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“You want to… snuggle?”
“Yep, so get your cute ass in bed, and I’ll grab us a drink.”
“Hmm, a girl could get used to this,” I said, and Noah kissed me.
“Good, because I plan on being around a lot.”
Just then, both of our cell phones chimed.
“That doesn’t sound good,” I grumbled.
“Ignore him. He’ll get over it eventually.”
But I couldn’t resist plucking my cell off the nightstand the second I wandered into the bedroom and read Austin’s text.
“What does it say?” Noah asked, coming up behind me, armed with bottles of water and a packet of Oreos.
“Do you want the censored version or uncensored?”
“Hit me with the hard stuff. I’m a big boy. I can handle it.”
“It says, and I quote, ‘I hope you don’t like Holden’s pretty face too much because the next time I see him, it’s my brotherly duty and prerogative to beat the living shit out of him. P.S. I’m pissed you didn’t tell me. P.P.S. I swear to God, Rory, if he breaks your heart, I’ll break his fucking legs.”
Noah flopped down beside me and kissed my shoulder. “That could have been worse.”
“Worse?” I shrieked. “He threatened to break your face and your legs. How could that possibly get worse?”
“He could have told me to end it. He didn’t. It’s basically his seal of approval.”
“Your mind works in very mysterious ways.”
“Trust me. He’ll come around.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked.
“Because all he wants is for you to be happy, shortcake. And I intend on making you very, very happy.”
“Is that so?” My heart soared at his sweet words.
“Starting right”—he leaned in, ghosting his lips over mine—“now.”
“I don’t like it, Rory. I don’t like it at all.” Austin folded his arms over his chest, pouting like a petulant child.
“You don’t have to like it, Austin.” I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “You just have to accept it. He makes me happy. Really happy. And people change. Heck, look at Aiden and Connor.”
He made a disapproving sound in his throat but didn’t voice any more reasons why Noah and I were destined for heartache.
The truth was, I didn’t need his approval or blessing. I’d spent my entire life seeking the validation of others. I was over it.
That’s not to say I wasn’t feeling a little nervous about the dress the girls had insisted I wear for my date with Noah. But it accentuated all his favorite parts of my body, so I knew he’d love it.
Even if no one else did.
“Holy shit, little Hart, you look—”
“Yeah, yeah, Morgan. Leave it. I really don’t need to hear how hot my sister looks for her date with my ex-best friend and teammate.”
“You’ll get over it, Aus. Rory, baby, could do a lot worse than Noah.”
