And I’d rather jump off a cliff than ask my parents if I could stay with them. My dad wouldn’t be difficult to deal with if he were on his own, but he’snot. And my mother would, without a doubt, use the situation as a reason to dig in her heels about why I should go back to Conner.
As the steady beep of my alarm begins to sound, I come out of my thoughts and toss my pillow away, then grab my phone off the floor to shut it off. I get up and fold my blankets, placing them on the arm of the couch, then put on my robe and grab my bathroom stuff before going to the door. With a deep breath, I step out into the living room and am instantly relieved when I don’t see Noah there or in the kitchen, making it easier for me to avoid him for a little longer. After a quick shower, I apply my makeup, which doesn’t take long since the task is one I have been doing almost every day since I was fifteen.
Ready—or mostly ready, anyway—I leave the bathroom, taking my stuff with me, and stop dead in my tracks when I spot Noah and the female officer he had been happy to see days ago when I brought him the cookies. The two of them hold coffee mugs as they talk quietly in the kitchen.
My stomach sinks to my toes, and I instantly hate how perfect they look together. Both of them are dressed in workoutgear that shows off just how in shape they are. Really, they look like they belong on one of those ads for CrossFit or Body Boot Camp. Meanwhile, I’ve been eating my feelings for weeks and have gained not just weight in my stomach but also in my bottom and hips.
Not that I minded until this moment.
“Morning,” the woman says, and I snap out of my pity party for one and plaster a smile on my face.
“Morning,” I greet her, then look down when I feel paws on my calf, finding Lola standing on her hind legs. “Hey, sweet girl.” My smile is genuine as I lean down to rub the top of her head. She was a little leery of me after Noah left last night, but by the time I was finished with my laundry, we were the best of friends.
“You want some breakfast, babe?” Noah asks, and my stomach twists at his deep voice. Every time he’s called mebabein the past, it’s made my heart beat a little funny. Now, I know it’s just a nickname he’s probably given to dozens of women.
“I wish, but I don’t have time. I’m actually running late since I need to be at the office a little earlier today,” I lie as I straighten from petting Lola, then toss a smile in his direction but avoid eye contact. “Be back.” I head to my room to get dressed.
When I’m done, I grab my purse and phone and step into the living room to find Noah and the woman still in the kitchen. Since I can’t avoid them, I head their way. Both of their gazes come to me.
“I didn’t get to introduce myself the other day or this morning,” the woman says as soon as I step into the room. “I’m Jennifer. Noah and I used to be partners.” She holds out her hand, and I grab hold of it on instinct.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Bridgett. Noah and my brother are best friends. That’s why I’m here.” I add the last part, wanting to make sure she knows why I’m staying with her boyfriend.
“He mentioned that.” She glances over at him and smirks. “And just so you know, he and I aren’t together. He just enjoys torturing me with weekly workouts.”
Wait, what?
I clear my throat, and she gives me a knowing smile.
“Here,” Noah says as she lets my hand go. I drop my eyes to the black travel mug he’s holding toward me. “I made bacon. If you want, I’ll make a sandwich you can take with you.”
“Thank you.” I take the mug, feeling like the biggest kind of ass. “That’s not necessary. I’ll just get something to eat at a drive-thru on my way through town.”
“Bridgett, if a man offers to make you food, you accept,” Jennifer informs me, and I rub my lips together.
“I guess I could eat a bacon sandwich,” I say quietly, and she laughs while I hear Noah grunt. Taking my coffee with me, I step back toward the counter and set down my bag while Noah goes to the fridge and pulls out mayo and cheese.
“Did you call your brother last night?” he asks as he plops the stuff in his hand on the counter.
“I did. He said he would talk to the people he was renting from and figure out what’s going to happen, then let me know.”
“Sorry to hear about your place,” Jennifer says as she hops up onto one of the counters like she’s been here often and it’s something normal for her to do.
“Thanks.” I fiddle with the handle of the coffee mug I’m still clutching, and my eyes go to Noah. I watch his biceps flex as he slathers mayo on two pieces of bread.
“Noah mentioned you work for Bender and Sons,” she prompts, and I drag my gaze off Noah to look at her.
“I do.”
“You guys are building my girlfriend’s and my house.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s in the new subdivision just outside of Franklin.” She takes a sip of coffee.
“That’s a beautiful area,” I say, knowing exactly what she’s talking about.
“It really is,” she agrees, then glances at Noah. “I keep telling this guy he needs to look into building over there.”
