Page 36 of Saving Noah

Zach barked out a laugh, pleased with Connor’s selection. “Yeah, I know Wayne. He’s a great guy and, like you said, a real hottie. I didn’t know he was gay but, then again, I hadn’t asked or put much thought into trying to figure it out.” He clapped Connor on the back. “Good for you! Wayne’s a good guy. He helped me with Noah during his ER visit.”

“He mentioned he’d worked with you on a panic attack case last week, but before you get all possessive, he didn’t mention names and I didn’t pick up any weird vibes about him lusting after your neighbor-turned-lover.” Connor tapped his chin. “Actually, most of his interest seemed to be on you. Just so there’s no misunderstandings between us, I’ll kick your ass if he likes you more than me.”

Chuckling, Zach answered, “You don’t have a thing to worry about. Wayne’s always been friendly but there’s nothing there…either way. He’s all yours, hot pants. Have some fun tonight.” Denala tugged on the leash, reminding him of what they were supposed to be doing. “Keep Noah company until I get back.”

“What?” Connor asked suspiciously. “You’ve got this huge grin on your face. What’s up?”

“I’m sure Noah will tell you about it. He’s all full of himself, so he won’t be able to hold it back.” Zach sobered instantly. “Hey, Conn, try to remember while the victories might seem small to you, they are big for him. Share his enthusiasm, okay?”

Connor looked crushed. “I can’t believe you think you have to say that to me. I’m proud of Noah. If he never leaves this building again, I’ll still be proud of him. He’s been through shit, but can still smile…and put up with your sorry ass. For that alone, he deserves angel wings.” He grabbed up the bags and saluted Zach. “See you in a few, man. I’ll take care of your hot neighbor until you get back. Are you guys eating in your apartment or his?” He hefted up the food bags as he asked. “I don’t want to haul these around anymore than I have to.”

“Noah’s apartment. He’s in my apartment, watching the puppies now. If you don’t mind, help him get back to his place. Tell him you need help unloading the food, so he doesn’t feel bad. The pups will be fine by themselves for a few minutes.”

“Got it. See you in a few.” Connor took a couple of steps and then looked back at Zach. “You do realize he moves about the entire apartment complex throughout the day without any help, right? Overprotective much?”

Zach growled. “Just do what I asked you to.” Then added, “Yes, overprotective much.”

*****

Noah eyed the salad with no small amount of fear and disgust as he handed Connor some plates and silverware. Salad? He’d been hoping Zach was teasing about the salad, but it looked like his lover enjoyed torturing him. It’d only been a week, but Zach’s healthy regimen already grated on his last nerve. What did the man have against chocolate?

Connor reached into one of his bags and pulled out another large container, still steaming with heat. When he removed the lid, Noah’s tummy did a happy dance. “Spaghetti! He got spaghetti. I’ve never been so happy to see pasta in my entire life. I honestly thought he was only going to feed me greens tonight.” Noah shivered in disgust. “Oh, and fruit. Don’t forget God’s sugary gift. Fruit. Yum.” Sarcasm laced his words.

Connor barked out a laugh. “Calm down, baby boy. Zach’s just trying to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. He said something about your meds not mixing well with sugar and caffeine.”

“Blah. Blah. Blah. I enjoy putting nasty, vile things into my body.” He winked at Connor. “I let your friend in there, right?”

“I like you, kid,” Connor answered. “He doesn’t have a chance against you. Thanks for waking him up, Noah. He was damned near a walking dead man before you came along. Keep up the good work.”

Noah blushed and beamed at the same time. “I’m a shitty companion; I know that. I won’t be able to keep him interested very long, but I’ll try my best to make sure he’s entertained while he’s here.” Saying the words slashed at Noah’s soul. He didn’t like admitting that one day, probably sooner than later, Zach would grow tired of him.

“Bullshit, kid. I’ve never seen him like this before. Trust me, he’s here until you get tired of him.”

Just as Noah opened his mouth to argue, the elevator dinged. Zach was home. Denala barked a hello through his door. Connor completely forgotten, Noah skipped to his door and pulled it open. “Hey, baby girl,” he gushed as he dropped to his knees. “Did you have a good poop? Your puppies did, that’s for sure. You’re gonna have to teach them to use a litter box, my furry friend. They are nasty little shits. Cute as buttons, though. Your man must have been a looker.”

“Ha! She’s a whore, raised her tail for the first man that came along, she did,” Zach teased. “Let me get her put up and then we’ll eat. How did supper look?” He kissed Noah’s forehead sweetly and then grabbed him by the nape of the neck and kissed his lips…not so sweetly.

Connor came to the door and cleared his throat. “I’ll see you guys in the morning, downstairs at the gym. Nine o’clock, right?”

“Nine o’clock, Conn. Have fun tonight,” Zach said with a wink. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Both Connor and Noah snorted. “You do everything, my friend. That’s leaving the roster open wide for me.” He leaned down and tickled Denala behind the ears. “See you guys in the morning. I’m going to get me some tonight,” he vowed with a wicked smile.

Zach shook his head as he watched his friend step onto the elevator and disappear behind the closing doors. “He’s crazy,” he muttered with a smile.

“He’s awesome,” Noah corrected. “Rumor has it he’s responsible for convincing you to buy me the spaghetti. For that alone, I’ll forever be in his debt.”

Zach smacked Noah’s ass. Hard. “Very funny, babe. You damned well know spaghetti was my idea. I noticed your eyes glassing over with lust when you were watching the food channel the other night. You were practically orgasmic.”

Noah shrugged. “Maybe.”

“I’m going to grab the fruit and I’ll be right over,” Zach said. “Get those clothes off, babe. You’re eating naked tonight. My eyes missed you all damned day. They deserve to be rewarded. Naked. Got it?”

“Consider it done,” Noah answered. “Don’t make me wait too long.” He turned to go back into his apartment but stopped and added, “You can forget the fruit if you want to. Fruit is yuck, Zach. I don’t want any.”

“Too bad, babe. You’re going to be full of fruit tonight,” he promised with a smirk.

“You’re evil,” Noah grumbled as he let himself back into his apartment.

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