I don’t know which part she’s referring to, or even remember all I wrote, but I know I meant it.
“Every word.”
“Can this be friends first, with you trying to win a bet as a side quest that never overrides the main goal?”
“I didn’t know you were a gamer.”
“I have brothers.”
“Then they should have told you the side quests are where it’s at.”
“Noah,” she warns.
“I meant it, Savannah. I’d rather drop it than hurt you or lose you as a friend.”
“Are you saying you changed your mind?” She’s nervous and I hate it.
“I’m saying there’s nothing…” I sigh, because honesty is terrifying, but she needs to hear this. “Right now, I feel like I need to kiss you again more than I need my next breath, but I would gladly give that up if the alternative costs me you.”
“Sure you’re not the writer, with all that sweet talking?”
“It comes from the heart.”
“You mean your balls.”
“Sometimes I forget how funny you are.”
“That’s your first mistake.”
Playful and teasing Savannah is one of my absolute favorites, but she’s dead wrong. My first mistake was falling for her, then convincing myself I could kiss her without sealing the deal.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Savannah
A Chaste Kiss
I don’t reach out to Noah about getting started on his attempt, but he hasn’t either. Izzie, however, has been emailing me with ideas for things we can hold up to embarrass Noah at the next game, with a few baking recipes sprinkled in. Not that she expects me to bake for her again, but if ever I do, cinnamon rolls are her favorite.
Noah
Anna still studying tonight?
Noah texts me on Thursday. I’ve taken to either sleeping at my parents’ place or closing down the library to give Anna space.
Me
Looking to join her study group?
Noah
Haha never. Wanna watch a movie?
At my place.
Should be home around 7.
I hate the flutter of excitement that goes through me. We’ve hung out before, but there was always a purpose. This time, I feel the purpose is one I’m still not convinced I’m capable of. Not just the orgasm, but I’m very likely to chicken out before he tries anything. If he tries anything. I may just have a heart attack before I even get there. But that kiss has been living in my mind rent-free, so there’s no way I’m not going. Still…
