Noah looked shy for a moment, and she reached out to take his hand in hers.
“You’re the sweetest, ever. I feel so loved every day. I’m so lucky,” said Jessa.
Noah blushed in response.
“Have you ever seen me so in love?” she asked.
Noah laughed. “I haven’t seen you cry over anyone before or be so happy. I haven’t seen you like this...no. Not even...” He stopped, shaking his head.
“Not even?” she prompted, knowing full well what he was going to say.
“Not important,” he muttered.
“Not even with Logan,” she finished for him.
His jaw clenched, and she stroked soothing circles against his hand.
“You going to relax that jaw? I’m with you,” said Jessa.
“I don’t like thinking about it,” he muttered. “And that’s stupid, I get it. I know it is.”
“Noah. I love you, I’m with you,” said Jessa.
“It wasn’t that long ago that it doesn’t exist, Jessa,” he said.
“I know that. What do you expect will happen? We’ll get divorced, and I’ll be free to marry you one day,” she said.
“What if he wants you back?” asked Noah. “There is no way any man in his right mind could let you go.”
“Noah...you know it’s been over for a while. He doesn’t want that; you can even ask him,” said Jessa with a smile. “Besides, I want you. You’re wasting time being jealous about something that’s long been over when I’m here, I’m with you, I’m crazy about you?” she added.
“I know it’s silly. I just love you so much,” said Noah.
“I know, I am so lucky. I love you more than anything,” said Jessa with a soft smile.
“More than chocolate?” he teased.
“Much more!” she said immediately.
“I’m so lucky, Jessa,” Noah said, grinning.
The next day she joined him at work in the morning, she proudly watched him working with the dancers. He’d look over at her, and she’d send him a supportive smile or wink. He insisted she go relax at the hotel after a few hours, though Jessa loved watching him work.
Jessa picked up some groceries on the way back to the hotel and rested for a bit before she started cooking their lunch in the kitchenette. She was keen for Noah to get home for a lunch break; she wanted him to have a home-cooked meal. He was surprised when he came in to find lunch ready to be served.
“You managed to do all this in this kitchen?” he asked.
Jessa laughed. “Yes, it’s easy. You just make something simple and adjust—you don’t have an oven, but you do have the stove. It’s doable.”
“You’re amazing,” he said, kissing her cheek and hugging her from behind as she plated up the ratatouille she’d made, paired with rice.
“Sit down,” she said.
“No, I’ll help you,” he insisted.
“Go sit,” said Jessa.
Noah rolled his eyes with a smile but did as she said.
“Wow,” said Noah as he took a seat. Jessa kissed his hair, putting some water down on the table, and Noah shot up again from his seat, pulling her chair out for her before she had the chance.
“Thank you, kind sir,” she teased, sitting down as he smiled.
“You went to a lot of trouble,” said Noah, indicating the food. It smelled and looked delicious.
“Not too much, I wanted you to have something nice. I hope it’s okay,” said Jessa.
She motioned to his plate. “Eat,” she said.
Noah smiled and took a bite. “Jessa, this is amazing,” he said, swallowing.
“I’m glad you like it,” she said, beaming.
Noah dug in while she ate at a slow pace; nausea had turned mealtimes into a chore, but she was able to finish her plate. Noah had finished his and patted his stomach.
“I am so full; that was so good, Jessa,” he said with a smile.
“I’m glad,” said Jessa. “I wanted you to have something home-cooked.”
“It was delicious, and I really appreciate it. I’ll do the dishes and you rest,” he said, rising and kissing her hair as he picked up her plate.
The pots and pans she’d used were all washed and drying at the sink, so he washed the plates, glasses, and cutlery they’d used.
“You should have left these for me to do,” he said, indicating the items she’d already washed.
“It’s nothing,” said Jessa. “Thanks for doing the dishes.”
“Thanks for making an amazing lunch,” said Noah.
Jessa blushed her pleasure, sitting on the couch and waiting for him to join her.
He kissed her cheek, wrapping his arms around her, and she snuggled against him happily.
“I have to go back, and I just want to stay with you,” he said, pouting.
“Don’t give me the pout and puppy dog eyes; I can’t resist those,” said Jessa, kissing his lips softly.
“Well, when you pout or look even remotely sad, I’d do literally anything to make you smile, so I guess we’re even,” he said with a grin.
“Please let me come with you?” she asked, turning pleading eyes on him.
“Jessa...you need to rest,” he said.
“I like watching you work. You’re amazing...and hot, but I have to wait until later to act on those feelings,” teased Jessa.
“Jessa! Don’t distract me.” He laughed, blushing.
Jessa grinned.
“Okay, I only have a two-hour session, and then I’m done for the day,” he said.
“I’ll be ready in a few minutes,” said Jessa, smiling and darting up from the couch.
“Don’t rush. I’m not leaving right now,” he called after her.
“Okay!” she called back from the bathroom.
He grinned as she joined him a few minutes later.
“You’re so beautiful,” said Noah, admiring her.
“You’re sweet,” said Jessa.
“I will not be impressed when I get asked if you’re single again later. I had so many of the guys ask if you’re single this morning. I told them you’re off limits,” he said.
“Oh yeah? Were they cute? At least let me see them and decide,” said Jessa with a teasing smile.
Noah mock glared at her. “They’re young.”
“Age is just a number,” responded Jessa with a laugh.
“You’re not available,” said Noah, shaking his head.
“I’m not,” agreed Jessa, finally stopping her teasing.
Noah kissed her tenderly. “I won’t share you.”
“I won’t share you either,” she said with a soft smile, caressing his cheek and hair.
“This again,” said Noah, sighing.
“NOW WE HAVE A BETTER countdown though. I’ll see you in nine days,” said Jessa, her hand stroking his cheek.
“Yeah,” he said. “That’s better at least.”
She was ready, her hair in a ponytail, wearing a light jumper and black leggings for the flight, her jacket draped over the handle of her suitcase.
“I guess we better go to the airport,” he said reluctantly.