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“Beautiful, bossy, a little scary. You two are practically twins.”

The breathless tension holding me captive snapped as I snorted out the most undignified laugh. I covered my mouth, mortified, while Noah’s husky chuckle vibrated against my back.

Get a hold of yourself. We were on a game drive, not in a bedroom. I could not ask our guide to take us back to the lodge this early into our excursion, not that I wanted to. Once the moment passed, I was able to gather my composure and focus on the scenery again, though Noah’s presence remained a quiet yet persistent distraction throughout the day.

Although I was more interested in marine animals, I found myself peppering Simon with questions about his favorite park animals (the elephants and African wild dogs) and his job as a field guide. He answered them patiently, though he excused himself to give us some privacy when we stopped for lunch.

“I still can’t believe you got Lavinia to extend my vacation leave,” I said. Although Scarlett and Brooklyn were staying to root for England and France, both of whom were still in the tournament, I’d been scheduled to fly back to London last weekend. That was, until Noah told me about this trip and the fact that he’d convinced RAB’s director to let me stay an extra week.

“She’s a Blackcastle fan, so I got her VIP season tickets. Easy,” he drawled. “Summer’s slow for the academy anyway.”

“Bribery.” I tsked. “Noah Wilson, I didn’t expect that from you.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

His words drifted through the air and slipped through the cracks of my chest. Our eyes locked, and for one brief, suspended moment, I forgot how to breathe.

This was our trial period. I knew that. But sometimes, in instants like these, it already felt like more.

Noah broke eye contact first. “I was debating where to take you after the tournament, but I figured you’d like to see some wildlife,” he said, his voice husky. “Simon also works for one of the best tour operators in the area. I mentioned that you were interested in being a guide and that you might have some questions for him. I hope he’s been helpful.”

Oxygen returned only for a lump to form in my throat. He could be so damn thoughtful sometimes. “He has,” I said. “What he does is a little different from what I want to do, but it’s useful to hear about his experience anyway.”

After my tour guide revelation at Boulders Beach, I’d thrown myself into researching different job options. I wasn’t super interested in zoos, but I liked aquariums or any job where I could work with animals and children.

Thankfully, most of the positions I was looking at didn’t require an advanced degree or a ridiculous amount of experience. I could start by volunteering and go from there.

I had a lot of work ahead of me, but it felt good to have a plan and a purpose. It was like wiping a foggy mirror and seeing my reflection clearly for the first time.

I finished my lunch while Noah frowned at his phone. It was blowing up with texts.

“It’s my agent,” he said when I raised a questioning brow. “I forgot to tell him I was extending my trip. We were supposed to have a call about my Blackcastle contract today, but I postponed it.” He turned off his phone and slid it into his pocket.

My sandwich suddenly tasted like ash. “Your contract’s up for renewal next year, right?” I tried and failed to sound casual.

Noah nodded, a shadow crossing his face.

“Are you…staying?” I couldn’t bring myself to say retiring.

“I don’t know. I need to hash it out with my agent, but I’ve been thinking about maybe, possibly, stepping back from football.”

“Oh.” That was all I could manage.

“It’s not set in stone. I do really still love football, but Evie is my main consideration here. I’ve missed so much of her life already. I don’t want to miss the rest of her childhood.” He swallowed hard. “I know it sounds crazy. Thirty is…I mean, I have another ten years in the game, if I want. But in ten years, Evie will be twenty-one, and I’ll likely be past my prime anyway. I already have enough money to last me through retirement, and I’ve achieved every career goal I’ve dreamed of except winning a World Cup, which is a crapshoot even for the best players.” Noah gestured at his shoulder. “My only regret would be going out like this. Leaving my last World Cup early because of a small injury.”

My heart squeezed. “None of that sounds crazy. Quite the opposite, actually. You’ve obviously put a lot of thought into it, and if leaving is what you want, then that’s what you want. Plus, you were a superstar this year. The US wouldn’t have gotten as far as it had without you. Injury or not, it’s not a bad way to go out.”

“I guess not,” he admitted, but I could tell he didn’t really believe it.

I wasn’t trying to convince Noah to retire. However, I could tell he was torn over the decision, and I didn’t want him to think his worth was tied to what he could do on the pitch. He’d given me a much-needed pep talk at Boulders Beach; it was only fair for me to do the same for him.

“If you retire, what will you do?” I hoped he didn’t notice the way my voice hitched on retire.

“I’m not sure. Sports commentator is the easiest route, but I don’t love being on television. Maybe I’ll take a few years off and write my memoir,” he said lightly. “We’ll see. This is all if I retire.”

“Right. If you do, are you…I mean, will you stay in the UK? Or will you move back to the US?” That was what I cared about most. He could retire or not. What mattered was whether our lives would still intertwine if he did.

“Evie grew up in London, so I wouldn’t move until she’s in college. After that, who knows?” Noah gave a small shake of his head. “I love the UK, but my parents are in Michigan, and they’ll never leave. I want to be close to them, especially as they get older.” He paused, his eyes studying me carefully. “What about you? Would you ever move away from London?”