Page 38 of Connected By Souls

“Noah told me you have a Bronco that is badass. He’s been dying to drive it, but I had no idea how beautiful it is. I love this slate blue color with the grey soft top. We have to take this to the beach soon with the top down!” Bella exclaims.

Secretly happy that Noah loves my father’s car, I unlock the doors for them. “We can definitely do a beach trip.” I’m happy we’re making future plans together. I have girlfriends! My inner child is doing a little dance. I grin as I start the engine and drive us to Rusty’s.

I can’t remember ever laughing somuch. My cheeks ache from all the grinning. Sage and Maya left a couple of hours ago because they both had to work early in the morning. I have the afternoon shift and close tomorrow, so the three of us decided to stay longer.

Feeling pretty tipsy, I start thinking about Noah. I wonder if he’s in bed? I wonder what he’s wearing if he is in bed. Does he sleep naked? I should’ve asked him that last night. As if he could sense I was thinking about him, my phone dings. I glance down at it, and a grin splits my face.

Noah

Having a good time?

“Somebody got a text from someone they like,” teases Sophia.

“Tell my brother I said hi and that he can’t ever have you back because we like you too much,” Bella says with a drunk giggle.

“I’ll be right back.” I grin as I make my way over to the edge of the deck by the water. Needing to hear his voice, I call him back instead of responding.

“Hello beautiful, I guess you got my text,” I hear Noah say. “Are you having a good time?”

“The bestest of the best time.” I giggle. “I’m so glad I came.”

Laughing, he says, “The bestest of the best, huh? That sounds like you’re having a good time. Did my sister behave?”

“She’s amazing. We’re best friends now. Well, her, me, and Sophia. We’re going to the beach together soon.”

“Wow, best friends already. That doesn’t surprise me. You’re very easy to like.”

“She said you can’t have me back because they like me too much,” I whisper.

“Did she now? That’s going to be a problem because I don’t ever intend on letting you go.”

I sigh. “Hmmm. I like that.”

“I think someone is a little tipsy,” Noah says, laughing.

Feeling brave on the wine, I giggle. “I was thinking about you when you texted.”

“What were you thinking about?” Noah’s voice goes low.

“If you sleep naked.” Giggling and then hiccuping, I wait for his response.

“I do. Does that bother you?”

“Hmmm, no, I like that too,” I sigh again.

“How are you girls getting home?” He asks suddenly.

“Um, I think we’re leaving my car here and Ubering home.”

“I’ll be there in twenty to take you girls home. Stay put, okay?”

Giggling, I salute him over the phone, “Yes, sir.”

“Hmmmm. I like that.” His low voice does something to my insides. “Just be safe until I get there to pick you up. See you in a sec.”

“Okey, dokey.” I hang up and go back to the table. The girls are laughing and finishing their glasses of wine.

“So, how’s my brother doing?” Bella asks.

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