14

Chapter Fourteen - Game On

I get out of the car and round it to intertwine my hand with Noah's outstretched one before we walk up to the picnic area. The sun has already started its ascent into the sky, painting gorgeous hues across it as it goes. I take some pictures of the sunrise and of us while he takes out the food from the picnic basket he had prepared.

Noah had woken me up early today and surprised me with a picnic date. He drove us out to a scenic overlook while I dozed off again in the car but because of how early we left there was barely any traffic. He's packed sandwiches, fruit, pastries, juice, and I smile appreciatively when he hands me a flask of hot coffee.

"You're so thoughtful." A chuckle escapes me when he pulls out a bouquet of daisies and baby's breath held tightly with a blue ribbon, small enough to fit inside the basket.

To my delight he blushes and avoids my gaze. "I hope you like it."

"I love it, thank you." I lean over and pucker my lips to which he grasps my chin and pecks me softly in response. "Where did you find a basket from? It's quite nice."

"They were selling baskets of mini muffins from that store I like that has every pastry imaginable." He lights up with a grin as we tuck into the food. "Now, we have enough supply to last us like two or three days."

I shake my head in amusement because it would take me a week to finish them compared to Noah. We talk about his return game today now that he's been cleared to play again and I can tell he's excited. I'll be attending too as promised and he's already given me his jersey to wear. He's cute when he rambles on about soccer and seeing him so passionate.

"Your brother's arriving after lunch right?"

"Yeah." I nod before opening my mouth for the strawberry he holds out for me. My brother was finally feeling well again to come and stay with me as we had originally planned. "I'll talk with him at the apartment about Ryan and we'll be at your game later then. I'm so excited!"

"Well at least one of us is. If I need to puke out my nerves beforehand you'll give me some extra time right?" He asks seriously and I shoot him a blank look.

"Don't be nervous." I squeeze his hand with a reassuring smile. "Abel's great and I'm sure you'll like him once you two get to know each other."

"That's if he doesn't tackle me into oblivion first." He mumbles causing me to frown in confusion. "He did it during our last game! Have you seen him?! He's freaking huge!"

"So are you. There's nothing to worry about!"

"Thanks sweetheart." He winks as he flexes the muscles of his arms. "You're right. Hell, I could beat him in a fight for sure, knock him out – uh, I mean yeah we'll probably get along."

I roll my eyes at that before switching the topic as we finish up our food. We leave the picnic basket in the car before walking down to the observation tower for a better view. There's a wide river stretching across the fields with hills and valleys as far as the eye can see. It's all so pretty and we stand there for a while just taking in what nature has to offer.

Eventually we make our way back into the city and I make sure to grab an air mattress for Abel as well as some extra food. It's still quite early in the morning when we return home but I start setting up everything for my brother anyways. I also place some of his favorite treats and snacks on the mattress.

When I turn I catch Noah staring at me with a fond look which I tilt my head at curiously. He shakes his head with a small smile before pulling me in for a hug. I yelp before breaking out into light chuckles when he lifts me up and carries me off to his bedroom.

"I want to nap before the game." He mumbles tiredly as he takes off my shoes before getting into bed beside me and pulling the covers up.

"Well, you can nap. I still need to –"

"You've prepped enough Faye and I know you don't have class for another hour." He sighs into my neck as he pulls me impossibly closer. "Just sleep with me – shit, not like that obviously!"

I laugh and wrap an arm around his waist, my hand disappearing into his hair as I stroke the soft strands which elicits a pleased groan from him. The husky sound makes my mind wander to dirtier thoughts but I rein myself in and focus on sleeping. I make sure to set an alarm just in case before cuddling up to him and kissing his cheek.

I drift off with only one thought in mind and that is how I could get used to falling asleep in his arms.

***

After attending my classes for the day, I grab myself and Abel some lunch before hurrying home. My phone pings with a text from him saying that he's two minutes out just as I step into my dorm. I put my things away before rushing down to get him and I'm just in time to see him stepping out of a taxi. He's gotten rid of his dreadlocks which is a surprise and now his hair is much shorter with a clean cut. Abel's face lights up when he spots me and he runs across to lift me into a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you're here!" I smile up at him when he sets me down. "How was the trip?"

"It was good yeah. Got stuck next to a crying kid but luckily I had a sleeping pill so I quickly knocked myself out." He grins cheekily as we head into the lift.

"Well, thank you for putting up with that for me." I reply gratefully and he nudges my elbow with a shake of his head.

"I know you'd do the same for me if not more." He ruffles my hair as we step out and walk to my dorm. "How was your day? Have any classes?"

"Just a few but I'm done now. This is the only day I have out of the week where there's no labs."

"Nice!" He whistles with a smile. "I never asked but how have things been with the new housemate? They're not a nightmare are they?"

Shit, I think to myself as my eyes widen. I never told Abel that Noah is my housemate. "T-They're good, everything's fine."

"Is she here or is she out?" He asks as we step inside my dorm and he looks around.

I chuckle nervously and fiddle with the hem of my hoodie. "Uh...he's not here. Noah has a game today so he left a while ago."

Abel stares at me with furrowed brows and I wince. "Your housemate is Noah Jackson?"

"Yep!" I nod and almost trip when my foot catches in between the legs of a chair.

"How the fuck did that happen?" He scowls as he plops down onto the air mattress and grabs a pack of chocolate. "Thank you for these by the way."

"N-No problem." I smile before bringing over the lunch I had picked up for us. "He needed to switch dorms this semester and I was the only one with space so..."

"Why'd he have to switch?"

"His housemate was just not the best person to be living with." I answer vaguely, wanting to respect Noah's privacy.

"Does he treat you good?"

"Yes, he's amazing." I answer with a small smile and that seems to relax him a little. "He took me on a picnic date this morning too! Look!"

I show him a few pictures and he grunts at the final one of me and Noah smiling into the camera. "Well, he better continue treating you nicely otherwise I'll drive him back there and fling him into that river myself!"

"Abe!" I glare at him as I put my phone down. "You better play nice and actually get to know him instead of giving him a hard time!"

"He's literally the biggest asshole Faye so he deserves it. I'm sure he must've been overjoyed when he found out that you're my sister." He mutters as he takes a sip of his drink.

"He found out the day after the ball." I deadpan as I finish my sandwich. "He's not dating me to piss you off or some childish shit like that. We're together because we like each other."

That shuts him up and he sits back to stare at me with a lost look. "He really didn't know?"

"No. I've only mentioned that I have one brother, never your name." I explain pausing to take a sip of my drink. "Besides, I asked him out. He's a nice guy Abe so please don't be mean to him."

"Alright." He nods but with a hint of a pout that makes me smile. "And he knows about the whole partnership thing?"

"Yes. He suggested we talk to Ryan and see if he can help stop this." I clear away our plates before sitting back down. "Knowing Ryan, I can guarantee that won't work so we need to come up with another plan."

"I talked to Dad." He moves to sit on the couch with me as I stare at him with a hopeful look. "I'm sorry Faye, I tried but he won't budge. I told him I won't let it happen though and I'm sticking by that. You're not getting married to Riley."

"Ryan." I correct with an amused smile. Another thing him and Noah have in common, their dislike for Ryan.

"If he doesn't help then I'll personally break his limbs. He won't be able to walk down the aisle then would he?" He grins with a victorious gleam in his muddy forest eyes.

"He could use a wheelchair."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like to get married to him? Should I stop?" He scowls at me which makes me roll my eyes.

"Thanks for trying anyways." I smile gratefully eliciting a heavy sigh from him as he pulls me in for a hug.

We stay silent for a while as he rests his chin atop my head and holds me tight. I'm so thankful he's here and we take the opportunity to reminisce a little because he reminds me of home, of mom and the good days when she was still around. Soft laughter fills the room as we think back to our childhood and how we used to drive her wild before grief cuts through it when remember the day everything changed. The bleakness and despair that followed until we upped and moved to Florida then eventually college which was where we could breathe a little easier.

Although me and Abel are very different personality wise he's still my twin and it makes me happy that I've got such a strong bond with him. We would do anything for each other. He's all I have left to call family and the thought makes me sad but I'm comforted by the fact that I still have someone at least.

"I hate him so much for not putting you first." Abel eventually whispers causing a lone tear to slip down my cheek. "I don't want you to worry okay? We'll figure this out together."

"Okay." I nod as I quickly wipe it away so that he doesn't see. "I just wish I never considered it then I wouldn't have been in this mess."

"It doesn't matter that you considered it, you didn't sign anything Faye which means that you're allowed to change your mind. He's completely delusional if he thinks this is a good partnership anyways." Abel seethes and I can feel the anger rolling off him in waves. "I'll keep at him though because he's got to break at some point."

"Thanks Abe." I pull away with a smile before gesturing towards the clock. "Noah's game starts soon. Do you want to come with me?"

He scrunches up his nose playfully before nodding when I elbow him. "Fine, if I must!"

We get changed and I make sure to wear Noah's jersey before I leave my room. Abel pretends to vomit as I hold the door open for him with an exasperated look, watching as he slides down to the ground outside and whispers, "I've died from repulsion." I lock the door before making my way to the lift as I text Lilah. She won't be attending due to a lab but she's coming to the after party that's being held by the team regardless of a win or not.

We make our way across campus and find seats that offer us a good view of the field. Just as we've sat down I spot Ryan who's clearly making a beeline for me. Strange considering he never wants to be seen near me. I narrow my eyes and greet him back as he takes a seat next to me. Abel tenses up beside us and I can tell he wants to say something but I discreetly shake my head. They've only met a handful of times so he greets Ryan like usual as if nothing is wrong.

"Ryan, can I talk to you about something after the game please?" I ask and he frowns down at me.

"About what?"

"About the partnership. Can you wait in the parking lot?" I ask and he nods before we tune back into the game.

The players have come out and are taking their positions on the field. I catch sight of Noah and instantly regret not attending any of his games before because he looks hot in his gear. He's looking around and I wave to show him where I'm sitting, eliciting a bright grin from him as he blows me a kiss which makes me blush.

Some people look back at me and whisper amongst themselves whereas Evie looks like she wants my head on a spike, her little posse matching the murderous intent. I look back at Noah to see him sending Abel a nod but then notice the immediate change in his body language when he realizes Ryan is sitting next to me. He averts his gaze to appear unaffected but I see his jaw clench tightly regardless.

"At least he's protective." Abel comments quietly and I glance at him to see a pleased smile. "I might just have fun threatening the shit out of this kid with Jackson."

"We're not going to threaten him." I lean over to whisper. "Just talk."

"Sure, whatever you say sis." He dismisses with a light chuckle.

I shake my head and settle back in my seat as the game starts. It isn't long before Abel is jumping up and screaming at Noah's team, instructing them while I sit there clueless until someone in MIT's colors score a goal. I notice Noah look over to Abel a few times with an amused laugh and this time he actually shoots him a thumbs up over what seems like the hundredth instruction.

"Hell yeah! Nice defense!" Abel hollers as he claps along with the rest of us.

"Aw, you guys are so cute!"

"Still don't like him." He shoots back which makes me laugh.

I end up enjoying the game since Abel is there to explain what's happening after I stop him from yelling at the team. Noah's team ends up winning by a landslide and I cheer alongside everybody as I watch him run across the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. Abel nudges me to go down to him and Noah's eyes find mine just as I've stepped onto the grass. He runs over and picks me up, twirling me around as I laugh before he sets me down and pecks me quickly.

"I love seeing you in my jersey." He murmurs breathlessly and I do a spin for him with a cheeky smile. "Gorgeous. And all mine."

I blush at that but our moment is interrupted by a loud cough from Abel who walks over to us. Noah straightens as I introduce the two to each other and I stand there amused as they seem to almost size the other up. I smile brightly when Noah takes the first step and holds his hand out.

"Nice to see you again Abel. Hope you enjoyed the game?"

"You too Noah. It was great as per usual." Abel praises as they shake hands.

"Thanks man, I appreciate the tips." He chuckles which makes my brother smile. "Did you get here okay? How was the trip?"

"Slept like a baby on the plane." Abel smirks which makes us laugh. "I heard Faye told you everything so thank you for being there for her."

"Anything for her." Noah brushes his hand against mine with a soft smile. "Did you tell Ryan that we need to talk after the game?"

"Yeah, he's waiting in the parking lot for us."

"Cool, let me shower quickly and get changed. I'll be right out okay?" He says and I nod before he rushes off to the locker rooms.

I turn to Abel with a wide grin and raise my brows expectantly. "So?"

He glances at Noah's retreating figure before shrugging. "Meh."

A small gasp escapes me and I swat his arm before he bursts out laughing. "He's fine! Stop hitting me woman!"

We make our way out to the parking lot and by the time we break free from the remaining crowd of people Noah joins us by the car. Ryan spots us and makes his way over with a slightly nervous look which is understandable since Noah and Abel stand tall behind me with their arms crossed. The number of people still around is dwindling quickly as everyone gets in their cars or walk off to celebrate further.

"Hey Faye."

"Hi Ryan, thanks for coming over. I just wanted to speak to you about the partnership our parents are pushing for. This isn't something I want anymore but my dad isn't listening to me. We've never been interested in each other anyways so I was hoping you could speak to your dad and help me put a stop to it?" I ask as my heart races anxiously but thankfully Noah calms me down with a caress to my back.

"Oh..." He mutters and my tense shoulders droop when the arrogance in his eyes builds. "No, I don't think I will. You see Faye, that partnership is going to make me a lot of money. It's a great opportunity for our businesses and I'm not going to ruin my future just because you're blind."

"Listen here you prick!" Abel pushes forward and I quickly grab the back of his hoodie to prevent him from getting up in Ryan's face. "My sister is not some fucking business deal so you're going to talk to your dad and shut this shit down! Am I clear?"

"Whoa man! Chill!" Ryan steps back with his hands raised. "She wants out. She should stop it herself."

"You're really starting to piss me off Riley." Abel grabs his collar and Noah steps in to prevent him from getting physical.

"It's Ryan and get the fuck off me!"

"You're telling me you're going to go along with daddy's wishes and force my sister to marry you?! Are you out of your goddamn mind?! Who does that shit?!" Abel shakes him violently while ignoring my pleas to let him go.

"She'd be better off with me anyways! I can offer her stability and success!" Ryan spits out and my eyes widen in disbelief. "What can he offer her?!"

I grimace when Abel backs off with a wicked chuckle only for Noah to shove Ryan against a wall. "I don't appreciate you threatening to take my girl from me Ryan so I suggest you shut the fuck up and do as we say before I rip you apart."

"I'll join in on the fun too." Abel pipes up and I whirl around to glare at him.

"Noah?" I call softly as I walk over to him and curl my hand around his clenched fist. "Let's go please. Ryan, ruining each other's lives over some money isn't worth it. We'd never be happy together, please understand."

Ryan stares at me in silence and a defeated sigh escapes me before I move to leave. Noah refuses to follow though and I watch as he leans down to Ryan's height with a murderous glare. Despite his anger he's still gentle with me as his thumb rubs circles into the side of my hand to keep me calm. I swear this guy does unexplainable things to me.

"Do you understand?"

"Y-Yes." Ryan nods as his eyes frantically switch between Noah and Abel. "I'll see what I can do."

"Lovely! If I don't hear good news soon Riley I know where you live." Abel smirks before he steps over to Noah's car.

With one last look to Ryan, we get inside and watch as he scurries off. As soon as we lose sight of him we turn to each other and end up saying, "he's definitely not helping," at the same time. I chuckle humorlessly before resting my head against the window watching the scenery distractedly as we drive.

"Okay so since Ryan is practically useless I was thinking I could change my identity and run away?"

"No." Both boys state firmly.

"I was thinking...you guys have heard of Jackson Medical Care right?" Noah speaks as he parks the car outside our building.

"Your brother's company?"

"Yeah, Jackson and West Medical are big rivals. If you're okay with it I can talk to Ryder and get him to complicate this by offering a partnership with a larger sum of money." He explains and I shake my head as we get out of the car.

"That's a big step for him to take though just because of me. I'm not sure about this Noah." I bite my lip indecisively as we make our way upstairs.

"He could act like he wants to partner. You know...just do some lengthy negotiations or something to stall while we collect evidence to prove how illegal this partnership is now that you don't want to go through with it." Abel suggests and Noah nods in agreement as he unlocks the door.

"My other brother, Hunter, is a damn good lawyer too so we can get him involved. We just need some time Faye, that's all." Noah says as both boys stare at me expectantly.

"Alright fine, thanks Noah."

"No problem." He smiles before glancing at the clock. "How about we get changed and head down to the after party? You in Abel?"

"Sure."

I start getting ready while Abel hops in the shower, thanking my lucky stars that I took one this morning otherwise I'd definitely be late. I have a hard time deciding what to wear so I text in the group chat us girls have and they help me pick out an outfit. It's an off the shoulder black dress with long sleeves and thigh high heeled boots to match that make me feel confident. I pair it with gold jewelry and leave my hair down in waves before working on my makeup.

As I'm doing my eyeliner though I hear Abel and Noah talking to each other while they wait for me. Abel started the conversation this time by complimenting his taste in music because of what Noah was playing in the car. My smile widens as they end up bonding over sports and bigging each other up about how they play.

"That goal right before half time was the sickest thing I've ever seen!" Abel exclaims and I peek to see Noah shaking his head as he laughs.

"Nothing against your defense though! Remember how you kept blocking my goals during our last match?"

"It was funny to see you get so angry, I can't lie." My brother snickers and I turn back to my makeup with an amused shake of my head.

They continue to get to know each other more while watching a soccer game on the television and commenting on the player's skills. I'm glad my two favorite guys are getting along and the fact that I was so worried about this makes me chuckle now.

Eventually I'm ready to go and lock eyes with Noah as I walk out of my room. His jaw drops a little as his gaze roams over my figure and I smirk when Abel pushes it shut for him. He glares at my brother playfully before they both get up.

"Lilah and the gang are going to meet us there." I state and smile as Abel rambles about how excited he is to finally meet her in person. "Shall we go then?"

"Yeah." Noah nods as he finally averts his gaze.

He rubs the back of his neck as he grabs his keys which makes me smirk to see him so flustered. I didn't think a simple black dress and boots would cause such a reaction. Abel opens the door and walks away to the lift, distracted on his phone whereas I pull Noah back by the hem of his shirt and prevent him from following my brother out.

"Wha –"

I shut him up by pinning my lips on his and he groans huskily. Immediately he moves us away from view of the open door and cups my face to kiss me with hunger. I smile against his mouth as I wind my arms around his neck, pushing up to hesitantly trace my tongue along the seam of his lips which open without a second thought. His hands feel hot on my hips as he grips them tightly while we deepen the kiss.

I eventually and unwillingly pull away once air becomes a priority before giggling at his shocked expression. "Congratulations on the win Noah."

An adorable smile lights up his face as he pulls me close. "I can't believe I've been missing out on that. You look so damn beautiful Faye, fucking took my breath away."

"You guys better not be making out! She's still my sister Jackson so keep your hands to yourself before I cut 'em right off!" Abel yells from outside and I rest my forehead against Noah's chest with a quiet groan.

We wait a minute and fix ourselves up before following a very disgruntled Abel into the lift. I bite my lip to stifle my laughter as Noah intertwines his hand with mine which my brother notices. He crosses his arms and narrows his eyes pointedly at him before turning back around with a huff. Noah only winks at me with an amused smile as we walk out of the building.

The drive isn't long and within minutes we're pulling up to a frat house where most of the teammates live. We walk in and people swarm Noah to congratulate him before they recognize Abel and greet him too. I spot our group of friends and guide us over, chuckling when Kane wolf whistles loudly as soon as he sees me.

Much of Noah's team are here too so he introduces Abel to them. "Guys, this is –"

"Abel West! Bro, you're sick!" Cruz yells as he steps forward to fist bump him.

"Oh, look at that. Better than you." Abel taunts while Noah only smiles in amusement.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night man."

"Soccer match tomorrow then? Decide once and for all?" My brother proposes with a mischievous look.

"Fine by me." Noah shrugs indifferently as the crowd gathering around us cheer.

"Don't go crying to your girl when I win. She'll be too busy celebrating with me, right Faye?"

"No comment." I reply as I take a sip from my drink.

"Faye!" Noah laughs and I shrug my shoulders with a smile.

"Abel!" Lilah exclaims happily as she pushes through the crowd.

"There's my favorite girl!" He laughs and lifts her off the floor as they hug. I swat the back of his head and he's just as dramatic as Noah, crying out in fake pain. "Well obviously you're my number one favorite Fifi!"

"Fifi?"

"I'm going to murder you." I glare at Abel who only smiles wider in response.

"Fifi's my nickname for her."

"That's so cute!" Lilah squeals before pointing to Noah. "He's got an adorable nickname for Faye too."

"Which is?"

"Fairy." Noah grins down at me as he pulls me back against his chest. "That was her costume to one of the parties. Fairy Faye."

"You guys are sickening."

"Ugh, tell me about it! You should see them when they're together, the amount of sexual tension –"

"Lilah! How much have you had to drink?" I snap as the crowd hollers over her words.

"Three drinks." She smiles while holding up five fingers.

"Sweetheart, I love you but I won't hesitate to hurl all over your pretty little heels if you keep going." Abel shudders which makes us all laugh.

"Noah! Beer pong?!" One of the guys from across the room yells.

He looks down at me conflicted and I smile reassuringly. "Go, have fun."

"Come get me if you need anything okay?" He squeezes my hip gently before kissing my cheek. "I'll find you later, don't have too much fun with the girls baby."

"No promises!" I sing only to yelp when he slaps my ass as soon as Abel's not looking.

"Guys? Abel? Are you up for it?" Noah asks and they nod before following him to the table set up.

"Who's on team Abel?" My brother yells and I shake my head at his competitiveness.

Noah turns to wink at me before I'm pulled to the dance floor by the girls. I let loose in an effort to forget about Ryan and the partnership for once, moving my body to the rhythm and singing along with my friends without a care in the world.

I'm going to be just fine.

Update schedule is: two or three times a week whenever I find time!

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