Page 55 of Wild

“I’ve never liked a girl the way I like Mia. Does that answer your question?”

He nods once. “Yes. But sneaking around is only going to lead to trouble. For you. For her. Forus,” he emphasizes.

“I know.”

He nods again, reaching for the doorknob. “Shower, you smell like shit.” No, I don’t. He’s just being mean. “It’s movie night and it’s Fox’s choice.”

“What’d he choose?”

He looks back at me with a smirk. “Ratatouille.”

CHAPTER17

MIA

“Iheard you’re moving,” Noah announces at the dinner table.

The piece of chicken on my fork dangles halfway to my mouth. “Where’d you hear that?”

“I heard Mom and Dad talking about it.”

“You’re moving?” Adalyn chimes in, eyes wide with excitement. “Can I have your room?”

“No, Addie,” I seethe, “you can’t have my room. What’s wrong with yours?”

“Nothing.” She shrugs, fighting a smile. “But I’ve always wanted to say that.”

I shake my head. Siblings are the worst.

“Were you eavesdropping?” Mom turns her deadly gaze to Noah.

He shrugs. “Maybe,” he drawls. “My sources say not to confirm.”

“Your sources, huh?” I laugh.

“I have spies everywhere,” he stage whispers.

“Ah, I see. I’mthinkingabout moving. I haven’t even looked at places yet,” I tell my siblings. “Don’t go getting too excited I might be gone for good.”

“Can I move with you?” Noah asks.

“Noah,” Mom scolds, her face taut with exasperation. “You are treading on my last nerve.”

“What? Living with Mia sounds fun.” He blinks innocently.

As the baby of the family, he’s always known how to play his cards.

“Sorry, bud.” I ruffle his sandy hair and he leans away. “I don’t think they allow you to bring cockroaches in.”

“Cockroach?” He seethes jokingly. “I’m a damn unicorn.”

“Noah!” This time it’s Dad scolding him, his voice raised to a yell. “Do not curse in this house—or anywhere,” he adds when Mom gives him a look.

“Unicorns probably aren’t allowed either. You know, horns and all.”

He shakes his head, giving me a small grin.

If I get my own place, I’ll miss out on these family moments and my heart strings pull with the thought. I remind myself I can come home any time I want, having my own place won’t stop me from making the drive or having my own key.

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