Page 99 of Echoes of Us

“That’s five hours from now.”

“I know, I’m tight on time. Plus, I don’t want to witness the consequences of the fashion show,” Holly said and laughed when Noah threw an item of clothing her way. “Bye, boys. Don’t get too caught up in all the sex.” She grabbed a couple of bags, blowing a kiss in our direction and walking away.

I gaped at Noah.

“She’s my best friend. Of course, I told her we had sex,” he said bluntly.

Holly snickered before the elevator doors closed.

“Noah,” I chided.

“I didn’t tell her it was your first time, onlyours. She honestly thought it had happened a long time ago. It’s not a big deal,” Noah said quickly.

I guess that did make it a little better.

“So are you going to try them on?” He wagged his eyebrows at me and bit down on his lip.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” I muttered, pushing up from the couch.

“Aw, that’s the first time you’ve ever said something like that to me.”

I gave him a look and he snorted in response. I walked towards the bedroom.

“Where are you going?”

“To change,” I replied, holding up the shirt.

“Change here. Holly’s gone, and I want to see the show.” He leaned back on the couch and licked his lips.

I sighed and started pulling off my shirt.

“Wait, wait, wait.”

I stopped.

He grabbed his phone, and music started playing aroundus. He smiled as I raised my eyebrow. “Go on.” He threw his arms over the back of the couch.

Noah had been in an exceptionally good mood since last night. His laughter and smiles came more frequently than I had ever seen before. We ordered takeout and watched a horror movie, which he found hilarious rather than frightening. He devoured most of the food and cuddled next to me, but not with the anxious energy he’d had all week. He seemed genuinely relaxed. This morning, he danced around the kitchen while making breakfast, sneaking into the shower with me just to be close. He let me leave for class and even called before training to let me know he wasn’t going. It felt like we were in a normal, healthy relationship.

After making me try on a bunch of shirts, Noah asked if he could help with the difficult task of taking my clothes off. We ended up making out on the couch and eventually moved to his bed for sex. Though Noah was still sore from yesterday, things went smoothly, and I was able to make him come before I did. We showered together for the second time and got ready to leave for the club. Noah made me wear a short-sleeved black button-down, while he looked like a dream in black dress trousers and a colorful button-down. It hung loosely over him, open halfway down his chest, showing just the right amount of skin and his gold chain. I was tempted to ask him if we could go back to his room, and his knowing smile told me he was aware of how much I liked his outfit.

Before we left, he jumped onto the kitchen counter and held me close, kissing the side of my face.

“I need to ask you something.” He searched my eyes and fiddled with the buttons of my shirt, his tongue peeking out from the side of his lips. He was nervous.

“What is it?”

He glanced down at my shirt and then back up at me, taking a deep breath. “Holly and I picked up something else for tonight.”

“What?” I asked when he didn’t explain.

He bit the side of his thumb before reaching into his pocket, pulling out a small bag, and looking up at me.

My heart dropped. I honestly thought he was getting better this time. “Noah…” I started, shaking my head.

“It’s not coke. It’s Molly. Do you know what that is?”

I shook my head.

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