Page 41 of Marrying a Spy

Suddenly, all she wanted to do was run. To get away from him. The worry that had been so prevalent in her mind came rushing back to her, causing her to shake. Was he going to say it back? She didn’t want him to feel that he had to.

Just as she slipped into insanity, trying to dissect the fact that he wasn’t responding, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers.

Hope flickered in her chest as he pulled back and pressed his forehead against hers. She could see his shoulders rising and falling as they stood there in silence.

There was no way he was that good of a liar. She could tell that he loved her back. It was as evident on his face as his nose or his lips.

“Noah?” she asked.

He pulled back to study her. “Sophia, I can’t lose you too.” He reached out and rested his hand on her cheek.

She closed her eyes and leaned into it. She could feel his fear. The same fear that coursed through her veins. And didn’t it make sense that two people who were so scared to love again would find each other? They each understood the other’s fears. “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered as she turned to press her lips against his palm.

When she glanced back at him, she saw that his eyes were shut. She reached out and rested her hand on his chest. Right against his heart. She could feel the beats drum on her fingertips. It was rapid—like hers.

“Noah, sometimes love is worth the leaps we have to take to get it. Would it be worth it if it was easy?” She shook her head. “No. It wouldn’t. And the ones you fight the hardest for become the sweetest.” She raised her gaze to study him.

His forehead was furrowed and worry was etched in his expression. Rising up onto her tiptoes, she brushed her lips against his. “Let me in,” she whispered.

He hesitated and then pulled her against him. His lips moved against hers like he was searching for the answers to his questions and his fears.

She melted into his arms as she met his kiss with all she had. If this was what was going to keep him here, then she was going to give it her all.

When they broke apart, Sophia’s breathing was ragged. She glanced up at him and waited. He closed his eyes for a moment before he looked at her.

“Sophia, I—”

She reached up and pressed her finger against his lips. He was hurting and she could see that. The last thing she wanted was for him to say something that was going to cause him pain. That was the last way a person wanted to be told that they were loved.

“It’s okay,” she said when he tried to pull away from her. She smiled at him. “Take your time. I understand.”

He swallowed. He didn’t look comfortable with that answer. Relief flooded over her when his shoulders relaxed. He was going to let it go. For now.

He stepped back to lean against the wall on the other side of the hall. He scrubbed his face with his hand. Sophia’s stomach churned, and she realized that the last time they ate was hours ago.

Glancing toward the kitchen, she said, “Hungry?” Maybe after some food, he’d be better able to face his feelings. She could only hope.

Noah studied her and then nodded. She made her way into the kitchen with him following. After their kiss, she was keenly away of his every move.

She walked over to the freezer and pulled it open. She grabbed out a tub of cookie dough ice cream. She held it up as she turned around.

Noah raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

She shrugged, walked over to the utensil drawer, and emerged with two spoons. “Live a little, Noah Elliot.”

He eyed her. Then he shrugged and took the spoon she extended. After she pulled open the lid, they each dug out a spoonful.

Sophia pulled herself up onto the counter, with the tub next to her. They ate in silence for a few minutes. It was nice. Sitting there, not worrying about what Noah was thinking. Though, in the back of her mind, the thought lingered that he hadn’t really answered any of her questions. She just pushed the worry back.

He would answer her. She was sure of it.

After scooping a spoonful, she studied him. “So, when do you think we’ll hear from my dad?” she asked as the cold ice cream melted on her tongue.

Noah glanced over at her as he took a bite. “Probably not long. I’m sure he’s keeping tabs on you.”

Sophia raised her eyebrows. Noah had said that before, but it still seemed unlikely. “Do you really think that?”

She peered through the open windows on the far wall. Why would her father even care? He’d made it pretty clear that he wanted nothing to do with her.

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