Page 87 of You Fall First

My curls are tamed into an updo, minus a few obligatory face-framing strands, and I’ve gone with low-key makeup. No foundation or eyeliner, just a little bronzer, lip gloss, and mascara.

My dress is pastel pink with a halter neckline and a low-scooped back. Paired with wedge sandals, the overall effect I’m going for is elevated casual.

Tomorrow’s going to be fancy enough, and the last thing I want is to appear to be trying too hard for Noah. Or worse, for Oliver, when I see him. Not that I care what Oliver thinks.

Ugh.

When I emerge from the room, Noah’s in the kitchen filling Dutton’s favorite water bottle. He’s got his back to me again, which is good, because my jaw almost comes unhinged, and I stumble a bit on my chunky heels.

I wish Maren could see this.

The sleeves of Noah’s sky-blue button-down are rolled up, exposing muscular, corded forearms. His gray pants look like someone poured mercury over his body, then let the liquid harden there. The fabric hugs every curve. Biceps, glutes, quads. All the major players. His thick, wavy hair is perfectly tousled, and the space around him smells like a forest fire and a leather factory had a baby.

Am I drooling?

I am drooling.

I lose my grip on my little silver clutch, and the bag drops to the ground, spilling my lip gloss, compact, and keys across the floor.

So much for stealth stalking.

Noah shuts off the water, and as I crouch to stuff my things back in my purse, he turns to face me.

“You look … nice,” I choke, rising quickly and smoothing my skirt.

Hello, understatement of the millennium.

He draws in a long breath, and his gaze drops to my shoes, slowly inching upward. He lets out a low whistle, and his eyes drink in my body like he’s never seen me before. I won’t lie. I kind of love being looked at like this.

Especially after his response to seeing me in a towel.

“Whoa,” he falters. “I … you … very …”

I drop into a small curtsy, hoping I don’t fall over. “It’s not too much?”

“Definitely not.”

“Phew.” I swipe at my forehead. Right on cue, leaning into the awkward. “I didn’t want to try too hard.”

He shakes his head, chuffs out a small laugh. “I can’t imagine what you trying hard would look like.”

“Anything’s better than me straight from the shower, right?” I push out a shaky laugh. “Sorry about that. Again. I⁠—”

“You’re forgiven,” he says, throwing a hand up. “One hundred percent. I wasn’t even mad, just taken aback. And I wanted to be respectful.”

My heart does a little stutter step. How am I going to get any sleep when I’m in bed down the hall from this respectful, gorgeous man? At least Dutton will be in the next room over. A big reminder of why I’m here.

Speaking of which.

“Where’s Dutton?” I glance around, but Noah lifts a finger to catch my attention, then he jerks his chin to indicate the armchair across the room.

“You mean our space ranger?” He says this with exaggerated enunciation, and a delighted giggle sounds from the back of the chair.

My mouth breaks into a smile. “Yes. Where could Buzz be?”

“I have no idea.”

“Uh-oh. I thought for sure he was out here with you!”