Page 71 of Reclaiming Love

Chapter 39

An evening that should ordinarily have been lackluster and a normal weekday evening, at that, had turned into something completely the opposite.

Noah fixed himself a sandwich in the kitchen. The temptation for comfort food was overwhelming and his taste buds started to water at the thought of a chicken and bacon sandwich.

A beacon of hope glimmered at the idea that Melissa might have an explanation for him—something that could tip things in her favor. Because ever since that day, when he’d caught her cheating, he’d fought hard to erase her from his thoughts. The feeling of betrayal hurt deep, especially when he’d analyzed all their past encounters and couldn’t see any clues that might have led him to suspect she’d be capable of this.

He would give her a final chance tomorrow to convince him she was not at fault.

“I’m sure I had them,” Matt muttered, looking around as he walked into the kitchen.

“What’re you looking for?” Noah asked, pulling out the grill and turning his bacon rashers over.

His roommate put his hands on his hips, looked around the kitchen and scowled. “Damn it. I had some software patches I needed.”

Noah shook his head. “Sorry. I’ve not seen them.” He got busy making his sandwich, leaving Matt to scout around the rest of the kitchen.

The outside door shut and a moment later, Paul breezed past them. “Hey, dude, have you seen my CDs? They were in a pile?” Matt asked Paul.

Noah’s head jerked up.

“CDs? Nah—sorry,” Paul replied. Matt started searching in the refrigerator. “The fridge? Seriously?” Paul asked.

“I’ve done that before. It’s not as stupid as it seems,” Matt said, moving jars of pickles around, with his head deep in the fridge.

“Sorry, not seen them. Maybe your g—” Paul started, but Noah jumped in and gave him a testy look.

“Hey, Matt, I’ve got some time now, if you want me to run through the application form with you.”

Matt’s face brightened. “Now? It would be a great help, especially as I’m close to the end date as it is. Do you have time?”

“Sure, right now as a matter of fact.”

“Want to go through it here?” asked Matt, suddenly excited.

“Sure.”

“I’ll get my list of questions.” He disappeared into his room.

“What was all that about?” asked Paul, turning to Noah with a quizzical look on his face.

Noah replied wearily, “You don’t want to know. Don’t mention anything about Melissa being here.”

His friend frowned at him in puzzlement, then shrugged. “Sure.” And headed towards his room.

Shit. Noah let out a sigh and stared at his bacon rashers. The smell of salty meat did nothing to elevate his mood.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Now he had to spend time he didn’t have helping a guy he didn’t like, to get a job at his place—something he sure as hell didn’t want.

All to save a girl he wasn’t so sure about.

---