His flash of a grin warmed her, but then his expression turned serious, and she stiffened.
“I was anidjit, Caitie. I believed Keven’s lies, and I did wrong by you.”
She stared straight ahead. How had he found out about that? She didnotwant to talk about the assault. Wasn’t the cancer admission enough? Noah faced Caitlyn and put a hand on her shoulder. With gentle pressure, he turned her. They were standing so close.
“I know the truth now, and I’m hating the two years I’ve lost because I placed my trust in the wrong person.”
She forced herself to look into Noah’s brown eyes. “He’s fooled many people.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you. I won’t be making that mistake again. He’s been spreading lies about you, but I’ve got an idea of how to convince him to leave you alone. I’ll be needing help for it, so I’m asking your permission.”
“What?” Caitlyn’s muscles stiffened, and she shook her head. “You’ll make it worse. You obviously haven’t seen his mean side. What he said about me has been bad enough. I don’t want to cause him to come after you. Who have you told?”
“I have told no one. Finn and Joe found out on their own. I looked it up online. Don’t you be worrying, Caitie dear. What I’m wanting is something another student jokingly once called asmearcampaign.” Noah couldn’t keep the glee out of his voice. “But mine would only be a threat. Your restraining order hasn’t kept him from assaulting your reputation, so I want to give him the incentive to stop.”
For the first time, Caitlyn allowed herself to hope. “Do you think it’ll work?”
“Oh, aye.” Noah brought a hand to her cheek.
Caitlyn tensed for another reason.
“I don’t need pity,” she said.
“Pity has nothing to do with what I’m feeling, Caitie darling,” Noah murmured as he ran his knuckle lightly down her cheek, making her skin hot where he touched it.
Her heart swelled at the endearment, and she forced herself to relax. Until Noah leaned in closer.
“Please tell me I’ve not waited too long to open my eyes,” he whispered near her ear, “and that you can forgive me,”
“You haven’t,” she breathed, her words weak and airy, “and I do.”
“‘Tis good you have such a forgiving heart.” He pulled her closer, his eyes searching her face. Then he kissed her.
It was like she came alive for the first time in forever. Caitlyn slid her arms around his neck, and he wrapped her in his embrace. It felt so right to be held by him again, like the connection that Keven had broken was healing.
When Noah finally broke the kiss, the corners of his mouth quirked up in the teasing smile that had first drawn her in. She forced herself to ask the hard question.
“About the cancer…”
“We’ll work through it.” Noah kissed the tip of her nose. “My family’s coming for a visit next week. I’m sure I remember telling you both my dad and my granddad are doctors. They’ll help me understand whatever it is I need to do to support you in this.”
“Oh, Noah,” she said, her throat tight.
“You see, I’m hoping you’ll be mymo chailín.”
“What’s that?”
“Girlfriend, Caitie darling. Would you be fancying such a title?” He ran a line of feathery kisses down her neck.
“Oh, yes. Now come here.” Caitlyn cupped his cheeks and pulled his mouth up to meet hers.
EPILOGUE
Noah gave Caitie’s hand a squeeze. It’d been crazy the first couple of weeks after returning from New York, what with his family visiting and all. They’d loved her, which he’d known they would. Her father had intimidated Noah for only a little while. Once the man had accepted the new relationship, he’d become much friendlier.
Joe stepped into the interrogation room at the police station and took a seat behind the table. He glanced up at the two-way mirror and winked at it. He’d offered to be the spokesperson since it was much less likely Keven would attempt any retribution againsthim. Joe pulled out a tablet.
“What’s that?” Caitie whispered.
