Page 83 of Undone

“Casual.” I paused. He was searching my features as if they had the answers he so desperately needed. His smile was slow, but when it came, it lit up his entire face. I continued. “Everything feels so heavy lately. I could use something simple.”

His eyes caught mine in the glow of the porch lights. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said, low and steady.

“I know,” I whispered, but the truth was, I didn’t know how to let anyone else in anymore.

Not after everything that happened. He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine. The touch was gentle, almost hesitant, as he started tracing the lines of my hands.

“You don’t always have to be strong. Not with me. I know this isn’t anything”—he paused, seemingly trying to come up with the right words—“isn’t anything serious, but I’m still here for you.”

I swallowed hard, and the tightness in my chest loosened, if only for a moment. There was something about the way he looked at me, the way his presence calmed the storm inside.

“Maybe I don’t know how to be anything else,” I admitted.

Dorian’s hand continued to trace circles around my wrist.

“Then let me help you figure it out.”

For a second, I let myself lean into him, just enough to feel the solid warmth of him. But even in that closeness, there was tension—a pull between us that was both inevitable and terrifying.

I bit my lip, a smile tugging at the corners of my own mouth. “I should get home. Dotty and I need to get ready for the sleepover tomorrow.”

“Oh, right. I’ll drop Gracie off around six at the cabin? She has a birthday party in the afternoon.”

“Sounds good. I’m sure Dotty will send Trent over here by then. No boys allowed,” I teased, standing up. He followed suit, towering over me.

“Goodnight, Dor,” I said, leaning up to give him a small kiss before turning to leave.

He laughed. “Dor, huh?”

“Yeah, since you’resogood at standing so close to doors.”

His laugh echoed through the quiet night as I walked down the porch steps. “Goodnight, peach.”

When I knocked on the cabin door, Dotty’s muffled voice came from the other side. “Did you really knock? Walk in, Noah.”

I stepped inside, slipping my shoes off.

“I missed you.” I walked over and wrapped her in a hug, letting her presence wash over me.

“Ugh, I missed you too.” I stepped back and put my bag down. “Where’s Trent?”

“He’s out running errands. I told him to get lost so we could have some time. You know, I thought we’d see each other more now that you’re back in town, but work and the wedding have me all over the place.”

“You know I’m your maid of honor. I’m happy to help.”

“I know. I think I have everything ready. Trent insisted on it being the shortest engagement known to man, so I’ve been rushing to get everything done.”

“Well, I’m here if you need anything.” I knew Dotty liked control and routine, so I let her run the show, but always made sure she knew I was there to help.

“Always.” Her smile was so big and genuine that, for a moment, I felt a twinge of jealousy.

Her happiness was infectious, yet it was almost overwhelming. I loved that for her but couldn’t help feeling a pang of longing for the same in my life. I wasn’t ready for happy.

Dotty’s expression shifted, her gaze keen as she noticed the subtle change in my demeanor.

“What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing,” I lied, hoping to deflect her curiosity.

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