Noah’s expression was a mixture of relief and pride.
“And I’m hoping it was just as good for you.”
Noah’s eyes were warm. “Oh yeah.”
It was amazing how two little words could make someone feel so powerful.
They sipped coffee side by side. Through the window, Eli watched the snow drift, robbed of the previous night’s fervor.
Noah turned toward him. “I don’t want this to be confusing or rushed. I know last night was… fast.”
“Fast doesn’t mean wrong,” Eli said quickly, his voice steady.
Noah huffed out a breath. “Still. If we… if we do this again and you wake up and realize you want distance, or if you’re unsure, I’d rather know than guess.”
Eli’s heart thudded at the bravery and honesty in Noah’s words.
“I don’t want distance,” he said simply.
Noah stilled. Then a smile bloomed, an echo of how he’d looked the night before.
“Good.” He gestured to the bowl. “Scrambled eggs okay? Toast?”
“That sounds great.” Eli grinned. “Although that grilled cheese you made for us at whatever hour it was this morning was delicious.”
“You can’t have that for breakfast,” Noah said in a firm tone.
Eli arched his eyebrows. “Why not? Do you have strong opinions about what does and doesn’t constitute breakfast?”
“Not at all.” Noah bit his lip. “We ate the last of the cheese.”
He chuckled. “Eggs it is, then.”
“And after breakfast, I’ll walk you back to the bakery.” Eli let out a groan, and Noah frowned. “Don’t you want me to?”
Eli hastened to assure him. “No, it’s not that, it’s just the thought of what Aileen is going to say. Because youknowshe’ll say something. And then she’ll probably keep right on saying it.”
“Do you need some moral support?”
Eli had a feeling that would only delay the inevitable.
“I can manage. I’m a big boy.”
Noah’s eyes twinkled. “Yeah, I noticed. Especially when you were?—”
Eli stopped his words with a finger. “Uh-uh. Don’t,” he warned.
More of that, and he knew exactly where they’d end up spending their day—and what they’d be doing.
After breakfast, they bundled up, and Noah opened the door to a world dusted in white, soft and glowing. The storm had passed, leaving everything quiet and sharp and bright. The walk back to Aileen’s was slower this time, partly because the roads were slick, and partly because Noah kept brushing their arms together as if he couldn’t help it.
When they were a block away, Noah reached for Eli’s hand and laced their fingers together.
Eli’s breathing hitched.
“Is this okay?”
“Yeah.” Eli smiled. “It’s perfect.”
