I feel my stomach twist…for more reasons than one. “Well, it kind ofisa big deal. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry—”
“What were you dreaming about?” He tilts his head. I can see a smile playing on his lips as he swims around me. How could he be so carefree right now?
“Nothing,” I say too quickly.
He squints at me as he slowly pushes himself closer to me. “Really? Because you said my name,” he says softly.
My body reacts before I can stop it, heat pooling low as the water does nothing to hide it. It’s like lust just drips off of everything he does and says.
I swallow thickly. “You were awake?”
His eyes flicker over my face, like he’s taking me in fully. It both makes me feel uneasy and sets my skin on fire.
“Only during the good parts,” he says, a sinful smile peeking at the corner of his mouth. My eyes snag on the glint of silver peeking between his lips. Eventhatis turning me on. “Maybe, if you tell me what it was…we can re-enact it.” Water droplets shine on his lips and it looks…so damn refreshing. I can hardly pay attention to what he’s saying, I’m so mesmerized by them. “What are you so scared of?” he asks quietly.
My eyes drift upwards, and I can see now that his eyes are locked on my lips too. Instinctively, I give them a lick. Noah slowly treads even closer, closing the distance. Soon, our chests are mere inches apart. God, he looks so good in the morning light. Close up like this, with his green and golden eyes, his smooth skin, and glistening lips, he looks like art. His hands slowly rise to my face, but suddenly, my hands catch his wrists before they can land.
“What? No. Noah—” I push away, creating distance between us. “I’m notfuckinggay and—andI’m with your mother.” I shake my head.
Noah’s eyes narrow, and I can see the anger inside of him start to rise. “Are youkiddingme?” Twisting his wrists out of my hands, he glides through the water away from me. “You don’tloveher, and trust me when I say she doesn’t loveyou.”
My brows furrow as I follow him toward the shore. “You’re too young. You don’t understand yet—” Even though I feel like I’m saying that more for him than myself.
“Oh, I understand more than you think. I understand that she cheats oneverysingle guy she’s been with. She cheated on my dad and she’ll cheat you.”
I blink, listening to him.
"She said…he left because he wasn't happy," I mutter under my breath.
Noah huffs out a laugh, tilting his head. "Isthatwhat she told you?"
Anger bubbles inside of me. I don’t want to believe him…but the way he says it…the weight in his voice. He’s been holding onto this, and I fear he’s right.
He continues, “You’re not different. You’re notspecialto her. Hell, she’s probably screwing someone elseright now—”
My hands fly before I can stop them, my foot sweeping out from under him.
Everything around us goes still as Noah disappears beneath the water. Shit. I can’t believe I just reacted like that.What is he doing to me?
Panic surges through me as he breaks the surface. He wipes a hand down his face, spitting out water.
“Noah, I’m sorry.” My voice shakes, our chests heaving in unison.
Shame twists in my gut, but it’s accompanied by some other feeling. I should be disgusted with myself—and I am. But there’s something else there too. Something low, hungry, and unfamiliar.
I brace myself, expecting him to push me back and I wouldn’t blame him if he did. I’d completely understand. But Noah’s face doesn’t show anger.
Instead, his eyes are low and hungry, flicking over me with the faintest smirk playing on his lips. Water drips from the curve of his jaw, sliding down the muscles of his neck, catching the sunlight. I can practically feel the ripple of tension radiating off him. Like I just gave himexactlywhat he wanted.
And why the hell do I want to give him more?
“There he is…” a slow grin pulls at his lips. “I wondered when we were going to get to meet him.”
“Meet who?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.
“TherealBrad.”
Thewords hit me straight to the chest. He’s been waiting for me to crack, and I did,so easily.
