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“When are you planning on moving?” I asked. “Will you sell the house?”
“I start on the job the first week of September. I’ve put the house on the market—it’ll sell quickly.”
Everything was changing fast. I could hardly keep up.
“Well,” I sighed. “I guess I’m going to Columbia U.”
“Or… you could stay here in California and go to Berkley.”
“I don’t want to be away from you, Noah. I’d rather endure being in the same area code as Rob, if it means I get to see you every day.”
I just couldn’t imagine my life without Noah. He made it worth living.
“Please don’t abandon me,” I said.
“Never.” He kissed my hand and massaged my palm.
“This sucks. We find out we’re not related, and westillhave to keep our relationship on the low.”
I was expecting Noah to laugh, but he seemed troubled by what I’d said.
“Hey.” I frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want you to commit to me so soon, not while you’re young and have so much to experience. I want to love you selfishly, but I can’t. It would be so unfair to you.”
“How could you even say such a thing? I love you, Noah. You’re the only man I want to be with.”
“That may change once you start college. I don’t want to restrict your freedom and prevent you from exploring your options. You should meet young men your own age, not sixteen years older.”
Didn’t he understand how crazy I was about him?
“First, our age difference doesn’t matter to me. I hardly even notice it. Second, I don’t want to date other guys. If I wanted to date someone my age, I would have dated Ryan.”
“There’s no point in changing your mind is there?”
“I’m insulted you would even try.”
“I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, Aria. This is unfamiliar territory for me.”
I wanted to kiss him, if only to make him believe I wanted him, every part of him.
“If we have to keep us a secret, I’m fine with that,” I said. “I don’t care if we must hide from the world. Just don’t leave me.”
“I can’t, even if I wanted to,” Noah assured.
“And please don’t decide for me. I can do that now.”
“I’ll try not to be pushy. Sometimes you don’t know what’s best for you, but I do.” He kissed my hand.
“So, we’re going to New York?”
He matched my smile and said, “We’re going to New York.”
“I’m gonna survive this?”
“You’re gonna walk into my brand-new penthouse; you’re gonna let me wine and dine you; and by the end of the night, I’ll throw you over my shoulder, take you to bed and…”
Oh. My. God.
