Page 64 of Play On

Aimee frowns.

“What’s wrong with a red lip? Red looks great on me.”

“Yes, but when you kiss him, it will be all over his face.”

I twist my lips in thought. Hmm. She’s right about that.

“Unless you’re not planning on kissing him,” she says mischievously.

“Oh, I plan on kissing him,” I say, grinning wickedly. “But I think I want the red lipstick anyway. He can wipe it off.”

Aimee laughs. “That’s so you.”

“It is, isn’t it?”

We chat a few more minutes, and then I go about getting ready. I slip into my outfit and retrieve a black cotton cardigan in case the cinema gets cold. I put on some jewellery, layering a few delicate gold chains around my neck, and then my evil-eye necklace, which really pops. I smile. It’s always been a conversation starter necklace, and I have no doubt Noah will ask about it.

It’s funny. He’s really not shy, butquiet. Noah waits to get to know someone before engaging in conversation. When we were at Wisteria House last week—when we were alone—he had no problems talking when I prompted him.

And he definitely was not shy about kissing me.

I sweep my favourite red lipstick across my lips and grin as I think of this all over Noah’s face. It will be a mess.

It’s a mess I fully intend to have happen this evening.

I finish up and then grab my laptop. I head downstairs with a plan to go to the library, where I can work whilst I wait for Noah. As I hit the bottom of the stairs, I come across Nicholas and Amelia, who are both dressed in riding gear.

“I see you’re back from your day at Swallowhedge and going to take advantage of the nice weather,” I say, stopping in front of them.

“Oh, we are,” Amelia says, her green eyes sparkling. “I have missed riding with Nicholas so much, I’m determined to make up for it.”

He drops an arm around the top of her shoulders and draws her into his side, and she smiles adoringly up at him.

As I watch them, I can’t help but think how I nearly threw away an opportunity for this kind of relationship with Noah. Not that we’ll end up being soulmates or anything.

Suddenly I remember the mythology book in the library with the inscription.

Or maybe we are,I think as goosebumps sweep over my skin.

“What time is Darby coming? I’d like to at least say hello before you leave,” Nicholas says.

“He’ll be here in about an hour. But don’t worry about cutting your ride short. I definitely plan to bring him back here and show him more of the estate and grounds, and I’d love for the four of us to go out, too, if we can swing it.”

“Oh, I think we can do that,” Amelia says excitedly.

Nicholas nods. “Just tell us when and we’ll do it.”

“Okay, I’ll discuss it with Noah and let you know.”

“Perfect. Well, Peahen, are we ready?” he asks.

I wonder if Noah will give me a nickname. I mean, obviously not now—that would be weird as we haven’t even had our first date yet.

But you know, in the future. If we’re still dating and all that.

You will be,a voice in my head says seamlessly.

I blink, jolted by it. The thought came so fast and so firmly, it catches me off-guard.

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