Page 67 of You Fall First

Link checks his watch. “I got a few minutes.”

So I fill him in on running into Jo multiple times over the weekend, like it was fate or something. Then I tell him about Paige’s appendix and the infection and the two weeks I was facing, having to cobble together childcare on my own. Until Jo stepped in. I even tell him about dinner with her family and how welcoming everyone’s been.

“Sounds like Jo’s a real lifesaver too.”

“Pretty much.”

“Listen, Noah.” He leans back in his chair. “I’ve got years of experience trying to hide my feelings, and I’m here to tell you, it’s impossible to keep up the charade forever. Take it from me, a guy who missed out on time I could’ve spent with the love of my life.”

My jaw shifts. “Jo and I barely know each other.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“Okay, then. We barely know each other, and we’re definitely not in love.”

“Maybe.” His smile is kind. “But your eyes are making me think those sentences need the word ‘yet’ tacked onto the end of them. And take it from me, friend. Denial only lasts so long.”

“Yeah, well.” I work my jaw for a moment. “Any feelings I may or may not have for Jo need to stay in that river permanently.”

“So you said.” Link quirks a brow. “And I say, good luck with that, brother.”

Chapter Seventeen

Jo

The next few days with Dutton go swimmingly, minus any actual swimming, since Dutton hasn’t had lessons yet.

Each morning the two of us do breakfast first. Next comes playtime, indoors and out, with an emphasis on imagination. Like building pillow forts in Noah’s room or making puppets from old knee socks. Next, we pretend the white oak in the backyard is a restaurant where Dutton orders lunch.

As both the waitress and the cook, I’m basically prepping for any future role at Mockingbird.

Dutton consistently chooses hot dogs for himself, mac and cheese for Rex, and squeezy yogurt for Bugs. Luckily, this menu works for me, since you can’t really screw up any of those things. At least not too badly.

After we eat, and Dutton catches a quick nap, we go on adventures in town—like visiting the duck pond, the library, and the bookshop.

I’m trying to keep our schedules pretty loose for now. Partly because this is such a big adjustment for Dutton, and also because spontaneity might not be a luxury Paige can afford once she’s here.

Speaking of Paige, Dutton and I FaceTime with her at least once each day, and she’s going to be released this weekend, which is great news.

The not-so-great news is her doctor says she can’t fly before next Friday. And the moving van won’t be here until then either. Since Noah is paying, she hired the cheapest company she could find. Shared transit costs less, but multiple people’s stuff in one van means multiple stops.

Slow going.

Still, we’re making do with what Paige brought when she dropped Dutton off. Noah wants so badly to make this place feel like home for his sister and nephew.

I can’t help but hope it’s enough.

As for Noah and me, we don’t actually interact in person all that much. He’s there when I arrive, then I leave soon after he returns from work. As far as he’s concerned, I’m not taking care of him. I’m here for Dutton. Only Dutton.

Of course, I know my caring for Dutton actually helps Noah too, and I feel good keeping my word to Paige. And okay, yes, I do send Noah pics a couple of times a day. But that’s strictly to ease his mind. Not an excuse to flirt.

Mostly.

Mostly, I want to keep my distance.

Or I need to. Forget want.

At my request, Maren sends me various voice memos throughout the week, reminding me that Noah’s off-limits. She says stuff like, “I don’t care if he looks hot in a cowboy hat. That wrangler is off-limits.” Or “So what if he auctioned off his man-bun as entertainment for old ladies. Let their hearts throb for him. Not yours.” Then, “In fact, no throbbing at all, missy.”