Page 15 of Noah

I took a deep breath. I'd spilled a ton of information in a few seconds. I refocused my gaze on the bar top and away from Noah's eyes, even though I knew they might soothe me.

"I'm not sure what to say," Noah replied.

I chanced a glance at him. He didn't look angry or disappointed. His brow wasn't furrowed, and he wasn't frowning. "I'm sorry for being so blunt with you that night."

Noah wiped the bar top in front of me. "To be honest, it was refreshing."

I narrowed my eyes and then looked away. "What do you mean?"

"Let me get your G&T. You look like you need it."

As he walked away, I watched him. The jeans he wore were tight enough that they showed off his ass. It was the kind of ass I wanted to take a bite out of. Run my tongue up the crease, burrow between his cheeks, and take a swipe across his hole—make him whimper.

Noah turned, caught me staring, and smiled wide, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

I cleared my throat as he returned with my drink.

He leaned his elbows on the bar and folded his arms one on top of the other. He was so close; it would be a short trip to kiss him. I studied his lips and then returned to his eyes.

"I mean," he said, launching into his answer to my earlier question of what do you mean? "You asked for what you wanted. You didn't say much else, but your soul spoke volumes."

The best I could do was blink at him. I abandoned his gaze, looked down at my drink, and stirred the ice cubes with my straw. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to answer.

Thank you?

"You don't have to say anything," Noah said. "That was kind of heavy."

My mind stuttered. "I'd like buffalo wings."

"Already rung them up for you."

I took a sip of my drink. "You found me refreshing … tell me more."

"You were direct, but you were also interested in me … as a person. Let me tell you, that is rare in the world I've been living in."

I focused on his eyes. "You sleep with a lot of men?"

His lips gave me the prettiest smile. "I do."

"So do I."

"I hadn't detected that about you. I just thought you were gay or bi-curious." He pulled away from the bar. "Just give me a sec. We're getting backed up."

While Noah was busy away from me, my wings arrived. I set into them. I hadn't realized how hungry I was. I had gone home to take Bentley out to do his business after work. I'd typically take the opportunity to munch on an apple before going out for dinner, but tonight, I hadn't.

I'd been distracted by my impending conversation with Noah.

Noah wandered up to me. "Good wings?"

"The best."

"We aim to please." He tapped the bar top. "So, you're a professional gay then."

"I only like guys. I don't like labels."

Noah tipped his head. "Noted."

I cleaned as much of the sauce off my fingers as I could, but I was making a mess of things. "Can I have some more napkins, please?"

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