Page 34 of Losing Forever
He smirks then tosses his pen in the air and catches it.
“Will I ever get to meet her?”
“Depends on how things work out. Getting here is harder for her. Her schedule isn’t as flexible as mine. Plus, she doesn’t have a car. She’s strapped with student loans and rent.”
I nod. Back in Seattle, I had friends like that during my first year of college, but we had the same core classes, so I was always available to drive them. I never minded. In fact, I preferred to be with people than alone. Life is so different now.
“Maybe Grayson could drive us to Tampa to meet you guys for dinner one night,” I suggest. I’ve always been a sucker for a mystery, and Noah’s relationship with this girl is quite intriguing. Having a reason to be with Grayson and find out what’s going on with him—if he is truly ignoring me—would be a bonus.
“Like a double date? I don’t think so.” Noah faces his desk.
“Not a double date. A friendly date. Grayson and I are friends now.” Well, we were. We’d agreed to be.
He turns his head to peer at Grayson through the glass wall separating our offices. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
I snort with disbelief. “I think you’re imagining that. He’s harmless to me, and he’s not interested.”
Noah glances over his shoulder and arches his brows. “Trust me. If there’s a pretty girl within eyesight, he’s interested.”
“I disagree. He’s taking this job seriously. He barely pays attention to me.”
“That’s because I told him not to.”
I gape. “Noah, that’s not fair.” No wonder he’s been acting distant. “Grayson and I need to get along in order to have a pleasurable working and living experience.” Great. I’m quoting Grayson now.
Noah swings around in his chair. “Pleasurable?”
“Happy, enjoyable.”
His hazel eyes narrow.
I roll mine. “He goes on dates to take care of his needs. We’re work colleagues and housemates. Allow us to be that.”
He lets out a breath and crosses his arms.
Why do men have to be so stubborn?
“Fine. I’ll stop threatening him. But only friends, Braylee.” He points a finger like he’s chastising a child.
“I’m not looking for more than a friendship. I’m broken, remember? Damaged goods. The last thing I need is a relationship.”
Now, his features tighten with anger. “You’re not broken or damaged.”
“I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.”
I’d said it in front of my aunt once in their Winter Park home. She cried, sputtering on and on about how sorry she is and how she wishes she could take away all my pain. How she wished her sister were still alive. That her sister never overreacted. How much she misses her and wants to do right by her by making me feel loved. She felt like she failed me. Noah was there. Seeing his mom cry like that tore at him. Maybe he felt helpless. I swore I’d never do anything to make Aunt Lina cry again.
Noah pushes away from his desk and stands. “I’m going to check on the house and the progress. I’ll be back by lunch.”
I don’t invite myself to the job site. He needs to get away, and I need to let him. Not once since Noah’s injury has he referred to himself as broken. It’s not in his nature, and his family didn’t raise him to think less of himself. They’re the most supportive parents, and Aunt Lina has gone above and beyond to make my life better. I tell her, but I’m not sure she believes me.
There’s a convenience store a block from here. I can go there during lunch and buy her a card—something to remind her of how grateful I am for all she’s done, in case she needs reminding.
I could offer to pick up food from the Mexican restaurant next to the store, too. Noah ordered from there the other day. Grayson liked it, based on how quickly he shoveled his tacos into his mouth. Not that I was watching.
My gaze wanders to him.
He’s working hard, squinting at the screen, rubbing the light scruff on his chin, and occasionally, rubbing his thumb across his bottom lip. Does he know he does that? Does he know it’s sexy?
