Chapter 21 Noah
Noah
“I am happy you’re home, you know,” Mom says, shifting Paislee in front of her, on her lap.
“I know,” I say, rubbing the back of my hand under my nose. Mom is the way that she is, but I do know she desperately wishes we could be closer.
I’m just not sure how that’s possible after what she did to my dad. And even more so now, after everything I’ve done that she doesn’t even know about.
The guilt is a lot to swallow, so instead, I focus my attention back on Paislee. She’s been making me laugh since I got here. My new sister. How weird.
She gives me a gummy smile that makes me chuckle.
Getting to the Pearson airport from Hawaii was a mission and a half. Between racing for my connecting flight, trying to order a taxi at this time of day, which thankfully, I was able to afford with the bit of money I had left, it’s incredible that I made it here at all.
I reach my hand out to tickle Paislee’s nose. She may, in fact, be the cutest baby I’ve ever seen with her chubby cheeks and big green eyes. She’s a part of me and my future now…just like she’s a part of his.
Just as the thought crosses my mind, I hear the sliding back door open. My breath stalls and my heart falls—no, plummets to the bottom of my stomach.
No, no, not yet. Not now. Not before I’ve had time to think.
But then I hear him. And feel his commanding presence. And just like that… he’s here.
Without thinking, I stand.
It’s like my body acts on its own accord, stepping over to see him.
As much as I hate to admit it, I desperately want to lay my eyes on him. See the man who rocked my world over a year ago.
And oh fuck, does the sight still shake me.
He looks…good. Better than good. He looks sinful.
Instantly, reminding me of all the reasons why I was completely taken by him the last time I saw him.
His chiseled jaw, trimmed beard, hair a little longer now—but still perfect.
Still unfairly hot. And his body looks… wow.
His white shirt sits perfectly across his chest, showing me he didn’t lose an ounce of muscle. Only added to it.
My eyes take their time, scanning his whole body all the way down to his sweatpants and white socks.
And, there it is. Dragging my eyes right back up.
His infamous move. His hand reaches up and runs through his hair, as though it needed any fixing to begin with.
It doesn’t.
I bite my lip. No longer sporting the hoop it did before. I wonder if he notices. I wonder if he likes it without.
“Hey.” He finally breaks the tension, his smooth voice knocking my insides around like a ping pong machine.
“Hi,” I answer back, jamming my hands in my jean pockets.
“You just get in?” he asks formally, like his tongue hasn’t eaten my ass like it was his last meal. Like he hasn’t stuck his cock so far down my throat and had me seeing stars.
“Yup,” I answer, popping the ‘p’.
“Nice.” He nods, looking over at Paislee.
What the fuck? That’s fucking it? That’s all he’s got?
“How’ve you been?” I ask, testing the waters. I’m not sure what I’m expecting him to say, especially in front of mom, but this cold, nonchalant attitude is twisting my stomach.
His eyes narrow at me before he flicks his eyes to Mom and Paislee.
“Good. Busy. You know, a baby and all,” he says, walking over.
I suck in a breath and move out of the way as he strides over, picking up Paislee and giving her a few kisses on the cheek.
I remember when his kisses were all mine. Promises inside each one.
I clench my fist watching the exchange. Is this how older siblings feel when their parents have a new baby? If so, I give them my sympathies.
“Yeah. Makes sense.” I finally breathe out.
“Brad, it’s a good thing you’re here,” Mom speaks up. “Noah’s going to work with you at the new job site.”
My brain short circuits.
“What!?” We both say in unison.
Mom looks at me. “What? You thought you were just going to stay here and skate on by doing nothing?”
“I’m not planning on doing nothing. I’m going to go looking for a job. Like, tomorrow.” I insist.
“Why would you waste time job hunting when Brad has a perfectly good job for you? Don’t be ridiculous. Right, Brad?” she asks, tilting her head back to the man who fucked my heart up.
His jaw clenches. “Vee, that’s not a good idea. I shouldn’t be his boss.” Well, it’s nice to see a little reaction from him, even if it’s small.
Her eyes narrow as she skips them between the two of us.
“I think you can suck it up and spend a few hours a day together,” she bites, standing up.
“You do these sorts of things for family,” she grabs Paislee back and sits her on her hip before heading towards the door. “You two okay with pizza tonight?”
I quickly rack my brain to think of something, anything, to get me out of this job with him. Eight hours a day with him? With him looking at me with such…indifference? I won’t last. I’ll flip out, I know it.
His jaw ticks before he answers. “Fine,” he mutters, not looking at me this time. “I’m coming inside, too.” He does just that, following mom inside with their child. Their baby. Their perfect little family.
I’m fucking seething.
He can’t even last two seconds near me. Great. Fucking wonderful.
Is this seriously it?
I built the whole thing up in my head, and now that’s that?
Whatever.
Maybe last summer really did mean nothing to him. Maybe I meant nothing to him.
If that’s how he wants to play it—we’ll play.