Page 40 of Noah

Brody's gorgeous eyebrows furled. "What kind of mold?"

I held up my thumb. "A lawyer for one." Next up, my pointer finger. "Married." Third finger up. "Children they can brainwash into being lawyers for the firm."

"Do you want to be married someday?"

I'd only recently admitted it to myself. Brody and I were still getting to know each other, and I hadn't told anyone what my new life goals were other than Owen. Not even Liam.

Brody deserved an honest answer, though.

"If I find myself with the right guy."

Brody simply nodded and started eating again. I was starting to pick up that he redirected his attention when he wanted to think about something. There would be another question soon.

"What would the right guy look like?" he asked.

I saw that one coming. I had the answer. Sitting here with Brody, it had come to me without a second thought. The realization of the significant direction my mind was leading me terrified me. I let the words form naturally on my tongue. I was going to speak them from my heart.

"My special someone would be a guy who is caring, kind, and intelligent and brings light to my life without even trying. Someone I can sit in silence with and know we're still making a connection. Someone who will challenge me to think outside myself and enjoy the small things."

Brody smiled at me and chuckled. "We want the same guy."

I grinned. "I'll fight you for him."

"I'm bigger than you. I'd win."

"Mm." I moved my foot under the table to touch Brody's. "I'd let you pin me any day."

Brody studied my face and then looked down at his plate. And started eating again. I didn't take offence. I waited until we were both finished before speaking. "Are we all done here?"

Brody shook his head. "I want to tell you something."

I leaned forward against the table. "What is it?"

His head popped up; his gaze locked on mine. "I had a long-term boyfriend."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"It should."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Because I'm not easy to get along with."

"We get along just fine, don't we?"

Brody wrinkled his nose. "It's different with you."

How is it different with me? I needed to know more. Why did Brody have this negative view about himself? Had this self-deprecation been cultivated off words from his ex-boyfriend?

"Who told you that you were difficult to get along with?"

"Ricky."

"Your ex-boyfriend?"

Brody nodded. "I wanted to warn you."

"Jeezus, Brody." I reached across the table and took his hand. The restaurant was empty. He didn't pull away. "Warn me about what? That you're an incredible guy I want to be with?"

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