Perfect for You(27)

“That I care about you?” His hand grazes my cheek. Damn it, my goose bumps are back.

“No.” I back away, bumping into the side of the car. Now I’m wedged between Noah and his Camaro, which is burning my bare legs right below my shorts. Still, I don’t move. Being burned is better than getting too close to Noah. Safer. “The part about it not being right what you and I are doing behind Ash’s back. It is like cheating, and I can’t hurt him like this. Even if he doesn’t know about it, it’s still not right.” I’m trying to be strong. To do the right thing, no matter how much my body and my hormones are telling me otherwise.

“You admit you have feelings for me.” It’s not a question.

“That’s not what I said.” I can’t deny it either. I squirm, trying to keep my legs off the hot side of his car.

“Then tell me you don’t.” He steps closer, placing his foot between mine. I can smell his soap, which brings on the image of Noah in the shower. Water cascading down his perfectly toned body. I shake my head. I can’t think like that.

“Did Ash tell you Liz will be at the party?” Now he’s playing dirty.

“What, are you the football team monitor or something? Why do you always know what Ash is doing and who he’ll be with?”

His expression softens, making my heart melt. “I told you. I’m looking out for you. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Ash is the sweetest guy. He wouldn’t hurt me. He loves me.” It almost pains me to look into Noah’s eyes while I talk about Ash.

Noah smiles, and my eyes go to the dimple on his cheek. “And you love him, but here you are with me.”

Before I can answer—not that I have a good answer—my cell rings in my hand.

“You going to answer that?” Noah’s close enough to see Ash’s picture on the display.

I send the call to voicemail. “I’ll call him back.”

Noah smiles, thinking he’s won this time, but really I’m trying to avoid a fight.

“Get the smug look off your face, Noah. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“No?” He leans closer, his face inches from mine. I can smell his minty breath and feel the warmth of his skin. He’s tempting me, hoping I’ll eventually give in and he’ll get what he wants.

“Please, don’t.” The words are small, but at least I say them.

He leans back, looking surprised. “You actually said no this time. Interesting.”

Not interesting. I’m trying to do the right thing. “I really do love him.” I force my eyes to meet Noah’s. He has to know I’m serious, that I need to put an end to whatever this is.

“I know you do.”

“Then, why are you here?” I look down at the ground, not wanting to see the hurt expression on his face when I say this. “I thought after…” I can’t bring myself to mention the stairwell. He knows what I’m talking about without me having to say it. I shrug. “Well, I thought you wouldn’t want to talk to me anymore.”

He leans one arm on the roof of the car to the right of my head. “I know you have a boyfriend, Meg.” With his free hand, he gently lifts my chin so we’re facing each other. “And believe it or not, I’ve seen you kiss him before.”

My gaze falls on his lips. His full, totally-kissable-if-I-wasn’t-already-involved-with-someone lips. Suddenly, I’m licking my lips. Crap. “Noah.” He’s not getting it, probably because my body language is contradicting everything I’m saying.

He stares at me, daring me to tell him to leave, to drive away and leave me alone for good. “I’m listening.”

I take a deep breath, finding the courage to say this once and for all. To put it all out there, no matter the consequences. “I’m not breaking up with Ash.”

His head lowers slightly, but his eyes stay locked on mine. “Not yet. But that’s okay, because I don’t give up that easily.”





Chapter Thirteen


My cell rings again and I jump, hitting my funny bone on the side of the Camaro. “Ow.” I go to rub the spot, but Noah already has his hand there. Once again his face is inches from mine. How do we always end up in this position?

“That’s going to leave a bruise.” He takes me by the shoulders and moves me toward the open car door. He leans me back onto the seat. “Here, take it easy for a second, and you should really answer that.” He points to my phone, which is displaying Ash’s picture again.

“Promise you won’t say anything, won’t let him know you’re here?” I eye him, not sure if this is a trick.

“Scout’s honor.” He crosses his heart, and I laugh.

“I don’t think that’s the Boy Scouts’ hand signal.”

“Just answer your phone before the guy drives over here to find you.”

That would be bad. “Hello?” I answer, trying to keep my voice as normal as possible.

“Hey, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. Were you in the shower or something?”

Sure, that works. “Yeah. Sorry. What’s up? Shouldn’t you be at the party by now?”

“I just got here, but I wanted to let you know the party was moved. It’s not at Jackson’s house anymore.”