Just as I open the sliding back door, I see another hand across from Veronica, hidden by the side of the house, so I didn’t see it before, reach out to tickle Paislee’s nose.
My heart stops as he stands up, stepping into view.
As tall, handsome, and devastatingly untouchable as ever.
Noah.
He’s here.
That little sliver of hope that I could forget about him shatters completely as I lock eyes with the young man who walked out of my life eighteen months ago, taking my heart with him.
21
Noah
“I am happy you’re home, you know,” Mom says, shifting Paislee in front of her, on her lap.
“I know,” I say, rubbing the back of my hand under my nose. Mom is the way that she is, but I do know she desperately wishes we could be closer.
I’m just not sure how that’s possible after what she did to my dad. And even more so now, after everythingI’vedone that she doesn’t even know about.
The guilt is a lot to swallow, so instead, I focus my attention back on Paislee. She’s been making me laugh since I got here. My new sister. How weird.
She gives me a gummy smile that makes me chuckle.
Getting to the Pearson airport from Hawaii was a mission and a half. Between racing for my connecting flight, trying to order a taxi at this time of day, which thankfully, I was able to afford with the bit of money I had left, it’s incredible that I made it here at all.
I reach my hand out to tickle Paislee’s nose. She may, in fact, be the cutest baby I’ve ever seen with her chubby cheeks and big green eyes. She’s a part of me and my future now…just like she’s a part ofhis.
Just as the thought crosses my mind, I hear the sliding back door open. My breath stalls and my heart falls—no,plummetsto the bottom of my stomach.
No, no, not yet. Not now. Not before I’ve had time to think.
But then I hear him. And feel his commanding presence. And just like that…he’s here.
Without thinking, I stand.
It’s like my body acts on its own accord, stepping over to see him.
As much as I hate to admit it, I desperately want to lay my eyes on him. See the man who rocked my world over a year ago.
Andoh fuck,does the sight still shake me.
He looks…good. Better than good. He lookssinful.
Instantly, reminding me of all the reasons why I was completely taken by him the last time I saw him. His chiseled jaw, trimmed beard, hair a little longer now—but still perfect. Still unfairly hot. And his body looks…wow.His white shirt sits perfectly across his chest, showing me he didn’t lose an ounce of muscle. Only added to it.
My eyes take their time, scanning his whole body all the way down to his sweatpants and white socks.
And, there it is. Dragging my eyes right back up.
His infamous move. His hand reaches up and runs through his hair, as though it needed any fixing to begin with.
It doesn’t.
I bite my lip. No longer sporting the hoop it did before. I wonder if he notices. I wonder if he likes it without.
“Hey.” He finally breaks the tension, his smooth voice knocking my insides around like a ping pong machine.
