Page 34 of Wild Promises

"I missed Noelle, you, this town."

"We're happy to have you back," I said to her as I pushed open the door. She walked out ahead of me, joining Noelle on the sidewalk.

Noelle blew out a breath when she saw us. "I have to be up early tomorrow."

Tori nodded as if she knew what she was talking about. "To make donuts."

"You’re not the baker of the donuts in the deli, are you?" I asked her, checking the app periodically to see where the driver was.

She nodded. "That’s me.”

"They’re amazing. I have to get up early or they sell out.” I was happy to support Noelle. Growing up, we knew they had it harder than us. Her mother was single, and she had four children and worked as a maid to support herself. She worked at the lodge and cleaned houses on the side to pick up extra money.

But I didn't think I ever thought about Noelle's life outside of the resort. Had she gone to college? Was she able to get a scholarship like the one we'd given to Oliver's babysitter, Maeve, so she could attend school? When the car arrived, I checked the license plate with the app and verified the driver's name when he stepped out to get her door.

"Have a good night. Drink some water and take pain medicine. It'll help with the hangover."

"Thanks, Xander." Noelle hugged Tori tight. "It was good to see you. Don't be a stranger."

Tori bounced on her toes, probably to ward off the cold. "I'm not going anywhere, and I'd love to get together more often."

We waited while Noelle got into the car, and the driver pulled away. Then Tori slipped her hand around my elbow. "Thanks for rescuing us."

I chuckled at her words as we headed in the direction of my—no,our—apartment. "I'm just escorting you home."

"You came as soon as I asked."

I frowned at that. "Of course I did. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"I could never count on Hugh to be there. He was always busy. I thought he was working, but he was probably sticking his dick into some nurse."

"I'm sorry your ex was such an ass and couldn't see what he had." I was confident he would realize it eventually.

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm happy to be rid of him. Walking into that room, seeing him with another woman, was the best thing that could have happened. Now I'm home where I always wanted to be."

"You would have walked away eventually. He wasn't the man you wanted or needed."

She smiled. "I like that."

"It's the truth."

She swayed into my side. "How did I get so lucky to have a friend like you?"

"Not many guys lining up to pretend to date you so that you can get your daddy's practice?" I teased. Despite the dip in my stomach at her words, I had to remember I was just a friend, nothing more.

"Not a one," Tori said as she erupted into giggles.

She was still drunk, and I was very much sober. "I'd do anything for you, Tori."

"I'm starting to see that," Tori said softly.

I was fairly positive she wouldn't remember that declaration in the morning.

We'd reached our apartment, and I gestured for her to ascend the steps ahead of me. I watched her carefully so I could catch her if she fell.

When she got to the door, she tried and failed to unlock it. I took the key from her and turned the deadbolt.

"You make everything look so easy," Tori cried as she walked into the apartment.

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