Page 81 of Undone

“Absolutely. He’s awful at it. Big head and all. Gets in the way.”

After a beat, she shrugged and smiled, somehow buying my ridiculous excuse.

“Okay. Let’s go, Daddy. I’m tired.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Dorian gave me a look of gratitude as Gracie marched down the hallway, leaving him no choice but to follow.

As he passed me, he leaned in close, sending a wave of heat flooding through me. His voice was low as his breath brushed against my skin. “Meet me on the porch in a few?”

I swallowed, nodding slightly, biting my lip.

Dorian’s gaze never left mine as he pulled back, his eyes dark and heated, holding my attention until the very last possible moment when he finally looked away.

I took a breath and walked out, the crisp evening air greeting me. The soft sound of crickets filled the air as I sat on the porch of his home. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and for the first time in a long while, I felt at peace.

And then my mom called.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Noah - August

CALL YOUR MOM - NOAH KAHAN

“Hey, Mom,”I said, answering the phone.

Our texts were few and far between lately. With settling into Woodstone and the mess surrounding John, it was hard to find balance.

“Hi, Noah. I wanted to check in—how are you doing?” There was a warmth in her tone that caught me off guard.

“I’m good, thanks. Been settling in and getting to know the town a bit more.”

“It sounds like you’re liking it, though, right?”

“Yeah, I really am. I feel… at peace here.” It was odd finding comfort amid the chaos that still lingered in my life, but I had.

“Well, I’m glad you’re doing well.” There was a soft rustling on the other end of the line before Mom’s voice returned, quieter now. “You know… you may not always understand why we do things but just know your dad and I always mean the best for you. Even though you didn’t choose a path I would’ve picked for you, I’m proud of you.”

Her words took me by surprise, their weight landing heavier than I expected.

“Thanks…” I said softly. “That… means a lot.”

“It’s true, honey. Don’t ever forget it.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, unsure of how to process her unexpected support. “How are you and Dad?”

“Oh, the usual. Your dad and I are busy with work.”

“Hi, Noah!” my dad’s voice popped in. “Your mom’s trying to talk me into a hot yoga class, but I told her I live in Seattle for a reason. I’m not a fan of triple-digit temps,” he chuckled, his signature laugh making me smile.

“Yeah, that doesn’t sound like your thing.”

“Definitely not.” He paused before asking, “Have you heard any news? About John?”

“Not much,” I said, not wanting to divulge or rehash anything if I didn’t have to.

He sighed into the phone. “If you need anything, Noah, we’re here. We love you.”

“I know, Dad. Thank you. I love you guys too.”

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