Would I have dumped a boyfriend in high school because I was going to college? Not one like Noah Barbanel. “How’d you take it?”
He glanced up at me, then smiled suddenly. “It was the right move.”
“How long did you date for?”
“Two years. How long did you and what’s-his-name?”
I bit back a smile. “Six months.”
My phone buzzed, a reminder to head to the Prose Garden. I blew out a breath. “I should get going. I need to be at work in ten.”
“I’ll walk you.”
We strolled casually, chatting about inconsequential things, though all I could think of was the look on Noah’s face when we talked about alibis.I wanted to take his hand in mine, but even though they swung between us, even though we’d held hands before, it felt like an impossible step.
We dawdled as we approached the rose arbor leading to the Prose Garden’s door. Noah looked at the arbor, then the sky, then me. “Are you really going on a date with Tyler?” he asked abruptly.
I blinked. “Where did you hear that? DidTylertell you?”
Noah shook his head.
“Then...” I ran through other options. “Evan?”
“Are you?”
“You’resobad at answering questions. And you’re very obvious about avoiding them. So Evan did tell you?” He shrugged, which I took as a yes.Oy.“So what if I am?”
Noah’s expression grew more and more austere. “I wouldn’t have thought he was your type.”
“Well, I guess my type is the kind of guy who asks me out,” I retorted. “Is it so crazy for me to go on a date?”
“He’s only interested in hookups.”
“As you’ve mentioned before, thanks,”I said through gritted teeth. “Maybe I’m also only interested in hookups.”
“I’m trying to protect you.”
“You don’t need to protect me! It’s not your job. You don’t need to protect me, or your family, or anyone except yourself, okay?”
He didn’t respond.
Screw it.“Do you notwantme to go out with him?”
His face closed. “You should do what you want.”
God, he was cold as ice. And I knew it was a bad idea, the two of us, I did. But IwantedNoah to be into me. Iwantedhim to say it. And if Noah asked—if Noah wanted—
Except...
“Whatdoyou want, Abigail?” Noah asked. “Do you want Tyler?”
What if wewerecousins?
I stared at him, my mouth slightly parted, unable to speak.
He shook his head. “I’ll see you later.”
It’s not my fault!I wanted to yell after him as he walked away.I’m into you, just not into incest!
