Page 116 of After All This Time

Removing the earbuds out of my ears, I put them back into their case.

I do a quick change out of my clothes into my pajamas.

Once I open my bedroom door, I walk to the bathroom.

Before I can open the bathroom door, Noah comes out.

He’s standing there, but that’s not the main thing I notice.

The man isn’t wearing a fucking shirt.

You wouldn’t know it by looking at him right away when he’s wearing a t-shirt. But, wow. I had a feeling he was muscular underneath because I’ve felt his biceps and chest.

Fuck, he’s ripped.

I study his chest and toned stomach, taking in the beautiful sight. I’m biting my bottom lip so hard it might bleed.

He takes his sweet time, scanning me from head to toe.

He’s kerosene, lighting my body on fire. I’m hot everywhere.

“Hi.” He leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms with a smirk across his lips.

Why is it so attractive when guys lean against door frames?

“H-hi,” I stutter.

“Are you okay because it looks like you look like you just saw a ghost?”

I flatten my lips. “Everything’s just peachy.”

I’m shocked I’m able to get any words out.

I’m not the type of girl who weighs physicality over personality.

Noah’s the entire package. He’s smart, creative, talented, charming, and funny. To top it all off, he’s so fucking handsome.

“Bathroom’s all yours. Good night, Dani.”

He slowly walks away from me. I’m engulfed by his signature scent. Ocean, orange, and minty goodness.

“Night.”

I walk into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I cover my face with my hands.

I can’t do this anymore.

I think about Noah all the time. I dream about him for Chrissakes. I need to do something about this now or I’m going to regret it later.

Getting up from the edge of the bathtub, I walk over to the sink. I rush through my usual night routine, taking a cold and hard look at myself in the mirror.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I admit defeat.

“You win, Noah Kaplan,” I say to my reflection in the mirror. A deep breath comes out of my mouth. “Fuck it.”

I storm out of the bathroom, catching up with him before he goes into the guest bedroom.

I can’t believe I’m doing this.

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