28. Noah - August
TWENTY-EIGHT
Noah - August
CALL YOUR MOM - NOAH KAHAN
“Hey, Mom,” I said, answering the phone.
Our texts were few and far between lately. With settling into Woodstone and the mess surrounding John, it was hard to find balance.
“Hi, Noah. I wanted to check in—how are you doing?” There was a warmth in her tone that caught me off guard.
“I’m good, thanks. Been settling in and getting to know the town a bit more.”
“It sounds like you’re liking it, though, right?”
“Yeah, I really am. I feel… at peace here.” It was odd finding comfort amid the chaos that still lingered in my life, but I had.
“Well, I’m glad you’re doing well.” There was a soft rustling on the other end of the line before Mom’s voice returned, quieter now. “You know… you may not always understand why we do things but just know your dad and I always mean the best for you. Even though you didn’t choose a path I would’ve picked for you, I’m proud of you.”
Her words took me by surprise, their weight landing heavier than I expected.
“Thanks…” I said softly. “That… means a lot.”
“It’s true, honey. Don’t ever forget it.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said, unsure of how to process her unexpected support. “How are you and Dad?”
“Oh, the usual. Your dad and I are busy with work.”
“Hi, Noah!” my dad’s voice popped in. “Your mom’s trying to talk me into a hot yoga class, but I told her I live in Seattle for a reason. I’m not a fan of triple-digit temps,” he chuckled, his signature laugh making me smile.
“Yeah, that doesn’t sound like your thing.”
“Definitely not.” He paused before asking, “Have you heard any news? About John?”
“Not much,” I said, not wanting to divulge or rehash anything if I didn’t have to.
He sighed into the phone. “If you need anything, Noah, we’re here. We love you.”
“I know, Dad. Thank you. I love you guys too.”
We talked for a while longer, exchanging small updates about my new life in Woodstone. They asked about the town, and we shared a few stories, but the tension surrounding John was always lurking beneath the surface.
“Well, we’ll let you go, dear. I’m glad I got to talk to you and hope you have a good rest of your night.”
“Night, love you guys,” I said, hanging up the phone as the old screen door creaked open behind me.
I turned in my seat, and there was Dorian, stepping through the doorway, his footsteps soft on the old wooden boards. His dark hair was more tousled than usual, and his glasses sat perched on his nose.
“Who could stand closest to the door, huh?” he teased, his lopsided smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I groaned and let my head fall into my hands, leaning forward in the chair.
Dorian crossed the small porch, dragging the chair across from me closer, the scrape of wood against wood filling the night.
He sat down, his knees brushing against mine in a small movement that sent my heart skittering.
Without hesitation, he reached for my wrists, pulling my hands free from where they were hiding my face. The gesture forced my gaze to meet his, and the intensity in his eyes made my breath catch.
There was something raw in the way he looked at me. His eyes tired from a long day, his hair in messy waves that caught the light. For a moment, he looked more vulnerable than I’d ever seen him. The glasses perched on his nose only added to his charm, somehow making him look both disheveled and composed—like someone who’d seen too much of the world, yet still managed to hold something back.
He was simply beautiful.
“You know,” I began, trying to lighten the tension building between us. “I kind of like the glasses. You’ve nailed the hot nerd vibe.”
His laugh was low, a rumble that sent shivers across my skin. “Ran out of contacts,” he said, shaking his head. “I never let that happen, but my mind’s been a little… distracted lately.” His eyes softened as he said it, and for a fleeting moment, I let myself believe I was the reason. “Forgot to order more, so I’m stuck with the glasses until next week.”
“Well, feel free to wear them around me anytime.” I giggled, the sound light and carefree despite the tension coiled between us.
He leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine, and for a brief second, his gaze dropped to my lips.
My patience faltered, and before I could think better of it, I closed the gap. His lips met mine in a hesitant brush, soft and tentative at first. But when I parted my lips, allowing his tongue to meet mine, the kiss deepened into something more.
Something that made me feel alive.
A low groan escaped him, his hands skating across my thighs, gripping my hips, and moving me onto his lap. I giggled against his mouth as I settled onto him.
His breath mingled with mine, and he chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. “Peach,” he murmured against my lips, “you gotta stop.”
“No,” I whispered, refusing to let the moment slip away.
But he pulled back, his eyes full of something that made my stomach drop. Admiration. Warmth. Fear.
“We gotta talk about this,” he said.
I slid off his lap, back into my chair. The distance between us was necessary, a barrier to keep my emotions in check.
“Let’s talk, then,” I said, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
He reached for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine like he needed the contact to stay grounded. I didn’t move away. The heat of his skin centered me.
“We didn’t really have a full conversation. I know we said casual, but for me, that means there’s no one else. Only you.”
“Of course,” I replied.
I didn’t want anyone else. Only him.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared, Noah,” he admitted. “But I like you. I like being with you, kissing you. I like hearing about your day. I like listening to the witty things you say, and I especially like watching you come apart.” His voice dropped, rough and raw, and my heart raced. “I’m not really sure what the fuck that means, but I don’t bring anyone around Gracie, but you’re already in her life. I don’t know how to navigate this, but for now, like you said, let’s keep it casual.”
I could see the conflict written all over his face—the way his brows furrowed, the way his lips tightened. He was looking for answers, desperate for them, and I wasn’t sure I had any to give.
“Casual.” I paused. He was searching my features as if they had the answers he so desperately needed. His smile was slow, but when it came, it lit up his entire face. I continued. “Everything feels so heavy lately. I could use something simple.”
His eyes caught mine in the glow of the porch lights. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said, low and steady.
“I know,” I whispered, but the truth was, I didn’t know how to let anyone else in anymore.
Not after everything that happened. He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine. The touch was gentle, almost hesitant, as he started tracing the lines of my hands.
“You don’t always have to be strong. Not with me. I know this isn’t anything”—he paused, seemingly trying to come up with the right words—“isn’t anything serious, but I’m still here for you.”
I swallowed hard, and the tightness in my chest loosened, if only for a moment. There was something about the way he looked at me, the way his presence calmed the storm inside.
“Maybe I don’t know how to be anything else,” I admitted.
Dorian’s hand continued to trace circles around my wrist.
“Then let me help you figure it out.”
For a second, I let myself lean into him, just enough to feel the solid warmth of him. But even in that closeness, there was tension—a pull between us that was both inevitable and terrifying.
I bit my lip, a smile tugging at the corners of my own mouth. “I should get home. Dotty and I need to get ready for the sleepover tomorrow.”
“Oh, right. I’ll drop Gracie off around six at the cabin? She has a birthday party in the afternoon.”
“Sounds good. I’m sure Dotty will send Trent over here by then. No boys allowed,” I teased, standing up. He followed suit, towering over me.
“Goodnight, Dor,” I said, leaning up to give him a small kiss before turning to leave.
He laughed. “Dor, huh?”
“Yeah, since you’re so good at standing so close to doors.”
His laugh echoed through the quiet night as I walked down the porch steps. “Goodnight, peach.”
When I knocked on the cabin door, Dotty’s muffled voice came from the other side. “Did you really knock? Walk in, Noah.”
I stepped inside, slipping my shoes off.
“I missed you.” I walked over and wrapped her in a hug, letting her presence wash over me.
“Ugh, I missed you too.” I stepped back and put my bag down. “Where’s Trent?”
“He’s out running errands. I told him to get lost so we could have some time. You know, I thought we’d see each other more now that you’re back in town, but work and the wedding have me all over the place.”
“You know I’m your maid of honor. I’m happy to help.”
“I know. I think I have everything ready. Trent insisted on it being the shortest engagement known to man, so I’ve been rushing to get everything done.”
“Well, I’m here if you need anything.” I knew Dotty liked control and routine, so I let her run the show, but always made sure she knew I was there to help.
“Always.” Her smile was so big and genuine that, for a moment, I felt a twinge of jealousy.
Her happiness was infectious, yet it was almost overwhelming. I loved that for her but couldn’t help feeling a pang of longing for the same in my life. I wasn’t ready for happy.
Dotty’s expression shifted, her gaze keen as she noticed the subtle change in my demeanor.
“What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing,” I lied, hoping to deflect her curiosity.
“Where were you before you got here?” Her hand found her hip, striking a pose that reminded me how much Gracie was her mini-me.
I hesitated, the words stuck in my throat.
“I was tutoring G.”
“Oh,” she said, her eyebrows raising with interest. “So you saw Dorian?”
I sighed, the blush creeping up my cheeks. “Yeah, considering he’s her father, I saw him.”
“So, is what Colt said true, then? You are hooking up with my brother?” she asked, her voice a mix of excitement and disgust.
“Jesus, I thought Colt was the quiet one,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“You totally are! I can see it all over your face.”
“Maybe…” I mumbled, the heat in my cheeks intensifying.
“Noah Dane Reid!” she mock-scolded, laughter dancing in her eyes.
I stayed silent, and Dotty smirked, leaning closer.
“Spare me the details.”
“Happily,” I replied, grinning despite myself, but then I noticed Dotty’s smile falter.
“I’m happy for you. Just… worried,” she said, her tone shifting to something more serious.
“Dotty,” I said, grabbing her hand. “I’m literally going to hold your hand while I say this. I love you. You’re my person. I know you’re worried, but let it be.”
She squeezed my hand. “Okay. I trust you.” Dotty sighed deeply, her shoulders dropping as she leaned back against the couch, pulling her legs up beneath her in a cozy, almost childlike way.
“I just… you’re my best friend.”
“Well, that’s good because you definitely aren’t getting rid of me anytime soon.”
“Let’s talk about the sleepover with Gracie tomorrow. Any fun ideas?” she asked.
I could see the familiar spark in her eyes, the one that emerged whenever she talked about her favorite people.
“Cupcakes?” I suggested, my face lighting up. “Gracie loves baking, and we could let her go wild with the frosting and sprinkles.”
Dotty’s face brightened. “Cupcakes sound perfect! And we could do some arts and crafts. Gracie’s been obsessed with making friendship bracelets lately. We should get a kit and make some together for the Ellie Miles concert.”
I grinned, picturing the colorful mess we’d be making. “That sounds awesome. She’ll love it.”
“Definitely,” Dotty agreed, her smile widening. “Seems like you guys have been getting along well in your tutoring sessions?”
“Yeah, she’s great. Spending time with her always puts me in a good mood.”
Dotty looked at me with a fondness that only comes from years of friendship. “She adores you, you know. I can see how much she lights up when you’re around.”
My heart warmed. “I love spending time with her, so I think tomorrow’s going to be fun.”
Dotty reached for her phone, her fingers moving swiftly as she began to text Trent. “I’ll have Trent pick up everything we need—arts and crafts, extra frosting, sprinkles. We’ll make it a super fun girls’ night.”
The rest of the evening unfolded in the comfortable, familiar rhythm the two of us always shared effortlessly. After a while, Trent showed up, bringing enough supplies for a thousand sleepovers, before slipping into the other room to give Dotty and me space to enjoy our time together.
At some point, we migrated to the kitchen, diving into preparations for the sleepover. Dotty poured us each a glass of wine as we baked far too many cupcakes.
“Okay, I think we’ve got enough sugar here to keep G bouncing off the walls all night,” Dotty teased, holding up a jar of neon-colored sprinkles.
“Good. We’ll just send her home to Dorian with a sugar hangover the next day.”
Dotty grinned, clinking her wine glass against mine. “That’s the plan.”
When we finally settled on the couch, the smell of fresh popcorn filling the room, we turned on an old rom-com. I nestled into the side of the couch, tucking my legs beneath me, while Dotty sprawled out, one arm draped over the armrest.
It felt oddly familiar to all the years we spent living together, and I relished in the reminiscing.
We didn’t talk much as the movie played. Instead, we shared a few laughs, some wine, and the comfortable companionship that had seen us through years of changes. There was no need for words—the silence between us was comfortable, filled with the kind of ease that comes from knowing someone inside and out.
Dotty was my person for so long. My rock.
And while our lives had changed, I knew at the end of the day, she would go to bat for me every day of the week.
By the time the credits rolled, Dotty was dozing off, her head resting on a throw pillow, her wine glass half-empty on the coffee table.
I smiled, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders. This was why I loved her. She would drop everything for me and was fiercely protective of the ones she loved. She was always there for me, no matter what life threw at us. I quietly gathered my things, not wanting to wake her.
As I slipped on my shoes and headed for the door, I paused for a moment, glancing back at Dotty. My heart swelled with gratitude for her, for this friendship that weathered so much. I’d always known that no matter where life took us, we’d always have this—our unbreakable bond.
The sound of a door clicking open and footsteps padding across the hardwood broke the silence. Trent appeared in the doorway.
He glanced at Dotty, her face peaceful in sleep. The look he gave her was full of love and devotion, the kind of love that ran so deep it almost felt sacred.
Then he turned to me, his easy smile still lingering as he spoke. “Headed out?”
“Yeah,” I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
Trent and I had developed a friendship over time, one that wasn’t just because he was Dotty’s fiancé. He was a good guy and truly fit into the James family effortlessly. I knew how much he adored her—he loved her in the once-in-a-lifetime kind of way that made me believe in forever, despite everything they’d been through in their past.
I turned to grab my jacket and keys from the entryway table when Trent’s voice stopped me. “Noah.”
I turned back, raising my brows.
“Yeah?” He took a step forward, his expression hardening, though his gaze remained gentle.
“Dorian’s my brother,” he said, carrying a protective edge, though there was no hostility behind it. He glanced back at Dotty once more, then continued. “And Dotty’s the love of my life. I know she’s worried about you getting hurt in this more than him, but…” He hesitated, searching for the right words, but his gaze was filled with empathy. “I see the way he looks at you. The way he acts around you. I’ve known Dorian my whole life, and while I didn’t know Gracie’s mom well, I can tell you that he never looked at her the way he looks at you.”
I swallowed hard as I processed what he was saying. Trent wasn’t the type to interfere or push, but his words hit a nerve I hadn’t fully acknowledged myself.
“Just…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his tone careful, like he didn’t want to overwhelm me but needed me to hear this. “Be gentle with him, okay? I’m not sure where your head is at, but I have a pretty good feeling about where his is, even if he won’t admit it.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak right away. Dorian was… complicated. I wasn’t ready for complicated, not with everything else that was happening.
“I’ll do my best,” I finally whispered. It was the only promise I could make right now, unsure of anything more. Trent gave me a small, understanding smile before glancing back at Dotty.
“That’s all I’m asking.”
I glimpsed back at my best friend, now curled up on the couch, completely unaware of the conversation happening around her. She was the kind of person who gave everything to the people she loved, and I knew if she could, she’d try to solve everything for me too.
But this, me and Dorian, that was something I’d have to figure out on my own.
“Goodnight, Trent,” I said, my hand on the doorknob.
“Night, Noah,” he replied softly, as if sensing the storm of thoughts I was walking out into.
With one last look back at the warmth of the cabin, I slipped out the door.