Page 92 of You Fall First

“Go on.” Noah squeezes Dutton’s shoulder, a silent permission, and Dutton scampers off to join Kendal’s family.

I exhale.

“So.” Noah rises again and swings his gaze over to mine. His irises are dark and deep and full of understanding. “This is the guy, huh?” His chin juts to indicate Oliver.

Oliver laughs weakly. “I guess Jojo told you we used to date, but you know how things go. We were good until we weren’t. And then we just … drifted apart.”

Noah frowns. “I heard something along those lines.”

“To her credit, she handled the end maturely.” Oliver’s focus swings over to me. “Amelia and I have put this whole situation in the past,” he says. “I hope someday you’ll be able to move on too.”

“Oh, I already have,” I say, willing my voice not to crack. “I am totally, completely over it.”

“Good.” Oliver shifts back to Noah. “You see? The lady has moved on.”

“Totally and completely,” I add.

Meanwhile, Noah slides an arm along my waist, settling his hand on my back.

My pulse stutters.

This is new.

“I know all about her moving on,” he says, his palm a warm reassurance. “But I guess Jo didn’t tell you.”

Oliver lifts a brow. “Tell me what?”

“That I’m her boyfriend.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Noah

When it comes to picking hypothetical superpowers, I’ve always gone with the simple, obvious choices. Like flying or teleportation.

Being invisible or time-traveling could be cool, too, I guess. But one thing I’ve never considered is mind-reading. Knowing what everyone else honestly thinks about you at all times, including the potentially bad stuff?

That’s always been a big nope for me.

Until tonight.

Tonight, I would’ve given my right arm for a roadmap to what was happening inside Jo’s head.

Okay. Maybe a pinky toe.

Why? Because I still have no idea where her feelings land on the spectrum between “You’re an idiot, Noah!” and “You’re my hero, Noah!”

Oliver’s face was just so smug and punchable. My free hand—the one that wasn’t on Jo’s back—had actually pulled into a fist. But I couldn’t punch the guy. Especially not before he fed everyone.

So yeah, I told Oliver that I’m Jo’s boyfriend without checking with her first.

Immediately after, he mumbled something that sounded like, “Congratulations,” then he made an excuse about needing to check on the meal and slithered back into the kitchen.

Jo turned to me, chewing her lip.

“I didn’t plan that,” I said in a rush. Then I added, “Sorry?”

This was not so much a question as an appeal for her forgiveness in case I’d overstepped. I didn’t want Jo to think I felt like she couldn’t handle the guy on her own.