One Last Time(40)

I clench my teeth so I don’t say something rude. “I’m sure if it gets to anything more than friendship, which is all we are at this point, we’ll figure all of that out. It’s all just happened, and I’m not sure that she’ll even warm up to the idea of dating.”

She laughs. “You’re crazy if you believe she won’t see what a good man you are. I think you need to be careful, though. Not just for yourself, but for her and her children. A mother doesn’t take chances when it comes to the hearts of her babies.”

Who knows if it’ll even come to that. At this point, Kristin doesn’t want to chance anything. It’s clear that she has feelings for me, but I see the hesitation in her eyes. Proving myself won’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth having is.

I smile, remembering her face the other day. Her mouth opening and closing when I let her know what my plans were. Wait until tomorrow when I really turn on the charm.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve waited a long time for a girl like her, I won’t be taking any chances.”

Her lips turn into a flat line, and she releases a breath through her nose. “Lord help her . . . and you. I hope to meet her soon.”

“I hope so, too.”



This meeting is taking fucking forever. I keep scrolling through my phone for anything interesting as they drone on about the movie and filming schedule. Focusing is damn near impossible when all I seem to think about is Kristin.

“And you understand this means we’ll start filming much sooner than we originally planned?”

It’s been almost a week since I’ve seen her. I’m trying to play this cool, not asking for her number, not emailing her, pretending like I’m letting her lead a little, but I’m anxious to see her again.

“Noah?” My agent elbows me.

“Huh?”

“I asked if you were fine with the schedule adjustment.”

I glance at the paper, now being that asshole who comes to the meeting and doesn’t pay attention, and nod. “Looks good.”

My agent clears his throat, and I push Kristin out of my mind. This is my career, and I can’t screw this up.

The meeting resumes, and we talk about the locations, and the female lead stares at me from across the table. She’s pretty, but definitely not piquing my interest. Her smile is soft, but it looks like she’s trying. Her eyes are blue, but not with the shine that Kristin’s have.

Fucking hell.

Again.

I’m right back to where I started—thinking of her.

My phone screen lightens, and it’s the realtor.

“I have to take this,” I explain as I’m already out of my chair.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Mr. Frazier, it’s Sommer,” she says nervously. “How are you?”

“I’m in a meeting but wanted to take your call.”

“Oh,” she says quickly. “I won’t keep you. I wanted to let you know that if you want the condo, it’s yours. The owner is motivated and, well, you were approved.”

This is the craziest thing I’ve ever done to be close to a woman. I’m renting a fucking condo in a town I have no intention of staying in, just to be around her. I kind of had to after I told Eli I would do the first article, but when I decided to be an idiot and allow the second article on me, that was because of her.

Everything I’ve been doing is because of her.

Yet, I wouldn’t change a damn thing.

I’ll force her to do another article, rent another condo, or whatever it takes until she gives in. I’ll be as patient and persistent as I need to be.

I’m a fucking goner.

Sommer clears her throat. “Sorry. So . . .”

I think about being closer to Kristin and there’s really no other answer.

“I’ll take it.”





Chapter Seventeen





Kristin





“How long has it been since you’ve seen or heard from him?” Nicole whispers as we wait for the judge to call me in.

Six days and fifteen hours.

“Why are you asking about this?” My voice is quiet but full of frustration. I’m about to have my divorce finalized, and she’s worried about when I last saw Noah.

She shrugs. “I’m curious. What else would you like to talk about?”

I look at her as if she’s lost her mind. “I don’t know, the fact that my marriage will be officially over in a few minutes.”

Nicole leans forward, glances to where Scott and his two lawyers sit, makes a face, and leans back. “Good riddance. Now you can think about the deliciousness that is more than willing to take a bite of your peach. Maybe he’ll even lick it a little or drink your nectar.” She wiggles her brows.

After over twenty years of friendship, I should know better than to bring her in public. However, it doesn’t stop the burst of giggles that escape my mouth.

“Shh.” She takes my hand in hers as I try to get myself under control. “You’ll get us in trouble.”

“You’re the one talking about drinking my nectar.”

“I’m the one you called because you knew I wouldn’t be all sad.” She nudges me. “I’m your friend that takes the shit and turns it to diamonds.”