Chapter 06
I walked toward my vehicle in the dark. Sadie had been nice enough through the entire process that it only felt right to hang back and help her with anything she’d allow me to assist with.
A loud horn in the distance startled me enough to drop my keys.
“Shoot.“
I ran my fingers through my hair and bent down to retrieve them, only for someone to beat me to it.
“Here.“
Noah placed the keys in my hands. “Not safe out here in the dark. Thought I’d hang around until you two were headed out.”
“Thank you.“
I jingled the keys, then looked around. “For your help, and staying, and . . .”
Noah raised a brow.
“That was my first time. It was much easier than I thought.“
I confessed.
“It gets easier.“
Noah shrugged. “This is my first stranger session.”
“Oh, do you model professionally?” I asked.
With those eyes, I would not be surprised.
“No.“
They chuckled. “I’m a teacher, actually. Not something people want listed on a resume, but it's fun.”
“I bet.” I smiled.
Noah shoved their hands into the pockets of their brown bomber jacket and teetered back on their heels.
“It was nice meeting you.“
I checked the time on my phone.
Kathryn and Hayley were probably just starting dinner with Kendall. He was spending the night so I could decompress, which I doubt he minded. Kendall had always adored his aunts.
“Yeah. Nice meeting you.“
They made a move to step away from my car but turned back before I could reach for the handle. “You probably have somewhere to be, but have you had dinner yet? I’m headed to grab something at the sports bar. If you’re into women's hockey, Dug puts it on if you ask.”
“I . . .“
I pulled my cardigan closer as the wind threw my dark hair around. “I’ve never watched women’s hockey. Is it good?”
Noah’s eyes bulged.
“Is it good?“
They laughed, then pointed to the Jeep across the lot. “Follow me there. I’ll buy you dinner.”
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
“It’s the least I can do.“
Noah smiled.
And if that smile didn’t make my stomach bottom out, I might have fought more.
“I guess that’s fine, but I’ll cover the tip.“
I unlocked my car. “Not far?”
“Not at all.“
Noah reassured me.