Once again, Noah stood close to him. He smiled.
“Everything okay?”
Noah shrugged. “It will be. Now, Adam, drinks are on you, I think. It’s the captain’s responsibility.”
“Fine,” Adam replied. “I suppose you’ll have a sparkling water?”
Noah took Carmine’s hand. “You know what, let’s go crazy. Put a shot of lime cordial into it.”
Carmine looked up at him then to Samantha and Monica, who were so clearly in the market for a bottle of fizz.
“I’ll have a diet coke,” he replied, ignoring the expressions of shock on his sister and friend’s faces.
“You can drink,” Noah replied. “I don’t mind.”
Carmine shook his head. He had every intention of kissing Noah for a large proportion of the night. He would not be doing that with stale booze breath. Besides, it was time to share his commitment.
“I’m good,” he said.
Adam carried on getting the order. Monica appeared to have regained her composure and was insisting on helping.
Carmine shook his head. “She thinks she’s in with a chance.”
“It’s a shame,” Noah said.
“Like watching those nature docs when the elephant is walking the wrong way to the watering hole.”
“Aren’t you going to save her?”
Carmine sighed. “Then I would be exposing Adam’s secret. That would never do.”
Noah glanced around, then stole a kiss.
“Thank you,” Carmine said.
“What for?”
“Treating me like I’m your partner.”
Noah frowned. “That’s because you are, silly.”
SEVENTEEN
NOAH
Noah ran down the stairs and knocked on Tito’s door. The sun was shining for once. There might be no training today. That didn’t stop Noah wanting to seize the moment and get outdoors.
Tito opened up.
“Ah-ha, my other neighbour. Come on in.”
Noah walked in to find Jonas sitting on the couch.
Ever since Jonas and Adam had been together, Jonas had spent most of his time at Adam’s gorgeous house. Noah didn’t blame him. He had a pool and a jacuzzi. Plus Adam was still grappling with being a father. Olive was a beautiful child. As she grew, she demanded more time. Something Adam and Jonas were only too happy to give.
“Wow, we are honoured,” Noah said, flopping down next to Jonas.
“Don’t start,” he replied. “Life’s been busy.”
