Page 78 of The Holiday Ex-Files

Noah stood with wide eyes and watched me shove a large bite of twisted-up noodles into my mouth. He made his way to me, shaking his head. “Come on, Cams, this is a happy occasion. It should give you hope.”

“Hope for what?” I chewed while my hand dove into the takeout bag for the breadsticks.

“The future.” He took the breadstick bag from me and opened it, giving me easier access. He truly was a good friend.

I grabbed a breadstick and ripped it in half. “The future?”

Noah leaned across the counter, coming within inches of my face. “Yes. If your dog is brave enough to fall in love, maybe you will be too.”

I started choking on the carbonara.

Noah rushed around and patted my back. “You okay there?”

I nodded, so not okay, while I got my food down. “Neville isn’t in love,” I managed to get out. “They barely know each other.”

“Look at them.” Noah pointed to the living room.

My jaw dropped. Neville had already taken her to his bed, like it was his love shack. My dog was a freaking gigolo. I was going to have to get him a gold chain to replace his collar. Good thing he was neutered, or we would probably have puppies on the way before the night was over. You know, if Neville could figure that out—he was quite small compared to Luna. Regardless, there he was sharing his toys and letting Luna cuddle up on his bed. I was appalled. I shoved a breadstick in my mouth. Neville was supposed to be as neurotic as I was. What was next? No anxiety meds? Was he going to want to watch Animal Planet now, to search for girlfriends?

“I can see you need a moment. I’ll grab the food and some drinks,” Noah offered.

I did need a moment, or like several. I walked like a zombie to the couch, holding my breadstick like it was the only comfort I had left in the world. How could I be so wrong about my dog? What else was I wrong about?

A lot, girlfriend. My alter ego was happy to answer and rub it in.

I sat numbly on the couch, nibbling on my breadstick, hoping the carbs would breathe life back into my soul.

Noah soon joined me. He set two bottles of water and the breadsticks on the coffee table, before sitting next to me. Like a good friend, he held up the container of carbonara, two forks sticking out of it. “Help yourself.”

Oh, I did. I grabbed my fork and twirled that baby until it would twirl no more, then shoved it in my mouth. That had to be so attractive.

Noah watched, most likely in horror, wondering how I could fit so much food in my mouth. But he never judged me. He just kept holding the container up, only taking a few small bites himself, as I shoveled food in while contemplating my life. And staring at Noah. He was so handsome and good. Not even Mara had served as a human food tray for me. In his eyes I could see he thought I was crazy. He wasn’t wrong.

“Thanks,” I said, after I swallowed down another huge bite.

“I’m sorry I was right.” He didn’t sound sorry at all.

I looked at my traitorous pooch, curled up next to Luna on his bed. It was an adorable sight. “It’s fine. I mean, she is a beautiful dog.”

Noah set the food on the table. That was a good thing—my stomach was starting to hurt from being overstuffed.

“Yes, she is. Don’t worry, she doesn’t sleep around.”

I giggled and stuck my fork in the food. “I’m sure Luna and I will be good friends.” But no sleepovers.

“I’m glad to hear that. Annika didn’t appreciate me taking Luna over there with me today.”

I perked up. “She doesn’t like dogs?”

This is good news for us, Cami, don’t screw it up. Miss Sparkly was scheming. There was a statistic out there that said most dog owners were willing to end a relationship if their significant other didn’t like their beloved pet.

“She’s not a big fan of them. And Luna had jumped on her dark comforter and left hair all over it.”

Oh my gosh. Noah was totally on her bed. Why else would Luna jump up on it?

“It’s nothing a good lint roller can’t fix.” I was getting irritated on behalf of Luna. Poor thing was probably subjected to some explicit images today. Images I didn’t want to think about.

“Exactly!” Noah exclaimed. “See, you get it.”

Unfortunately, I totally got it. “Well, maybe she’ll warm up to Luna.”

Noah shrugged. “I don’t know if I’ll take her with me when I go back to caulk her tub and shower next week.”

Caulking. Sure. That’s an even better term for sex than light fixtures.

“That’s probably a good idea.” I grabbed another breadstick from off the coffee table. “Does she have a lot of work for you to do?” Not like I didn’t know the answer. She probably wanted him to work all night long.

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