It doesn’t take us long to get up the trail and to the water. Noah is faster this time, almost like he’s…excited?
I can’t figure it out. Truthfully, I’m even surprised we’ve made it this long. I would’ve thought he’d be up and at the truck wanting to go back by now.
“It’s right here, isn’t it?” Noah says, tilting his head past a bundle of branches and trees.
I raise my eyebrows. “Woah, you’re good.”
“Yeah?! Am I right?” Noah’s mouth drops open, and excitement is all over his face.
I can’t help but laugh. “No, it’s like five minutes ahead.” I point past him.
He rolls his eyes, muttering something under his breath, before he keeps going.
I take advantage of the moment, letting my gaze linger on him as he moves. My mind can’t seem to quiet down.
For some reason, being around Noah has stirred up thoughts inside of me that I’ve desperately tried to shove down my entire life. Buried. Or, so I thought.
This isn’t the first time I’ve questioned my sexuality. When I was younger, I made a promise to myself to tuck those thoughts inside like a little hidden box, I swore to never open. Yet, for some reason…here and now, with Noah…it’s like he’s torn that box right open without even trying.
It’s terrifying. And I’m not easily terrified.
Just get through this weekend.
“Right here!” Noah says, pushing some branches aside.
“You’re actually right this time.” I laugh, walking up to him.
I hesitate to move forward as Noah keeps the branches spread for me. He seems…differentthis morning.
Lighter. Happier. Honestly, it’s freaking me out a little.
I step forward to squeeze past him, but that gleeful look on his face makes me hesitate. What’s he up to?
Stopping in my tracks, I narrow my eyes. “You first.” I tilt my chin.
“Nah,” he grins, motioning me forward. “After you. Gentlemen first.”
I take a long breath. “What the hell is going on with you?”
Noah rolls his eyes and proceeds walking, dropping the branches behind him, which swiftly smack me in the face. “I’m just trying to be nice.”
This only makes me more confused. “Why?”
“I can’t be nice?” he asks, flicking off his shoes and socks at the edge of the water.
I come up behind him, doing the same. “Uh, not when you told me you wouldn’t be nice to any of your mother’s boyfriends.”
“One, we aren’t supposed to talk aboutex-nay on mother-ay,and two, none of her boyfriends dry-humped me in their sleep before,” he smirks over his shoulder, walking into the water without another word.
I freeze. My heart hammers so loud I can feel it in my ears.
No, no, no.
Once the shock wears off, I follow him, plunging into the water and swimming over as fast as I can.
“Noah, I—”
“It’s not a big deal. Don’t freak out,” he laughs, flicking his hair back and out of his face.
