Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 270

Chapter 270

Noah

The journey back felt almost surreal, as if I were drifting through a dream. Around me, the team buzzed with energy—laughing, shouting, replaying every pivotal moment of the game like it was already etched into legend. Their excitement was infectious. I smiled along, slapped backs, and joined in their jokes, but the feeling swelling inside me was far more than just the thrill of victory.

It was pure, unfiltered joy.

A joy so intense it felt like my ribs might burst trying to contain it.

I knew what everyone assumed—that my high spirits were just the afterglow of winning. That I was riding the wave of momentum, basking in the glory, and soaking up the validation from every scout, reporter, and commentator in the country. Maybe, once upon a time, I would have believed that too.

But this was different.

Last night, I made a choice.

Not the life that had been scripted for me. Not the one imposed by others. Not the path paved with fear and obligation.

I chose us.

And Aiden chose me back.

William had insisted I return with him and his family. He claimed it was “only fitting,” given the “publicity” and the need for “family unity.” Of course, that was just his way of trying to maintain control. But I told him I wanted to ride back with the team. That’s how it should be, I said. Tradition. Besides, we had the big football event coming up in California to plan.

He wasn’t happy. Not in the slightest. But I was still glowing—from the win, from Aiden, from the spark of hope that was igniting inside me again—and I stood my ground.

William’s smile never quite reached his eyes.

“I suppose,” he said, adjusting his tie with a practiced calm, “though I believe you have a far more important event to prepare for than that.”

I knew exactly what he meant. The wedding. The contract. The performance.

I returned his gaze with the smile I’d perfected over the years—warm on the surface, guarded underneath.

“There’s time,” I told him. “Today is for the team. I want to celebrate with them. Tomorrow, we can plan whatever you need.”

He studied me for a long moment.

William’s anger was often loud and explosive, predictable in its intensity. But his smile—quiet, careful, polite—was far more unsettling.

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