Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Noah
As soon as I step inside my house, the silence feels heavy, almost accusatory. My thoughts are a storm, and I waste no time pacing through the living room, plotting my strategy. I need to find a way to break through Josy’s walls to grab her attention, to make her see me again.
My plan is straightforward, I’ll show up at her coffee shop every single day. Morning, afternoon, whenever I know she’ll be there. She won’t be able to ignore me forever. If I’m persistent enough, she’ll eventually have to acknowledge me.
I picture it clearly: starting small with a simple “Good morning” every time I walk in, waiting patiently for her to respond, even if it’s just a nod.
I’ll keep coming back until she gets used to seeing me, until the tension between us starts to crack.
Once she finally stops avoiding me, I’ll move in slowly and carefully ask her the question that’s been burning inside me for too long: Why did you cut me out of your life?
But my plan doesn’t end there. Josy is stubborn and I know I’ll have to be just as relentless.
If Violet and Austin host a barbecue, I’ll be there, plate in hand.
If Adrian has soccer games or school events, I’ll be the guy cheering in the back row.
Wherever Josy goes, I’ll make sure to cross her path until it feels like fate is forcing her to talk to me.
It’s a risky game, but I can’t back down now.
As I sink into bed later that night, my mind refuses to quiet.
Josy’s face lingers in my thoughts, the fire in her eyes, the way her lips purse in defiance, her sharp words that cut deeper than she realizes.
I can almost hear her voice dripping with irritation, and I brace myself for the attitude I know she’ll throw my way.
But beneath the frustration, I imagine the Josy I used to know. The one who laughed freely, with a smile brighter than the sun. The one who used to look at me like I mattered. That’s the Josy I’m fighting for, and I know she’s still in there, buried under layers of anger and hurt.
I’m ready for the fight ahead, no matter how long it takes. I’m prepared for the frustration, the setbacks, and the icy stares. Because I know one thing for sure: Josy is worth it. She always has been, and I’m determined to win her back no matter what.
It’s been two days since I agreed to my little plan, and ’m putting the final touches on Violet’s house.
This has been a massive project, not just because of its size but because of what it represents.
Every nail driven, every beam secured, and every coat of paint feels like part of a love letter.
Austin poured his heart into this design, crafting every detail with Violet in mind.
It’s impossible not to feel the depth of his love in the thoughtful way he shaped this home.
Their story still makes me smile every time I think about it.
It started with Violet looking for someone to help her build her dream house from the ground up.
She had ideas but needed someone to bring them to life, and I immediately knew who to recommend.
Austin is our go-to architect since we work together all the time—he designs, and my team builds.
It’s a seamless partnership, and over the years we’ve built a lot of homes together.
But this one is different.
When Violet walked into Austin’s office that day, it was more than just a meeting about blueprints. It was the start of something extraordinary. I like to think fate had a hand in it, nudging them together.
I glance around the house, admiring the way it’s all come together. The warm wood tones, the airy open spaces, the intricate details Austin insisted on including because he knew Violet would notice—it’s perfect. Just like them.
If we keep working this hard, I’m pretty sure the house will be ready in less than a month.
As I walk around the site, I watch my crew working hard.
For this project, I’ve selected five of my best employees, and Esteban and I are personally overseeing every detail.
Reaching the front of the house, I spot Austin pulling up.
He steps out, effortlessly put together in one of his usual button-up shirts and dress pants.
Tall and blond, he was the guy every woman wanted back when he was single.
But he was the first of us to fall, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier for him.
As he approaches, I greet him with a smirk. “What’s up, dude? What brings you here today?”
“I wanted to check on the progress,” Austin replies, glancing around the house with a satisfied look. “You guys will be done in no time. Thanks, man,” he adds, giving me a pat on the back.
“You don’t have to thank us,” I say, shaking my head. “We love what we do, and this is one of the nicest houses I’ve ever built. I especially like all the little details you added, they really make the place stand out.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted when I designed this house. I can’t wait to see Violet’s reaction when it’s finished.”
“She’s going to be thrilled,” I reply, smirking at the dreamy look in his eyes as he looks at the house.
“Yeah, she will be,” Austin says with a smile. After a pause, he shifts the conversation. “So, what’s your plan for Josy? You’ve been pretty quiet about what you decided to do.”
“I’m planning to show up everywhere she is. I’ll make her talk to me, one way or another. I’d appreciate it if you could help me win her over,” I say, meeting his gaze.
Austin raises an eyebrow, his smile widening. “You’re really going all in, huh? You know she might not make it easy, right?”
“I’m counting on it,” I reply with a chuckle. “But I’m not backing down.”
Just then, Esteban strolls over with his usual grin. “What’s this I hear about you stalking Josy? You finally taking my advice?” he teases, clapping me on the shoulder. “Glad you finally decided to grow a pair.”
Esteban is the clown of our group, always smiling and cracking jokes.
He’s a walking burst of energy, the complete opposite of me.
We’re the same height at six feet, but where I stick to black from head to toe, he’s all about color.
His tan skin, the kind you see on a lot of Puerto Ricans, makes his green eyes stand out even more.
Add in his light brown hair and effortless charm, and it’s no wonder he’s lethal to the female population.
“Yeah, something like that,” I reply, smirking.
Esteban leans in, winking at Austin. “I don’t know, Noah. You might need more than just showing up. Maybe serenade her with some love songs. Better yet, show up in one of those cheesy rom-com grand gestures. Women love that stuff.”
Austin laughs, shaking his head. “I can see it now. Noah with a boombox over his head, standing outside Josy’s window.”
“Very funny,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But seriously, I’m just going to be present. Every day, every event she’s going to see that I’m not going anywhere.”
“Persistent and stubborn,” Esteban jokes. “I like it. You’ve got my vote, man. If she doesn’t fall for you, it’s her loss.”
“I’m sure she’ll come around,” Austin adds, nodding. “And you know Violet’s in your corner too. She’ll do whatever she can to help.”
“Good to know,” I say, feeling more confident with my friends backing me up.
Esteban gives me a playful shove. “Just make sure you don’t get yourself banned from the coffee shop for being too persistent. We need our morning caffeine, and I’m not about to start making my own coffee.”
“Noted.” I laugh. “But don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
“I hope you do.” Austin starts walking to his car. With a wave, he adds, “I will see you guys later.” Once Austin is gone, I turn and look at Esteban. “How about I go on my first run for coffee and lunch?” I ask while I smile at him.
“Starting early, I like it. Sure, I will text you the guys’ order,” Esteban says, turning back to the house.
I start walking to my truck, preparing myself to win Josy over. “If I don’t have a text with their order, I won’t order anything for them. Make sure to send that text,” I holler to Esteban.
I hop in my truck and start driving to the coffee shop. Turning the radio off I start to think on how Josy will react when she sees me in her coffee shop again.
Arriving at the coffee shop, I park and check my phone and see the text from Esteban with the guys’ order. Taking a deep breath, I get out and make my way to the door.
Opening the door to the coffee shop, my heart sinks a little—Josy isn’t at the front counter. Instead, Violet stands there, smiling like always. Austin made the right call falling for her. She’s gorgeous with long blonde hair, a stunning face, and curves in all the right places.
“Hi, Noah. I’ve never seen you here before. How’s the house going?” she asks.
I try to hide my disappointment as I answer her. “The house is going great. I’m hoping we can finish it in the next month. Actually, Austin was there earlier to check on our progress. You should come and see how it’s coming along.”
“I want to.” Violet’s voice is full of excitement.
“But since it’s almost done, Austin wants me to wait.
He says it would be a great surprise if I see it when it’s completely finished.
I’m trusting him with the final touches, but I really can’t wait.
” Her smile is infectious as she wiggles with excitement.
“I get it. But trust me, you’re going to love the house. Just wait and see,” I say with a small smile.
“Anyway, are you going to order something? Is Esteban not feeling well today?”
“Esteban’s busy at work, so I offered to come and make the order for the guys.” I’m trying to conceal the fact that I plan to come here every day from now on.