Chapter Nineteen #2
Fortunately, there haven't been any more threats to Noah, so hopefully whoever had a vendetta against him has moved on. “Meeting. Ten minutes. Conference room,” Cheryl pops her head in and reminds me.
“Great,” I mumble, then take another long drink.
“My, my, my…either you’ve bought a super-charged vibrator, or you really are gettin’ regular dick. You could hardly walk Monday.”
I nearly cough and spew my coffee. “You watchin’ me or something?”
“Not much else to do here.”
“Your job,” I emphasize.
She shrugs again. “So you gonna finally confess who’s giving you a good ole pussy beatin’?”
My eyes widen as I push off the table. “I’m going to my meeting.”
“If you need an ice pack for your fanny, just holler.”
I force back a smile as I leave. She’s seriously a handful.
After lunch, I suck down another cup of coffee before going to the waiting room to grab my next customer.
“Katie,” Brittany calls from the lobby.
Just great.
I wave. “Hey.”
Though I continue to walk, Brittany catches up to me and stops me.
“Hey, real quick. Can I ask you somethin’?'' There’s a fake sweetness in her tone.
“Sure.” I stand straighter.
“I’m not tryin’ to get into anyone’s business, but I just wanted to make sure you and Noah Reid weren’t dating.”
I furrow my brows. “Excuse me?”
She licks her lips. “Well, we made plans for him to play ball with Anthony, but some rumors are swirling that you two have history. Didn’t wanna step on any toes if you’re a thing.”
Well shit. What rumors? I’m tempted to ask, but I keep my poker face.
“Noah and I are just friends,” I say as if I’ve rehearsed it a hundred times. “We’ve only ever been friends.”
She releases an exaggerated breath. “Okay, phew. Then I don’t have to feel guilty that we exchanged numbers last weekend.”
I force out a smile. “Nope, guess not.”
“To share a little gossip about myself, I’m hoping he’ll ask me out on a date. Wouldn’t we be the cutest couple ever?”
My heart races, and my body feels like it’s on fire. By some higher power of strength, I manage to keep calm and amuse her with an agreeable smile. “Definitely.”
Before this painful conversation continues, Missy calls Brittany forward. She gives me a toothy grin and says goodbye.
I finish my shift with annoyance flowing through my blood.
Though Brittany’s clueless about Noah and me, it irritates the hell out of me that we can’t make it public.
Aside from what the Reids would say, I’m sure half the town would pass out from shock.
People knew we were close growing up, but considering he’s the reason I was a widow at twenty-one, they’d never understand why I’m with him.
Keeping us a secret is hard when chicks like Brittany openly chase after him.
Noah
I miss you. Can’t wait to kiss those delicious lips again
I check my phone after I tuck Owen into bed and take a breather on the couch.
Katie
Which pair?
Noah
BOTH.
I snort, imagining it.
Katie
I ran into your #1 fan today. She’s one restraining order away from forming her own group—an “I heart Noah Reid Club.”
Noah
Do I hear jealousy in your text tone?
Rolling my eyes, I hate how he knows me so damn well.
Katie
Nope. Just thought I’d give you a warning. She asked if we were dating because you two exchanged numbers, and she’s hoping you’ll ask her out.
Noah
Oh boy.
Katie
Is that all you have to say for yourself? You gave her your number?!
Instead of responding, his name pops up on the screen as my phone rings.
“Fangirls Unite, which crazy bitch can I direct your call to?”
Noah barks out a laugh. “Not gonna lie. Kinda like you being the jealous one for a change.”
“Is that so?” I snark.
“Quite refreshing actually.”
“Oh my God.” I groan. “You’re loving this.”
“You’re too easy to rile up, baby girl.”
“Hey, no sexy talk. I’m still mad.”
He chuckles. “Trust me, I didn’t wanna give it to her, but she cornered me at the grocery store when I was buying your birthday dinner.
Anthony was there, and she keeps asking me to play with him.
It’s not like I could tell her I plan to bang my girlfriend all night and every weekend until the end of time, so… ”
His voice lingers, but my breath hitches.
“Hello?” he says into the silence.
“Did you just call me your girlfriend?”
“Well yes, that’s what you are until I make you my wife.”
At that moment, I swear my heart stops as I nearly burst into tears. It’s different hearing him call me his girlfriend and especially wife.
“Katie. Are you having an internal meltdown? Should I come over?”
“Yes,” I blurt. “Wait, no. I mean…” I clear my throat. “No, I’m not having a meltdown, just a little frazzled.”
“Thank God I didn’t say the L-word.” He chuckles.
I roll my eyes because he’s already confessed he’s been in love with me.
Though no telling what hearing those three words will do to me.
“What if I bring Owen with me to play with Anthony, and I can use the excuse of having to take him home to bow out early? That way, it’ll be crystal clear we’re hanging out as friends. ”
“Except I don’t want Owen around her.”
“He’ll be with me,” he reassures. “I’d never let anything bad happen to him.”
I suck in a breath and sigh. “I’ll think about it.”
“Alright, my stubborn girl,” he taunts. “Now tell me what you’re wearing and climb into bed so I can whisper dirty things to you.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I can’t stop smiling. Just like the past three nights, we stay up late talking and teasing each other.
I don’t remember ever being this damn happy.