Page 30 of Ours to Keep

River’s hand moves to my lower back as we enter the hallway.

“Hey man, good to see you both,” he says, closing the door behind him and ushering us towards the living room.

“Just a shame it never seems to be under the best circumstances lately,” I admit.

He waves towards the sofa, and River and I take a seat.

Noah’s eyes flick between us briefly, his lips parting to speak justas Jessica enters, wearing an oversized hoody, leggings, and a pair of bright pink flamingo socks.

She smiles when she sees us.“Hi,” she says in greeting.

“Hi Jessica, you look well,” River says, causing her cheeks to heat.

“She does, doesn’t she?” Noah replies, holding his hand out and pulling her in for a slow kiss.

River’s eyes shoot to mine, and he winks. It seems like forever since I last saw a glimpse of his playful side, and damn if it isn’t welcome. I can’t help but smile as I reach over and squeeze his thigh.

Caleb walks into the living room, shoving his wallet into his jeans pocket.

“Elliot, River,” he says with a curt nod. “Good to see you.” He joins Noah and Jessica, wrapping his arm around her waist as she pulls out of the kiss,looking up at Noah with something akin to wonder before shyly glancingup at Caleb, who smirksas he leans between them and steals a kiss from Noah—a claiming. Not that he needs to, it all makes more sense now than ever before why me and Noah never worked, why we were only destined to be friends.

Jessica’s face is flushed as Caleb pulls back and whispers something in her ear.

She swats his shoulder playfully, her attention moving to River and me. “Can I get you guys a drink before Caleb and I head out?” she asks.

“No, I’ve got this, sweet girl,” Noah says. “I don’t want you to be late.”

She smiles back at him. “Okay, we’ll see you later.”

He nods, glancing back to Caleb, who holds his gaze for a few seconds before taking Jessica’s smaller hand and leading her towards the door.

“And don’t forget to ask them,” she says, glancing over her shoulder. “Bye.” She gives us a quick wave.

Caleb moves his gaze to us. “Let us know if you need anything else,” he says sincerely. I presume Noah has filled him in on the situation.

“Appreciate it, man, thank you,” I reply.

“Anytime,” he replies, as he and Jessica disappear into the hallway, closely followed by the front door closing.

Noah turns his attention back to us. “Did you want a drink?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m good, thanks,” I reply.

“No thanks, man,” River says simultaneously.

“Anyone would think you were eager to get out of here,” he says, sitting down on the opposite sofa.

“Something like that,” I reply honestly.

“You have no idea,” River says, his knee beginning to bounce. I reach out and squeeze his thigh.

Noah studies me for a brief moment before looking at River.“I’m not goingto ask, it’s none of my business, but I can only guess it’ssomethingto do with your client.”

River sitsup straighter. “No, it’snot your business,” he spits out.

His reaction takes Noah back a little as he holds up a hand, palm facing us. “Okay, easy, man.”

“Fuck, sorry,” River replies, dropping his head into his hands.

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