“Noah,” I warned, because I wanted the words so badly my teeth hurt, and wanting was dangerous.
“I’ll start with a small truth,” he said, his voice gentler than before. “I missed you, Em. Seeing you tonight? Laughing and sharing truths? It’s like no time has passed.”
My throat closed tight, emotions jamming to get out. I felt his words in my chest, my heart beating twice as hard as I let the words sink in. “I feel the same.”
“I thought about calling you so many times, but it was easy to assume you were too busy or forgot about me or were with someone and didn’t have time.”
“Noah, no. Never.” I faced him, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I assumed you were too busy with the NFL and making it big. You always told me you were too focused and didn’t have time for a social life. Of course, I thought about you, and I watch every single game.”
His throat bobbed, his jaw tightening as the ride came to a stop. His mouth parted, like he wanted to say something else, but we didn’t get the chance. He offered his hand anyway, palm up, the way he used to when ice covered the sidewalks, and I chose fashion boots over sense. I took it without thinking, and we walked back into the lights.
He dragged me toward the pier. His face was set in hard lines, which meant he was thinking hard about something. My nerves were out of control, the excitement of what he meant about missing me… how kind he was… Noah was always the best friend in the world. Maybe that was what I needed here. To see him more, to be around people who knew me. “Hey.” I nudged my shoulder into arm, since he was a head taller than me. “Thank you. For the ride, for the dare.”
He shook whatever expression he had on his face and smiled at me. “Of course. I was thinking?—”
“Can you help me email Ivy? Wait, is that weird? That’syourteam. Shit. I shouldn’t… that’s too much.”
“I’d love to help.” He dismissed my worry with a quick flick of his hand. “I would lose my mind if you helped design for the Rampage. Are you fucking kidding me? I want to be your first design.” He winked, and damn.
That playfulness was new. The confidence was too. I liked it.
“Okay, how do I even start?”
“Start like you talk.”
“I talk too much.”
“Use it, then.”
I nodded, like he was my life coach, and we found a bench to sit on. He sat next to me, legs pressing against mine as I typed on my phone.
Hi, Ivy. It was so good to see you tonight. Thanks for the kind words about my work. If you ever need a designer for a small fan capsule or a drop that leans more toward fashion than merch, I would love to pitch ideas. I know the Rampage brand, and I think there is a lane between game-day gear and streetwear that could be fun for players and fans. Happy to send mockups and a deck. Either way, thanks for saving those screenshots. You made my month.
“Too much?” I asked, chewing my lip again to ease thenerves. Noah’s gaze dropped to my mouth, his eyes darkening for a beat before he smiled.
“The email sounds like you,” he said softly.
“Which could be risky.”
“Send it.”
I hit send. My stomach dropped. “I hate it here.”
He slid a hand to my waist and did not move it. He patted it twice, like he was proud of me, and I tilted my face up toward him.
“Your turn. Share a truth.”
He opened his mouth, lips parting, as he let out an awkward chuckle. It was a guffaw almost, and I blinked in surprise. “What was that sound you just made?”
“Honestly, couldn’t tell you. Just happened.” He closed his eyes, winced, and moved his hand from my waist toward my face. His brown eyes swirled with heat as he rubbed his lips together. Then, he sighed and cleared his throat. “Emily, I’ve always wanted to do this. Will you?—”
“Is that Noah Abbott? No way!”
A group of women ran toward our bench, all wearing Rampage jerseys with Abbott’s name on the back. One of the women, tall, beautiful, with long legs and cute boots, threw her arms around Noah without stopping to say hello.
He released me in an instant, hugging the woman back as a few other familiar faces approached. The small crowd swelled with laughter and chatter, the kind that came easily to people who lived in his orbit.
“Hey, wow, it’s been forever,” he said, easy and warm, the public version of his voice sliding into place.
