“Okay, so we figured out sleeping arrangements, because my stubborn sister doesn’t want you to give up yourbed,” Connor informs Noah. “Auds will sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Noah shakes his head. “No offense man, but she shouldn’t sleep in your nasty sheets. I’ve seen you do laundry twice since I’ve lived here, and neither time included sheets. Like I said before, she can have my bed, and I’ll take the couch. It’s fine.”
Selena and Fiona snort, jabbing at Connor, as usual.
“You sure?” I ask Noah, before taking a long sip of wine.
“Of course.” His Adam's apple shifts. “Also, it’s kind of weird seeing you drink without fear of your parents finding out.”
I giggle, remembering the first time Noah handed me a drink at a party. He watched me like a hawk all night, making sure I was okay. “Yeah, and it’s weird seeing you know how to cook. It’s like you’re an adult now or something.”
He leans towards me, reaching up into the cupboard beside me for a jar of spices, close enough that I can smell his body wash. “That’s because Iaman adult, Auddie. I know what I’m doing now. In the kitchen and out of it.”
His tone is casual but it still makes my heart skip a beat.
“You played really well today,” I blurt out.
He gives me a wide grin, his eyes twinkling as he maintains eye contact with me. “Thank you. And you look good in my number.” His voice goes down a hitch. I’m caught like a deer in headlights, speechless that he’s bold enough to say something.
He places the jar on the counter as we stay locked in a staring contest.
“How long until dinner? I’m starving,” Connor asks, popping the magic bubble around us.
“Five minutes or so.” Noah tears his eyes away from me only momentarily, to face Connor, before he focuses back on me.
“‘Kay, cool. I’ll start setting the table now. Did you ladies want to bring your bags to your rooms?”
Realizing I’ll be sleeping in the bed Noah usually sleeps in causes my brain to spin all over again. Sixteen-year-old Audrey is probably screaming right now.
Noah gives me a coy smile. “Don’t worry, my room is clean.”
Yeah, but my brain isn’t.
I hop off the counter and follow Selena and Fiona down the hallway with my bag.
Sure enough, Noah’s room is tidy, he was always clean and organized. I get nosy and open the bedside drawer, half expecting it to be empty, but inside is his worn copy ofSherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet—his favorite.Beside the book is a crumpled up piece of paper. Even though I’m tempted to see what it is, I close the drawer with a sigh, then head back into the kitchen.
The table is set and everyone is starting to fill their plates. “This looks so good, Noah,” Selena says, licking sauce off the side of her hand.
“Thanks.”
We all dig in, and I let Connor, Selena and Fiona lead the conversation. I spend far too much of the meal looking at Noah and he’s staring right back at me. Despite my best efforts, I fade in and out of what people are saying.
“So what’s C-dog’s big celebration look like tonight?” Selena asks.
“C-dog? Good god Sel, don’t make me call you S-dog.” Connor smirks.
“Go ahead, add it to our long list of nicknames.”
“And all I get is the occasional ‘babe’!” Fiona snickers, eyeing Selena.
We all laugh before Connor says, “The team's going out to Patron’s Palace tonight, but I wasn’t sure if you gals were up to it since you leave tomorrow morning.” He points between Selena and Fiona with his fork.
“I'd love to go out, how many times can I say I’ve gone to a bar in Kansas City? We packed pretty outfits and everything! Cooommme ooonnn Con-Con.”
“These nicknames are getting out of hand Selena,” I interject, drawing my eyes away from Noah long enough to roll my eyes at her. “But if you feel like going out, I’m good to join out as well!”
“Sold,” Fiona chimes in.
