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My gaze slides past him then, toward the doorway he slipped from, where Paige still stands alone and staring our way.
I try to turn back quickly once I realize where my gaze has subconsciously pointed, but Noah catches me regardless.
He slides in front of me, and I tip my head back to look up at him.
“I was talking to Paige about her students. They’re giving her some trouble, and since I was in youth groups as a kid, she thought I’d have some advice.”
“Oh, I wasn’t…”
Wasn’t what, Ari? Jesus.
My face heats, and I attempt to avert my gaze, but Noah doesn’t allow it.
His fingers come up to skim under my chin, and my lips part for a shallow breath as he guides my attention right back to him.
He says nothing, but it’s as if he doesn’t have to. It’s all right there, written along his handsome face, and in the way his thumb feathers over my jaw. It’s brief, unnoticeable, but it’s felt. Everywhere.
My god I’m in trouble.
Once he’s satisfied, his hand falls. “I can’t let Paige leave by herself, it’s not safe.”
I nod and go to step back, but he doesn’t allow that either.
I don’t know why I’m acting like this.
Chase must have thrown me off.
“Her friend bailed on her, so I need to take her home—”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” I shake myself out of the weird fog I’ve fallen into. “Go. I didn’t mean to keep you, do whatever you need to.”
His eyes narrow.
“Seriously, enjoy your night, you don’t have to babysit me. Cameron and the others are around here somewhere; I’ll be fine. I won’t roam around alone if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Noah’s stance widens a bit, and his tongue comes out, rolling along his lips. “I’m gonna lay this out for you, so pay attention, because I need you to hear me.” His response is instant and strong, and he steps closer, holding my eyes hostage. “I don’t want you to think Paige is here with me tonight. She’s not, but she is my friend, and I need to make sure she makes it home safely. I don’t want you to stay here because I’m thinking you came here for me tonight, and if I’m completely honest with you right now, I don’t want to share you with the person who I’m damn sure has just realized that. So, if you came for me, come with me.” He pauses, but only for a second. “Because I was on my way to you just the same.” Noah takes a deep breath, nodding to himself. “I’m coming off a loss today, make my night feel like a win. Come with, Juliet.”
“Okay.”
He scowls, his head tipping slightly as if he’s surprised. “Okay?”
“Yeah… okay.”
Noah chuckles, subconsciously rubbing at the back of his head. “That was easier than I thought.”
I shrug, smiling at him. Before, I might have paused and thought about it, but I don’t want to. I don’t need to.
Noah is face value, and he takes me just the same. As I am.
“Let me tell Mason I’m leaving so he doesn’t flip out.” I stop. “Well, he may still flip out, but at least he’ll know where I am.”
Noah grins, taking backward steps. “I’m going to grab my keys.”
We part, and I only have to spin, take a single step right, and my brother’s within sight, as always, with Brady and Chase at his side.
I head for them.
Brady spots me first, and a low whistle slips from him as he turns to face me fully.
“Ari Baby!” Brady holds his arms out, and I slip into his embrace.
He attempts to lift me in the air, but Mason shoves his shoulder down, making him laugh.
“What’s up, sister?” Mason raises a brow, cutting a quick glance in the direction I came from. “You look like you got something to say, and I bet it’s not hello.”
“Hi again. Missed you for the last hour. Sorry a second time about the game.” I chuckle when he gives me a playful roll of his eyes, jerking forward to kiss my temple.
I smile. “I’m just letting you know I’m riding with Noah to take his friend home. I’ll be back later. I think.”
He lifts his beer bottle to his lips, staring over the brim as he takes a drink. “Just you?”
“Just me.”
“You can’t take Cam with you?”
“She’s with Trey.”
“Right.” He nods, eyeing me.
My brother knows I’ve been hanging out with Noah alone and I’m standing here alive and well today. He didn’t throw a fit when I went with Noah before, but this is different. It’s night; people are drinking; he’s drinking, which makes him more protective and paranoid, but he knows where Noah lives, likely has a plan of kicking his ass already mapped out in his head should he feel a need to do so. I guarantee that is the only reason he doesn’t press me more. “Answer your phone if I call you.”
