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3rd Person

"I'm expecting a class shortly, so- oh hi Dixie, did you leave anything?" Noah was shocked when he noticed she had returned to the class to see him.

"No, I didn't. I came to talk to you. Do you know why I said my safe word?"

This was a rhetorical question. Her tone with him made it clear that she was going to respond to her own question. Noah was going through a tidal wave of emotions. He felt upset with himself that he had hurt her, happy that she wanted to talk to him, and scared of what she might say. For a long while, the two were silent before one of them said anything. Dixie had planned to say something, but the sight of him interrupted her thoughts. She couldn't think straight and was on the verge of becoming mute.

He was displaying his soft and sensitive sides without saying anything, which was exactly what she had hoped to see. Dixie was certain that if they had been in a different situation, she would have been in tears by now. Her brain told her that she needed to speak up now, before the new people arrived for class. If someone had walked in and seen them up close, that would have been a very worrisome sight.

"I was scared and hurt. Everything was causing me pain. I think this is only time I've ever been this damaged or affected by something a man did to me and it showed me just how much care and power you have over me. I said that because I don't want this to end, but I'm not sure what will come out of this. The reality of the situation is terrifying. We're here one minute and then everything seems to be broken and lost the next. It seems like I'll always be in love with a person who isn't sure what love is but I can't get over it. I've never known such unpredictability before. Nothing is certain in this messed-up life. So that's why I said my safe word. " They were sure someone was cutting onions because her voice would break in between and a few loose tears fell down her cheek. For the first time, emotions ran wild and inhibitions were low.

"Dixie, I'm sorry. I'm sorry about Alissa. She's just-"

"I know who she is. This morning, Bryce told me about her. By the way, you should thank him for that. You didn't have to lie to me; you could have simply said that it was a hard limit, and I would not have pushed it. Not only you, but everyone has a secret. But Noah, don't ever lie to me again."

"I'm so sorry," he said softly as he took her hands in his and intertwined their fingers. "Let's start over,"with a humble smile on his face, he added. Noah realized he had left out the part about her being in love. It wasn't easy for him to confess, as much as he was. He had never expressed feelings before, especially to a lady.

"From where?" she agreed, her voice brimming with joy. Such happiness hasn't been heard in a long time.

"From the top," he breathed "Can I take you out to dinner?"

"I'll have to check my schedule," she joked as she raised her eyes to his.

"Dixie, don't push -" he was interrupted by a beautiful kiss on the lips. This was exactly what he desired from her. This woman's love, passion, and happiness were contagious.

"You've turned into a softie. Please shave as well. I like you this way, but I'm not sure you like yourself this way. No more drinking, got it?"

"Got it," he said with a smile as he drew her in closer. They didn't give a damn who might have stepped in just now.

Starting over was beautiful. You can start over whenever you want and however many times you'd like to start over. It was all up to you. They both went through the day with a great satisfaction. Noah happy that things were working out and Dixie happy because of the same. It was truly a miracle but there's always a calm before another storm.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•

"I'm guessing that I have you to thank for all of this?"

"Oh,your lady talked to you. Thank God. You were becoming soft and oh you're right she is a brat. I had to shut her up," Bryce exclaimed.

"Bryce Duke, watch it," Noah sternly said "But yes thank you man."

Bryce consoled, "That's what brothers are for. I've got a meeting in 5, beers later?"

"No, I've got a date tonight," Noah said sheepishly. He sounded like a youngster who had recently gotten the girl of his dreams. It was heartwarming to see him in such a high school love toned outfit. Bryce was taken aback when he heard him giggling and spoke with tone.

"Is he now a relationship guy?" Bryce asked, confused.

"I'm whatever she wants me to be," Noah softly admitted "but talk to you later." The boys hung up the phone and Noah went off to setting lesson plans. 

They hung up on each other. He had the best friend he had ever had in Bryce. Noah owed Bryce a debt of gratitude for what he did earlier, and he would never forget it. Bryce was willing to go to any length to ensure Noah's happiness, and finding a friend like that is extremely rare.

"He's in love," Bryce exclaimed, stunned.

"It reminds me of a person I know," Halley said with a smile.

"Who?" he said brusquely as he approached her.

She gave him a bashful smile and remarked, "Some guy." Bryce's jealousy grew stronger, and he softly gripped her jaw.

"Who?" he asked angrily again, clenching his teeth.

"You," she said with a smile as she went in for a kiss. This was a love story for the ages, and the world would soon learn about it.

"It had better be," he cockily murmured, "what time do you have to be back at school?"

"Why? In about two hours?"

"Karina, please cancel my meetings till 1:15 p.m.," he shouted out at his assistant.

"Bryce... baby?" Halley asked. She couldn't believe this would lead to sex, but then again, she's not complaining.

"Shh," he said softly as he kissed her neck. Halley was in the middle of something incredible, and she wasn't going to question it.

"I'm such a whore," she moaned, allowing her head to fall back while Bryce kissed down her body. These were the advantages of dating an older man who was madly in love with you.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

Dixie left straight from school to her apartment, wasting no time. She'd call her mother and informed her that she'd pick up her things the following week and that she'd try to call and visit her more often. Because school, as well as her personal life and interests, took up so much of her time, she didn't have the chance to visit them as often as she'd want.

When she arrived on her apartment floor, she discovered a gift bag and a note with the initials N.B. written on it. Noah, of course, would do such a thing.

I hope you like this dress. It will suit you well Ms. D'Amelio.

~Your Professor.

She was pleased to have him again and smiled at his gesture. It wasn't perfect, but it was getting better, and that was all she needed. He was a gentleman and the loveliest guy she'd ever met, but if she didn't provoke him, she wouldn't be herself. Everything appeared to be in order. It's incredible how one person can break you and then heal you as if nothing ever happened.

"You didn't have to," she chuckled, "I saw your gift."

"I've been told I'm a little over the top," he joked as he sat back in his office chair, "Do you like it?"

"I remember this guy I dated bought me a dress like this," she said, attempting to provoke him. Dixie was well aware of the impact her words would have on him, and that was precisely what she desired.

"You know, Dixie," he grumbled as he removed his glasses, "your mouth is so much better when it's filled with my cock." Noah didn't want to be that brazen with her so soon, but she pushed him to do so.

Surprisingly, she said, "Yeah, I think so too." When Dixie matched Noah's speed or vice versa, Noah had a lot of enjoyment.

"You test me every day," he joked.

"You do a great job marking this test," she said. Dixie wasn't about to give up being so daring and risky on the phone just yet.

"I hope you're this bold and vocal all of the time."

"We'll see," she said. "Thank you for the dress, and you can pick me up in an hour and a half or two hours."

"I lo- well, I'll see you later," he said. Noah desperately wanted to say that four-letter word, but the tone wasn't quite right yet.

She started getting ready once they hung up the phone. While getting ready for tonight, she was playing Ariana Grande. Dixie applied her soft glam makeup, curled her short hair, and put on her lovely, revealing dress. Noah was always best in choosing her clothing. He bought a white corset like dress with gathered puff sleeves and créme-nude heels for her. He could have been a fashion icon, or he could have simply enjoyed browsing Pinterest.

She accessorized the look with a single layered chain, knob earrings, and a white ruffled bag. She'd be the ideal research model if the term sexy could be visibly shown. Dixie took a few moments to admire herself in the mirror before moving on to other tasks. They'd both let go and broken down all the boundaries that had been built around their emotions. Never in a million years did any of them expect this to happen, but love has a way of changing people.

A lady, believe it or not, spent hours to get ready compared less than 30 minutes for a man. Noah spruced himself up with an impromptu barber and shower session. Dixie would be happy to see him now that he was the original Noah Beck.