Chapter 58
NOAH
It’s just sex, Noah. Her text replays over and over in my head, reminding me where she stands, where I should stand with her.
But it’s not just sex anymore, it’s more, and whether I admit it or not, it’s happening regardless of whatever self-control I have left.
She has taken all of it at this point and set it on fire, and now I only see her through the smoke and ash.
And she cuts me down with one sentence.
Sleep never came, and I’ve been up ever since, staring at my ceiling, while the wind whistles outside, ignoring my stomach protesting for not eating.
I kick off all the blankets, getting overheated, and my legs are restless, too.
Fuck, I’m an asshole leaving her on read, but what the hell do you say to a woman who has no idea you’ve fallen for her?
I’m up before I can talk myself out of going over to her cabin, dressing hastily, almost tripping as I try to shove my legs into my pants. I brush my teeth, apply deodorant, and some cologne.
Because if I don’t go now and lay it all out, then I’ll regret never being honest with her and myself.
I swing open the door to find Henry’s fist in mid air, his eyes squint as he takes me in. “Where are you going?” As the words leave his mouth, a look of recognition crosses his face, and he says, “So I was right?”
“Not now.” He’s lucky I don’t have time for this.
“I’m not here to say told you so, although it would be nice to gloat I was right.”
“Then what the fuck do you want then?” My patience is wearing thin, and Henry has five seconds to tell me why he’s holding me before I kick him in the dick.
“We handled the rumors, and Liam was removed from the resort. They found camera footage of him stalking you and Hannah the other day on the halfpipe.”
My knuckles crack, trying my best to hold in my rage and not punch something. “That slimy son of a bitch!”
“Yeah, I know. I guess he has a secret record not even Hannah knew about. I ran into Maya, and she’s going to let her know.”
“When did you tell her this?”
“Who? Maya? About ten minutes ago.”
I push past him, hearing him grumble, “maniac.”
I’m half jogging, half running up to her cabin, ignoring weird stares from other guests, skidding right to the front steps. I’m about to knock when Maya’s voice halts me in place.
“She’s not there.”
I turn, catching sight of her small frame stuffed comfortably in a green puffer jacket, cheeks red and eyes glassy from windchill.
“Is she at the dining hall?” I question, already barreling down the stairs, ready to run again.
“No, she left the resort. Why are you here, Noah?” Maya crosses her arms, completely within her right to question a man who's acting frantic, trying to find their best friend.
It’s the way she poses the question and how she’s grilling me that makes it easier to decide to tell the truth. “You know why I’m looking for her, Maya, and if I have to spell it out to you, then I’m wasting more time.”
She bites her bottom lip, most likely debating whether to share information. “Is it for real?”
I’m walking up to her now, placing my hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look at me. “Please, Maya, tell me where Hannah went?”