Page 41 of Noah

"Ricky told me he loved me, but he didn't."

"That's on him. He's an idiot."

"He cheated on me the entire time we were together."

"Okay … an idiot and an asshole." I gripped Brody's hand tighter. I wasn't going anywhere. He needed to know that. His thumb and forefinger on his other hand started rubbing together.

Stimming.

He stared at his plate. He was stressed.

"Brody, I would never cheat on you. I haven't even been with anyone since the night we went for pie. I felt a connection between us. You're the only person I think about."

"I trusted him."

"And he broke your trust. Assholes will do that. I'm not an asshole."

A smile lifted one corner of Brody's mouth. "I know you're not."

"Then why the warning?"

"People lie to me. Even my parents."

"Are you saying I've lied to you?" I sat back but kept Brody's hand in mine.

"Not yet."

"Not ever, Brody." For fuck's sake. Who had damaged this beautiful man? His parents and his ex-boyfriend? "It's not how I'm built. I will never lie to you for any reason."

"Ricky said he only stayed with me for sex and because I had a fancy apartment."

My free hand balled up. If I ever ran into this Ricky character, he was going to find his face on the other end of my fist. The penny dropped. "He blamed your autism."

"Said I was impossible to live with. That I was too rigid and unfeeling."

"Brody." I wanted to reach for his face and brush the worry off his rosy cheeks with my fingertips. "I don't feel either of those things when I'm with you."

Brody peered up at me, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. "I have trouble trusting people."

"I'd like to tell you that you can trust me, but I know I need to earn that trust."

"That's true." Brody tipped his head and smiled. "But you're most of the way there."

My heart felt instantly lighter. That had been a heavy conversation and we had emerged unscathed. I felt honoured that Brody had opened up to me about his concerns when it came to being in a relationship. If we continued to be honest with each other, this might work with us. The thought of being with Brody unpacked a whole patchwork of emotions I had never felt before.

"Since I've already kissed you …." I winked at Brody. "May I have your number?"

Brody bit his bottom lip, nodded, and took my phone from me.

Once we had exchanged numbers, our first date wound down. I walked Brody to his car, wishing I could kiss him again, but there were too many people around.

I gave a short tug to his jacket sleeve. "I had a good time."

"Me too."

"Can we do it again?"

"Hiking?"

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