Perfect for You(29)

“Don’t be that way.” I cross my arms, trying to protect myself from the truth in his words. “You’re not helping your cause.”

His mouth curves into a smile. “Thanks for the tip. Kind of makes me think you’re rooting for me.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.” He won’t give up. I’m not sure if I should be annoyed by his persistence or completely flattered that he’s going through so much trouble for me.

He puts his hands up. “I apologize.”

“Great. I guess we’re done here. Have fun at your movie, and I’ll see you in school on Monday.”

“Not going to the game tomorrow?”

Noah’s going to the football game? “You can’t be serious. You’ve never gone to a game.”

“Been keeping tabs on me?” His dimple is back.

If Noah shows up at the game, it could ruin Ash’s concentration. No, it will ruin Ash’s concentration. Ash has this uncanny way of finding me in a crowd of people. And what if he finds me with Noah?

“Please, don’t go.”

“Okay, I won’t.” He takes my hands in his. “I’ll stay as long as you’d like.” His thumbs tickle my palms.

“I mean tomorrow.”

“Well, I don’t know if I can spend the night, but…”

I yank my hands free and smack his good shoulder. “Stop it. Seriously, you can’t go to the game. Please. I’m asking you as a friend.”

“Are we friends?”

I don’t know how to answer that. I’m not sure what we are. I want to be his friend, but can I be? “What do you think we are?” Let him answer the tough questions for once.

“What do I think we are or what do I want us to be?” He reaches for my hand, brushing his index finger lightly against it.

“Noah, I can’t do this.” I step around him and walk out of the bathroom. I don’t want to feel trapped by him. Not in my own house.

“Hey.” He reaches for my shoulder and winces in pain. I stop, unable to keep from feeling bad that he’s hurt because of me. He stares at me, looking more than physically hurt. “I’m sorry. I’m used to girls giving in to me. Not always at first, but most seem to like—”

“The cocky attitude?”

He shrugs his good shoulder. “I didn’t say I understood it. It just works.” He cocks his head to the side, and his confidence is replaced with genuine emotion. “But you’re different. I think that’s why I like you so much.”

I shake my head, not wanting to hear this. “Don’t say things like that. You don’t even know me. And I have a boyfriend.”

“I know. I really am sorry. I push the boundaries with you. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself when I’m around you. It’s not easy watching you be with him. Do you have any idea how much I want to grab you and kiss you? Even right now?”

I step back, but not far.

“I won’t though. I know I’ll lose you if I do.”

Good. At least he’s staying in control of his emotions.

“Would be a hell of a kiss though. I’m sure of it.” I’m blown away by the way he’s looking at me. There’s a longing in his eyes that matches the sadness in his voice. He’s always so sure of himself. But, that’s not who he really is. He’s vulnerable too. And as much as he does push the boundaries, I trust him. I know he won’t kiss me. He won’t touch me if I don’t want him to. Maybe that scares me more than anything else. Because as much as I don’t want to hurt Ash, I do want Noah to kiss me. When he’s close, my lips long for his. I crave his touch, no matter how small.

I’m losing it. I can’t let myself do something I’ll regret. Something that would hurt the guy I love. Maybe Noah and I would be good together. I don’t know. I do know Ash and I are great together. I’m happy with him. I can’t jeopardize that. “You have to go.”

Noah nods. “Okay.”

I step to the side so he can walk past me and to the front door. I don’t know what to say.

“Is your elbow okay? From hitting it on my car?”

I forgot all about it. “Yeah. It’s fine.” I can still feel the bruise, but it’s insignificant compared to everything else that’s happened.

“Good. Thanks for the ointment.” He gives me a weak smile before walking through the door.

I can’t leave it like this. He’s hurt, in more ways than one. I watch him close the passenger side door, which we apparently left open when we came inside the house. Noah’s eyes find mine as he walks around the car and opens the driver side door. There’s only one thing I can think to say to him right now. “Nice car.”

He pauses in the driveway and nods. “Thanks.” I know he’s disappointed, but he’ll take the compliment—probably hoping it will lead to more in the future. He’s always hoping for the best. Hoping something small will lead to something bigger.

I close the front door, blocking him from view before I do something stupid like jump in the car with him.





Chapter Fourteen


Ash shows up at a quarter to ten. I’m not really surprised he left the party early. He’s always doing stuff like this for me, and it makes my stomach churn with guilt. I lean out my window, watching him get out of his car. More than anything I want to be happy with him and him alone. If I could make my feelings for Noah disappear, I would.