There he is.
Walking past the Ferris wheel switch board, in his famous sleeveless shirt that leaves his ribs sinfully exposed, he has one hand in his black shorts pocket, and another hand…
Another hand…
I’m about to be sick.
“Aw, how cute. Looks like he’s got himself a girlfriend,” Kev teases.
My eyes fixate on his hand tucked in the young woman’s back pocket.Dakota’sback pocket. The strikingly beautiful girl we met last summer. The same girl who had me burning with jealousy, driving me to drag him into our tent and claim him as mine.
Mine.
He knew this and still brought her here.
I shake my head. “That’s not…that’s not his girlfriend. They’re just old friends.”
Kev looks at me. “We’reold friends and we aren’t handsy like that.” He chuckles, taking another sip of his drink.
My blood runs hot as I watch the scene.
I don’t think they’ve noticed us over here yet, but the way Dakota swings back her head like Noah just told her the funniest joke in the world, makes me think they know exactly what they’re doing.
I can only hope that’s the case.
Because if this is real. I’m about to blow my top.
It’s taking all my might to keep myself contained and not march over there.
“Brad, stop staring. It’s rude.” Veronica tugs on my button-up.
I turn my backwards hat to the front. “You know what? I’m going to go over there and say hey. It’s been awhile since he’s been at work. I’ve got to talk to him about that.”
Veronica nods her head. “Sure. Just don’t let him walk all over you.” She pushes me off as though to give me some courage.
“Show him who’s boss!” Kev yells, a grin in his voice.
I shoot them both a look, but continue on my stride.
Noah buries his face in Dakota’s neck, prompting another obnoxious laugh from her and I bury my fists in my pockets to keep from punching a nearby wall.
“Hey,” I say, as nonchalant as I possibly can.
Noah lifts his face to connect his eyes with mine, and Dakota stops laughing.
“Sorry to interrupt your littlemoment. I just wanted to say hi,” I say, plastering on a grin.
Noah doesn’t remove his eyes from mine as he straightens his posture.
“Sup?” One nod. That’s it.
Sup?Like I’m some sort of annoyance? Like I don’t mean anything at all? Oh, that’s it. I’m seething. Everything in my body wants to grab him, take him around back, and spank the living hell out of him.
I narrow my eyes. “Plans for your birthday tomorrow?”
Dakota gasps, whipping her attention to him. “It’s your birthday tomorrow?! Why didn’t you tell me?” She snaps.
Noah squeezes his lips together before glancing at her. “I…it’s not important.” He shakes his head.
