“Here.” Noah placed the keys in my hands. “Not safe out here in the dark. Thought I’d hang around until you two were headed out.”
“Thank you.” I jingled the keys, then looked around. “For your help, and staying, and . . .”
Noah raised a brow.
“That was my first time. It was much easier than I thought.” I confessed.
“It gets easier.” Noah shrugged. “This is my first stranger session.”
“Oh, do you model professionally?” I asked.
With those eyes, I would not be surprised.
“No.” They chuckled. “I’m a teacher, actually. Not something people want listed on a resume, but it's fun.”
“I bet.” I smiled.
Noah shoved their hands into the pockets of their brown bomber jacket and teetered back on their heels.
“It was nice meeting you.” I checked the time on my phone.
Kathryn and Hayley were probably just starting dinner with Kendall. He was spending the night so I could decompress, which I doubt he minded. Kendall had always adored his aunts.
“Yeah. Nice meeting you.” They made a move to step away from my car but turned back before I could reach for the handle. “You probably have somewhere to be, but have you had dinner yet? I’m headed to grab something at the sports bar. If you’re into women's hockey, Dug puts it on if you ask.”
“I . . .” I pulled my cardigan closer as the wind threw my dark hair around. “I’ve never watched women’s hockey. Is it good?”
Noah’s eyes bulged.
“Is it good?” They laughed, then pointed to the Jeep across the lot. “Follow me there. I’ll buy you dinner.”
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“It’s the least I can do.” Noah smiled.
And if that smile didn’t make my stomach bottom out, I might have fought more.
“I guess that’s fine, but I’ll cover the tip.” I unlocked my car. “Not far?”
“Not at all.” Noah reassured me.
CHAPTER 07
There were a few sports bars around Lake Charles. Most were chains, but a few old gems, like Sideline, held on to their belts when the renovations throughout the city started.
Personally, I’d never been to Sideline, but Kathryn had mentioned picking up her little brother, Joseph, here one too many times before he transferred to a college out in New Orleans.
Sideline was a nice place. Blue, black, and gold matched the local college colors and televisions throughout the place broadcast just about every game possible.
“What’s your passion?” Noah asked.
I stirred my drink with a soft chuckle.
“We just got our drinks and you’re already asking about my passions and life’s desires?” I asked.
Noah ran their fingers through their hair. Despite asking to put the game on, they hadn’t watched the screen long enough to know what was happening.
“I meant for work. I told you I’m a teacher, and you’re . . .”
