Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Where were we?
Ruby
As I sat in the back of an Uber, staring out at the unfamiliar city, I wasn’t sure what I regretted most last night. Drinking that final glass of wine, sending a near-naked photo of myself to Ryker, or letting Jaz talk me into surprising Noah.
My stomach was in knots, a mix from being slightly hungover and nervous. I wished Noah and I weren’t in a place where I doubted whether he’d be happy to see me.
Having only visited Miami a handful times, I wasn’t very familiar with the neighbourhood, so I was caught off guard when the driver announced we’d arrived. I thought I had more time to hype myself up.
Thanking him, I collected my things then climbed from the car.
The semi-humid air was unnerving. It hadn’t been even remotely warm when I left my house this morning. It was way too hot for the sweats I was wearing.
The front yard of Noah’s frat house was littered with cars, hopefully most of them just left over from last night’s toga party.
Clutching my phone anxiously, I messaged the group chat.
Ruby: Why do I feel so nervous?
Bri: Because you love him.
Jaz: And you need to get railed.
Daisy: I’ll bet he’s so happy he fucks you against his bedroom door.
A light laugh slipped through my lips. I could always count on my friends.
Lifting my suitcase up the three steps to reach the patio, I placed it beside the door before lightly knocking. The white paint on the doorframe was peeling. I’ll bet that drove Noah mad.
For what felt like an eternity, I waited outside. With each minute that passed, I considered calling Noah, but that would ruin the surprise. After travelling this far, I didn’t want to spoil it now. I was so close to seeing the – hopefully – excited look on his face.
As I raised my hand to knock again, the door was thrown open. A bleary-eyed and shirtless frat guy I didn’t recognise stood on the other side. His hair was a mess, and I could smell alcohol seeping off him.
“Hi. I’m here to see–”
He stepped to the side with a grunt. “Show yourself in.”
Leaving my bag on the doorstep, I followed him inside. I’d get my things later.
The house very much depicted that a party had happened here last night. It was chaotic, with crushed up cups, empty liquor bottles and deserted toga outfits scattered everywhere.
The boy who’d opened the door disappeared into the kitchen. Not wanting to make awkward small talk, I headed straight for Noah’s room.
Thankfully last time I was here I’d noticed an old and faded Los Angeles Rams sticker on his door, otherwise I would’ve gotten confused by the countless rooms along the long hallway.
Just as I reached for his doorhandle, I paused. Someone was moaning on the other side, high-pitched gasps that I’d overheard plenty of times through the wall I shared with Daisy.
I jumped away from the door, as though the people inside could see me.
Could that be – no. Noah had a roommate with a girlfriend. That was the most logical explanation.
Reaching for my phone, I abandoned my plans and called Noah, not caring if it ruined the surprise. I needed to know where he was. It wasn’t like this was Ryker’s house and I could hang with Brady, or Tori, or even Evan, Kyler and Pat while I waited. I knew none of these frat guys.
Through the wall, the panting halted, along with the unmistakable creak of a bed – something I hadn’t realised I’d noticed until it suddenly stopped.
“Who’s that?” a female voice questioned.
With my phone pressed to my ear, I held my breath. Please don’t–
“No one,” came my boyfriend’s voice.
The line went dead as Noah screened my call.
“Where were we?”