A throat clears at my side.
I jump, and whip around to see Aiden leaning against the wall. His arms are crossed, grin wide and merciless.
“Why,” he starts slowly, “are you doing a fish impression while staring at my best friend?”
Heat rushes up my neck. “I wasn’t—”
“You weren’t staring?” He cocks a brow, eyes flicking deliberately toward Noah, who’s still mid-set. “Because I could’ve sworn I saw drool.”
“Aiden.” I glare, but it has no impact on him.
“What? I’m just concerned about my brother. Should I get you a towel? Maybe one of Rose’s bibs?”
“I hate you,” I mutter. The heat is creeping into the tips of my ears now.
“No, you don’t.” He nods toward Noah, still unaware of our conversation, thankfully. “Your jaw was basically on the floor. Thought you were taking notes, you were concentrating so hard. Is there a test coming up?”
“Is it too late to put you up for adoption?” I say in a flat tone, and he laughs.
Aiden looks at me, searching my face. “So, you like Noah, then?”
“What? I didn’t… I don’t…” I sputter.
“Gabe. You’re so obvious,” Aiden states before I can continue embarrassing myself. His eyes soften as he holds my gaze. “He’s one of the best people I know. He’d always treat you right, take care of you.”
He’s one of the best people I know, too. But that doesn’t mean he’s interested in me. The thought of Noah taking care of me makes me feel overwhelmed with yearning, I want that. Aiden glances at Noah, then back at me, a crease forming between his brows as he nods his head like he’s settling on something.
“Aiden—”
And then, because the universe hates me, Noah racks the weights and heads our way, tugging his cap off. His grin is easy, a little breathless from the workout.
“Hey,” he says, looking between us. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” I blurt.
“Gabe was admiring your form,” Aiden says at the same time.
I nearly choke. “He means your—your workout form. Technique. Very… technical.”
Oh my god. Did I actually just say that?
Noah chuckles, dragging a towel over his damp hair. “Thanks? Glad to know my technique passes inspection.”
“And a rigorous inspection it was,” Aiden mutters low enough that only I hear him. My ears are practically boiling.
I jab him with my elbow hard enough he stumbles. Noah just grins, tucking his cap back on like he hasn’t reduced me to a puddle.
“Well, I’m always glad to see my favorite Shaw,” he says with a crooked grin. Aiden scoffs while I try to keep from blushing more, if that’s even possible. My stomach flutters at that comment. I know he’s just joking, I’ll never be his favorite, but I like the sound of it.
“You here to see Aiden, or just checking the place out?”
“Seeing if you guys wanted to come to lunch. Apparently, now that they’ve got me out once, it’s going to be a regular thing.” I speak quickly, shifting awkwardly.
Noah aims that grin at me, and it makes me want to squirm. “I’d love to. I just want to finish out my set. Stick around. I was about to rope Aiden into spotting me.” He tosses the towel onto the bench. “Could use the entertainment.”
Aiden claps me on the shoulder lightly. I saw it coming, but I still jolt a little. “Hear that? Free show. Might as well grab some popcorn.”
I scowl at him, but he only smirks, the picture of smug brother satisfaction. That, in turn, makes me laugh. We haven’t had enough of this brotherly banter over the last year, I’ve missed it.
