Page 90 of Noah

"Then what the hell are you doing walking away? Does he not love you back, is that it?"

I felt tears forming. "He told me he loves me. Told me he's mine."

"Jeezus, Brody. Then what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to protect him."

"Little brother, Noah is a grown man. It's not your job to protect him. He told you he loves you. And you trust him, don't you?"

I did. I absolutely trusted him.

"I do."

"Then let him give you his heart in exchange for yours."

I shut my eyes.

God, what have I done?

I had to fix this. If it was possible to get Noah back, I needed to try. My heart leapt around in my chest as I realized the urgency. I'd pushed hard. What if he'd given up on me for good?

I rose to my feet as my drink arrived.

"I need to go."

Charlie smiled at me. "Go get him, tiger."

I'd never driven more than the speed limit before. But then, I'd never been in love like this before. If my head had been clearer, I would have noticed the transport truck running the red.

Chapter Nineteen | Noah

The fundraiser was in full swing. And noisy. I'd reserved the entire upstairs for the charity dinner after Jamal told me the tickets were selling out. We had seated fifty-four people. At forty dollars each, plus the proceeds from their drinks, we were set to make at least twenty-five hundred dollars. Add in my parents' five thousand dollars and Owen's commitment to buy two computers and printers and we were set to replace every computer we'd had stolen.

Everyone was having a good time, drinking, and talking. I tried to feel happy about it but seeing Brody at the trial yesterday had messed with my head. The assured man cinching the case until the accused was convicted was the man I loved. It had been a thrill to watch him.

There was no legitimate reason for me to attend the trial other than my curiosity and my desire to see Brody in his element. Observing him in that capacity had made me love him even more.

I had promised Liam I would wait until after the event tonight to try contacting Brody again. He'd had over a week to sort himself out … if that was indeed the problem.

That falling in love with me had scared and confused him.

It was possible he'd run for good. I knew that.

I thought back to Brody growling mine at me and then claiming me, making me his. Those were not the actions of a man who was afraid of commitment.

I was at a loss as to what had truly happened.

"Hey. Noah." Liam nudged me. "Thinking about him again?"

I groaned and turned to him. "I can't stop. He's taken up residence in my bones."

"That sounds painful."

"It is."

Liam placed his hand on my shoulder. "Have you figured out what you're going to say to him tomorrow when you track him down?"

"Going to keep it simple. I love him and I want him back in my life."

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