“Okay.” I exhaled. “Good. Great. I’m going to go to bed before I do anything else impulsive. Like propose marriage. Or ask to see your abs.”
He snorted. “I’d say yes to either, you know.”
I sucked in a breath, knowing he was joking. His immediateyesto those had me feeling ten feet high. “Goodnight, Noah.”
“Night, Em.”
We stood there for an awkward beat. Me half turned, him still watching me, like both of us were waiting to see if the other would change their mind and close the distance.
I chickened out first, ducking into my room and shutting the door behind me.
As soon as it clicked closed, I slid down it until I was sitting on the carpet, heart still racing, fingers pressed to my swollen lips.
I’d kissed Noah.
Noah had kissed me.
He’d said he always had feelings for me…and somehow, the world hadn’t ended.
Miles hadn’t burst into flames. The building remained standing.
Sassy nudged my arm, having squeezed in behind me before the door fully shut. I pulled her onto my lap and buried my face in her fur.
“What happened?” I whispered.
She licked my chin, unbothered.
“Yeah,” I said, laughing a little hysterically. “Same.”
My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I scrambled up and grabbed it.
Group chat with my siblings and Audrey. I foolishly toldthem I had to find a last-minute date after I lied, and of course they were fully invested now despite the late hour.
Theo: How was the date?
Daniel: Did he pass the vibe check, or do I have to fight him???
Audrey: Did he own real plates or just paper? This is important!
Penny: Did he have a cool car?
I stared at the screen, thumb hovering. A bubble of laughter and panic rose up at the same time.
Em: He tipped 15% and questioned my job. I might have kissed someone else instead. I am not emotionally available for follow-up questions at this time.
Three dots appeared and disappeared from two different names.
Theo:…Noah?
Daniel: IF YOU DON’T MEAN NOAH DELETE THIS MESSAGE RIGHT NOW
Audrey: I am screaming into a pillow. Screaming.
Penny: You slut!
My face flamed so hard I was surprised the room didn’t light up.
Em: I’m going to sleep before I combust.
