Page 111 of Chasing Infinity

I look up at him with wide eyes, reaching for his hand. My stomach clenches and I decide to just do it, admit what I’ve been holding onto for so long. “Noah, I think I’m falling for you, and I’m terrified because if I let myself fall for you, I know there’s no coming back.”

He takes a deep breath through his nose and exhales it, his eyes looking hopefully at me. “I’m right there with you, Parks. It’s you and me, now. Together.”

“I love the sound of that,” I tell him, my cheeks warming in a blush.

“Are you sure you want this? This is your last chance to back out,” he offers, his voice low. “If you say yes, I’m not letting you go.”

I grin up at him. Never in my entire life have I been more sure of anything. I summon the bravery and make the jump. “I want this. I want you, Noah.”

In two swift strides, Noah erases the remaining distance between us. He grasps my cheeks with both hands, pulling me toward him in a searing kiss. His first kiss is hesitant as if testing the waters. His mouth becomes more urgent when he realizes I won’t push him away. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, not caring that he’s soaking wet, and press into his body.

His tongue snakes against the seam of my lips, and I open for him. Noah moans in the back of his throat as he deepens our kiss, one hand moving to cup the back of my neck. I shiver against him, loving the sound of his pleasure.

He must mistake my shiver for being cold and pulls away too soon. I open my eyes and take him in. Noah’s eyes are alive, the silver blue glowing with want. His hair is messed up from where I ran my fingers through it, falling in thick wet strands on his forehead. He breathes deeply and presses our foreheads together, trying to get control of himself but not wanting to let me go completely.

Even though the rain is pouring down outside, inside, I feel as if the skies are perfectly clear. Warmth travels through me straight down to my toes as if the rays of the sun peeking over the horizon are reaching through my soul.

All sense of time disappears as I kiss Noah on my back porch. Any type of worry or distraction flits away, and it’s just him and me right here in this moment. Noah kisses me as if his life depends on it and is worried he’ll never get the chance again.

Finally, he pulls away from me. He nuzzles the side of my nose with his before leaning in and kissing me again. Desire travels through my body, straight down to my toes. I close my eyes, basking in his presence.

“I should go,” he says. “Before I take things too far.”

My body burns, and I want to tell him Iwanthim to take things further. I want him and everything that comes with him. I never felt inclined to explore the physical aspect of a romantic relationship with Eli, but now? After being pressed against the hard planes of Noah’s chest for the better part of the last fifteen minutes?

I’m definitely interested.

Unaware of how I’m feeling, Noah, steps away. With his distance comes a chill, though I tell myself it’s probably for the best. My parents are still inside and could come out any second. I wouldn’t want to have to explain an awkward situation to them. Even though my dad likes Noah, I’m not sure he’d be a big fan of walking in on something like that.

“I guess this is goodnight then,” I say.

A sideways smile forms on his lips, and he brushes his thumb over my cheek. His eyes soften as he gazes at me. “I guess so. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You will?”

I must have sounded surprised because he raises an eyebrow at me. “Do you not want to see me tomorrow?”

“I do. Want to come to the café for breakfast?” I offer.

He grins again and nods. “That sounds great. Tomorrow then.”

Noah leans forward into my space, capturing my lips in a sweet kiss. My eyes fall shut as I savor it. Again, he pulls away too soon. He winks at me once before jumping off the stairs and hurrying away.

I stand on the porch, watching him jog out into the rain. My arms wrap around my middle, holding tightly. A giddy smile starts to form on my face. I bounce up and down in a cheerful dance as soon as he’s gone.

Though it got off to a rough start, tonight was even better than I could’ve imagined. For once, I think everything with Noah and me will work out.

I go back to my bedroom and crawl under the covers, a delighted smile still residing on my lips. As I snuggle into my bed, I close my eyes and replay every moment of tonight. I never want to forget it.

Chapter 28

Noah

Noah - Age 18

“I’d like to take this moment to invite the class valedictorian up to the podium to give the class address,” Principal Mabee informs the crowd. “Addison Parks, it’s all yours.”

Parks smiles at the principal as she takes her spot at the wooden podium perched on the stage. I notice her glance out at the gathered crowd and swallow. She’s been working on this speech for the last few weeks since she discovered she’d be the valedictorian. Despite her preparation, I can tell by how she’s shifting from her left-to-right foot that she’s nervous.

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