Page 126 of Make Me Dream of You

Spencer looks at Bex, and while his expression is calm and unchanging, I suspect he’s imagining blowing her head up with his mind. He just has that vibe.

“I invited Noah,” she says.

My heart stops.

It stops, and everything blanks. No thoughts, no sound, my vision goes white for a split second, and then everything comes rushing back in full force. My pulse revved up, blood coursing through my veins so hard and loud, I feel like I’m vibrating.

I’m sweating. I’m too hot. Everything is loud and throbbing, and I need to get out of here. I need to be anywhere but here.

I didn’t want to come out in the first place, Bex had to practically drag me from the couch, force me to shower, and doll me up in one of her dresses and do my makeup.

She doesn’t know what’s been wrong with me. How could she? I haven’t told her about Noah yet. I will. I know I need to. She deserves to know he’s a liar and a cheater, but I also know it’s going to upset her. And I’m afraid she’ll be mad at me.

I was going to do it when Spencer came back, before she went back to stay at Noah and Wood’s place. But she decided to stay where I was, much to Spencer’s delight.

Anyway, we get to move into our new place on August first, just a week away. So, I’ve been suffering in silence, trying to hide it. Admittedly, I’m not doing great.

He’s all I think about. I miss him. I hate him. But I’m in love with him.

And I absolutely do not want to see him. I don’t want him to see me.

I’m breathing too fast. It’s too much. I can’t.

I scan around the restaurant for the nearest exit. I’ve got to get out of here.

But it’s too late.

Noah’s walking toward us. And he’s already got his eyes locked on me. He’s wearing black on black. Black dress shoes, pants, a fitted black button-up that’s snug around his biceps, and a thin black tie that only draws more attention to the tattoos around his throat and up to his razor-sharp jaw.

He’s never been more beautiful.

“Hey, guys!” Wood comes from behind him as they reach the table. He’s wearing navy slacks, a crisp white shirt that pops off his tan skin, and a gray tie. It’s the most dressed up I’ve ever seen him, yet he still looks casual, effortless, like he’s ready for his hundredth weekend in the Hamptons.

Noah sits in the only open seat. Directly across from me. Next to Bex.

I can’t breathe.

I also can’t look away from him. Heart pounding.

Wood is unfazed that there aren’t any other spots at the table. He pulls a chair away from an empty table across the aisle, the legs squeaking across the floor, and adds it to the end of the table.

I keep my gaze focused on the other end of the table. Anywhere but at Noah.

But I can feel his eyes on me.

“Is everyone here now?” Spencer asks with pursed lips.

Bex nods.

“Fantastic,” he deadpans, then waves the server back over. He nods toward Macy and says, “She and I will have the cabernet sauvignon.”

“I thought you were more of a mojito girl, Mace,” Wood butts in.

Spencer darts a glance at Wood with tight lips.

Macy’s cheeks darken.

“Do you have a problem, Woodall?” Spencer asks.

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