Page 39 of What's Left of Me

Noel snorted. “If you’re answering that way because you think I want to get up, don’t. I’m cool with whatever you’d like to do. If you want to chill here we can, go to your room, mine, take a walk, be alone. No answer is wrong.”

“I don’t want to be alone, but don’t really want to be around a lot of people right now.”

Aziza smirked. “How about I leave the two of you to decide your plans for the rest of the day? Phoenix, I’d like you to relax and not dwell on this session. You’ve brought something to the surface, and that’s all.”

“We can hang out in my room if you want?” Noel offered, and I wanted that.

“I’d like that.”

Aziza stood. “Go enjoy the rest of your day. I will log all this information and talk to you later.”

After she left, I followed Noel to his room. We didn’t encounter anyone and once we were alone, I took a deep breath.

“You good?” He faced me as I stood in the center of his room.

“I’m fine.”

“Want to watch a movie?”

I shook my head.

“Play a video game?”

“No.”

“Hmm…” He inched closer. “All you gotta do is tell me what you’d like, and I pretty much can guarantee you I’ll do it.”

My cheeks warmed. I wasn’t worried Noel would make me feel stupid for asking—it was just that voice in the back of my head. His voice, telling me I was not worthy, ugly, that Noel wasjust taking pity on me. I closed my eyes, desperate to wash it away, when I felt his fingers tilt my chin up.

“He’s not here with us, Phoenix. It’s just you and me. Our voices, not his.”

He was so in tune, it was almost jarring. “I like…if you did…”

Noel slid his palm to my cheek. “If you’re asking me if I’d want to kiss you again, the answer will be yes every time.”

I was out of my depth, but I shouldn’t have worried. Noel took my hand and guided me onto his bed, where in one flush move, he pressed me to the mattress and covered me exquisitely with his body. It was as if he knew I needed to feel surrounded, safe. I needed to only focus on one thing and right then, that was Noel Saint.

“We good?” he asked, and I dipped my chin.

He leaned in, his lips brushing lightly over my own, and it was as if I were transported to a peace I’d been desperate to reach for days. Like the last time, his touch and taste grounded me. It was like home and an adventure all in one, and I’d die happy like this.

I snaked my arm around him, resting it loosely on his jean-clad ass. I wanted so much more than just this, but was the cost too high? Would it hurt me? What did he want?

“Slow, Phoenix, and I promise, anything you want from me Iwillgive you. But there’s no rush; we have time…you have all the time.”

“I suddenly don’t want to take my time.”

He chuckled. “You’re irresistible, so if you think I’m not struggling here, you’re wrong.”

“I really like you, Noel. I don’t feel broken when I’m with you. It’s like I’m whole…maybe?—”

“Beautiful? Because you are.”

“Have you seen you?” I laughed.

Noel didn’t have his sunglasses on his head or anywhere on him, but his hair was pulled back, and I wanted so much to run my fingers through it.

“I see myself a lot…sometimes more than I want.” He smirked. “Twin, remember?”

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