Jessa,” said Noah.
“Yeah, I knew, but so sad the world was missing out on your smile? I only want you to be happy,” she said.
“I am happy. You’re here,” he said with a smile.
He took a sip of coffee, and Jessa copied him, trying hers too.
“Good coffee,” she murmured.
“Yeah, that’s why I come here,” said Noah.
He cut into the pastry they were sharing, offering the fork to her first.
Jessa took a bite. “That’s so good,” she said, swallowing. “It’s tasty, have some,” she said, offering him the fork.
He took it, having a bite and chewing thoughtfully.
“Really good,” he said.
“You are feeling okay today?” he asked.
“Oh, I hadn’t even thought about it. I am. I was nauseated on the plane, but I’m okay now,” Jessa said.
“I’m so glad,” said Noah.
He picked up her hand, kissing it softly, and she smiled, her eyes shining.
“I’ve never experienced you like this,” said Jessa with a soft smile, caressing his cheek.
“What? Seeing your best friend completely in love?” he asked with a smile.
“I’ve seen you in love...or at least really liking someone before but...not like this,” she said.