Page 56 of Coming Home

“That’s because he’s a dick.”

“True, but the other two boyfriends I dated said the same thing. They both complained that I always had one foot out of the relationship.”

“That’s because you’re in love with Noah. It’s hard to give your heart away when it already belongs to someone else.” Summer shifted, placing her empty plate on the table and sitting crossed leg.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m not in love with Noah. I know I can be a little fanciful at times but I’m not naïve enough to think I fell in love with him. Yes, I care about him. I’ve crushed on him for far longer than is appropriate outside of a Brontë novel, but I’m not in love with him. I mean, we only just started seeing each other.”

Summer gave her a “Sure, tell yourself that” look.

“Fine, if I’m in love with Noah, then you admit that you like Todd,” Nat said in a tone equivalent to a three-year-old sticking their tongue out.

Summer narrowed her chocolaty eyes. “Back to my original point. I don’t think Clayton will be angry. It may be an adjustment, but he already knows what a great guy Noah is. Also, I think your parents would be happy. Everybody loves him. Liam is very picky with new people and he took to Noah like a fish to water.”

“It’s complicated.”

If you only knew how complicated.Eyes closed, the memories blew through her like a howling wind. Each swirled and nipped with the icy breath of regret. Tension shivered down her spine and sputtered across each muscle.

Summer linked their fingers. “I’m a good listener.”

“I…”

It was as if she’d forgotten how to speak. The story was there, but the words couldn’t or wouldn’t form. There’s such a thin line between couldn’t and wouldn’t.

Summer squeezed her hand. “When you’re ready, I’m here.”

She leaned her head on Summer’s shoulder. “And when you’re ready to admit you’re hot for the Prince Harry of Perry, I’m here.”

“Asshole.” Summer chuckled, wrapping her arm around Nat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your faults.”~Louisa May Alcott,Little Women

Three days in a row with breakfast made by a very sexy man. Nat could get used to this. Perched on the kitchen island, her short legs dangling, she watched as Noah made them vegetarian breakfast burritos. After Summer left last night, she’d exchanged a series of flirty texts with Noah that resulted in him arriving and bending her over the desk in the living room.

He’d slept over again, but she’d woken up alone. When she woke, she knew he wasn’t gone. Nonetheless, the loss of his arms chilled her.

“This is nice.” She sighed.

“Agreed.” His lips lifted, forming happy crinkles about his eyes.

“I’d like to propose something,” she said, taking the plate he handed her.

“Okay.” He leaned against the counter beside her.

“Clayton and Elle return Saturday afternoon, which may make these sleepovers challenging.”

Noah nodded.

“I say we take advantage of this time, and you sleep here for the rest of the week. It will give us more time to settle into this and figure out the next steps.”

“You mean you just want a week of uninterrupted orgasms and homecooked food.” A wicked gleam sparked in his eyes.

“I wouldn’t be the only one benefiting.”

Noah arched an eyebrow.

“I mean, you’d have the pleasure of providing said orgasms and homecooked food.”

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