I gave the sandals an affectionate glance. I wasn’t saying they were my emotional support shoes…but I wasn’t not saying that either.
“They’re vintage,” I said, totally offended. “And I’ll be fine.”
“Of course you will.” But one of his brows lifted—just slightly.
The look should’ve annoyed me. Instead, it sent my brain down a completely different path.
Because he had definitely been looking at my legs. Which, for the record, I had shaved this morning.
So it would be smooth if someone’s hands happened to trail up my calf…
I straightened in my seat and blinked hard, like that might reset the entire train of thought. He’d only commented on my footwear because of the weather.
“I’ll be fine,” I said firmly, right before a shiver betrayed me.
The heaters were definitely on, but the bus still felt cold.
Noah’s gaze met mine and for a second, he looked like he was about to laugh. But then he didn’t.
And in that moment, I could almost feel the warmth of his cozy-looking sweater, sleeves rolled up to his elbows over what looked like a thermal shirt.
I had to fight the urge to cross the aisle, climb onto his lap, and cuddle.
Something in me was obviously glitching.
I sniffed. “I’ll be fine.” Had I said that already?
Reaching across the aisle, his hand landed on mine. It should have felt awkward.
Instead, it felt…comforting.
Warm.
Strong.
“I know,” he said right before taking his hand back.
“How?” I asked. “How could you possibly know?” Because I sure as hell didn’t.
“Because when you thought you heard ghosts, you may have run at first, but eventually, you went back and faced them.”
I just stared back at him, and then finally nodded. “True.”
Tay, who was standing at the front of the bus, clutching the pole in one hand, chirped up again. “Okay, everyone, quick rundown of today’s itinerary!”
Behind her, I noticed that Joey had turned on the wipers, brushing the rapidly falling snowflakes off the massive windshield.
“We’ve got quite a bit of ground to cover today, so it’s really important that we stay on schedule. Glenwood Springs is waiting for us, and I know you’re all looking forward to the spa appointments you’ve reserved for later this afternoon.”
“I love a good massage!” Babs piped up, rubbing the back of her neck. “Top of my list whenever I travel.”
A few passengers murmured their agreement.
“But we only get our massages if we stay on schedule.” She paused, letting the warning sink in before giving us all a picture-perfect WonderWorld smile.
Just then, the bus lurched slightly as the wheels seemed to lose traction.
Tay let out a startled squeal, falling into the seat behind Joey. I grabbed the armrest instinctively, as if that could somehow anchor us.
