Page 33 of Cross My Heart

Chapter 17

NOAH

23 YEARS OLD

We’re over on River’s property, all one hundred acres of it. We used to camp out here when we were growing up, and then once we were in high school, we used to come for the bonfires. Now I just got home from deployment a week ago, and I’m here visiting Tyler and Scarlett. Well, the former, but Scarlett is a package deal, I guess. Which fucking sucks for me, considering how stupidly in love with Tyler I am. Knowing what he tastes like makes it even worse for me.

Which brings me to now. Here alone while Tyler and Scarlett look happy as ever, and I just have a hole in my chest. Being here feels weird without my parents’ house to go to. It’s been one year since their deaths, and it feels like only a few hours have passed, the pain is still so fresh. It’s hard to get out of bed, but I do it because I have no choice. It also helps that I deployed right after their passing, which gave me a much-needed distraction. Something to do. A purpose. But now I’m back to square one.

It’s November now, and the heat of the fire feels nice against the chill of the night. We’re sitting in camping chairs around the bonfire, all of us with a beer or two in hand. Everyone has a damn chair except for Scar, who is draped over Tyler’s lap like she fucking belongs there. And I guess she does—or at least she thinks so.

I close my eyes and chug my beer, listening to the unmistakable feminine voice telling Tyler to ditch the boys and go to the tent. She’s loud enough that everyone hears her. She’s also loud enough that we all know what she means by that. Opening my eyes, my gaze connects with Tyler’s, who looks guilty. I look away, not wanting to focus on him right now. I know he’s going to get out of that chair and follow Scarlett to the tent whether I’m here or not.

And sure enough, she gets up and he follows.

But not before he shoots me the most apologetic look of our lives.

And I remember the last time we were together.

Be mine.

My nostrils flare, and I close my eyes.

Scarlett and Tyler disappear into their tent, and now it’s just the guys and I. Cash, Luke, Austin, Brandon, and River. We’ve been good friends since high school.

“‘Sup, man?” River asks from beside me. “You look a little down.”

“Just tired.” I lie. “But I’m not about to go listen to them fuck.”

At this, they burst into laughter, and I chuckle. But it’s humorless. In fact, I don’t think any of this is funny. It doesn’t help that my tent is literally next to theirs. I know I won’t be getting any sleep tonight, whether that’s from listening to them fuck or because of the close proximity between Tyler and I. All I know is that it’s going to be a long night.

Sure enough, before long, we’re listening to the soft moans coming from the tent. I tense, hating that I’m in this predicament. I hate that I know what he sounds like when he’s in the throes of ecstasy, what he sounds like when he comes. And even more than that? I hate that I want to witness it again, even if it’s not with me.

But I tune them out, chugging beer after beer until I feel lightheaded, and when I’m finally done, I look around to find everyone staring at me.

“You good?” Cash asks me, his green eyes wide. I nod, and he continues. “You kinda just spaced out there. Riv was asking if you wanted to go hunting in the morning.”

“Oh, uh, yeah,” I stutter, and River gives me a knowing look. He’s aware of my little crush on Tyler, so I’m sure he’s not surprised at my outburst. Everyone else though? That’s embarrassing. “That’s fine.”

“Lay off the beer,” River says with a smirk. “You don’t need a hangover.”

“Yes, sir,” I mock.

The tent unzips and out comes Scarlett and Tyler. His hair is disheveled, cheeks pink, full lips swollen. I hate that I love the look on him, even though I’m not the one who made him this way. What the hell is wrong with me?

“Look who’s here,” Austin calls out. “The two pump chumps.”

The guys all snicker, including me, and Scarlett laughs.

“Nah,” she says, looking directly at me. “The pussy is just that good.”

“That’s disgusting, Scarlett.” I roll my eyes, and she smirks. “Keep it to yourself.”

“You’re just jealous because you can’t get any of this,” she replies, winking at me. I know she’s not referring to herself, and I can’t help but suck in a sharp breath.

“Yeah, that’s definitely it.” I wink back.

Everyone looks between us for a long moment, but then she takes the chair next to me and sits. Tyler, on the other hand, says he has to go to the bathroom, which is code for going into the woods to take care of business.

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