When August Ends(27)

This is devastating.

A cool mist in the air and light morning fog greeted me as I stepped outside. My stomach churned as I approached the boathouse.

What if he’d drawn the shades and I couldn’t see inside? Then what?

As I stepped onto the porch, I made sure they wouldn’t hear me.

To my surprise, when I peeked in the window, the bed was empty.

Where are they?

The only other room was the bathroom, and there was only one thing they could be doing together in there. That made me feel even sicker. Now things were almost certainly not going to go in my favor.

My legs felt wobbly as I walked around to the bathroom window on the other side of the house.

It was slightly open, and the shade was only lowered halfway, so I was able to peek inside.

The water was running, and the shower curtain was closed.

They’re showering together.

Holy shit.

I wanted to cry.

But I wouldn’t.

I needed to be strong. Maybe this was just the thing I needed to help me get over him.

I wasn’t going to want him after he’d been with her. This was going to change everything.

My heart palpitated as I stared at the embroidered butterflies on the white shower curtain and listened to the sound of the water.

Then, as if the situation couldn’t get any worse, the sound of Noah’s groaning echoed through the bathroom.

That should have been my cue to leave, but I stayed frozen at the window, consumed by curiosity. My shock had paralyzed me.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the shower curtain whipped open.

The sight of a stark-naked Noah flashed before my eyes. A very naked—but alone—Noah. His body glistened, and let’s just say everything I’d imagined about his anatomy was all that and more. He was freaking huge.

I gasped.

I hadn’t meant to make a sound. It just came out.

Then I ran as fast as I could back to the house.

Had he seen me? I was certain he must have heard me, but maybe he didn’t know it was me.

And who was he, Houdini? Where the hell was Kira?

I’d seen her enter the boathouse. He was groaning! Yet he was alone in the shower.

Back in my bedroom, I prayed I’d dodged a bullet, that by some miracle he hadn’t seen me running away.

When my phone chimed a few minutes later, I got my answer.



Noah: Something you want to tell me?



Heather: It wasn’t what it looked like.



Noah: Oh good. What a relief. Because it looked like you were spying on me in the shower.



Damn it!



Heather: I can explain.



Noah: I’m just putting some coffee on. This outta be good.



I took this as a hint that he wanted me to get my ass over there and explain myself, perhaps while he sat back and sipped coffee, enjoying the show of my humiliation.

Swallowing my pride, I walked back over to the boathouse to face the music.

As usual, he opened the door before I had the chance to knock.

Noah’s hair was wet. He’d put on a gray T-shirt that stretched against his muscles. He wore jeans, and his feet were bare.

He was silent. All you could hear was the sound of coffee percolating. What struck me was the lack of amusement on his face. He looked seriously concerned for my mental health.

I couldn’t blame him.

I wanted to run for the hills, but instead, I came right out with it. “I saw Kira Shaw here. I was looking out my window, and I saw you open the door and let her in.”

His brow lifted. “You did, huh?”

“Yes, I swear.”

“You sure you saw me open the door?”

“Yes. At least, I think I did, but now I’m wondering if I was hallucinating.”

The coffee made that loud bubbling sound it always does when it’s finished brewing. Noah sauntered over to the pot and poured some into a mug.

“Cream and sugar?”

“I’m good. I already had some. I’ve had my fill.”

“Apparently, in your wild imagination, so have I this morning.”

Jesus. I was truly doubting my sanity.

“Want some quiche?” he asked.

Quiche?

“What?”

“Quiche. It’s this egg pie with—”

“I know what it is, but no, I’m not hungry.”

“Oh, that’s too bad… Because unbeknownst to me, Kira entered my place while I was in the shower and left me an entire quiche.”

My eyes followed as he walked over to the quiche on the other side of the counter. I hadn’t noticed it until now. There was a little note on top of the pie dish.

He handed it to me.



Noah,



I knocked and there was no answer. Your door was open. Thought I’d catch you, but you’re in the shower. I considered waiting but didn’t want to startle you. I made you a spinach, tomato, and feta quiche. Figured since you haven’t taken me up on dinner, I’d bring breakfast to you. I hope you enjoy. The dinner offer still stands. Or anything else you might desire.



xoxo

Kira



Noah stared at me as I looked up at him.

Handing him the note, I said, “Okay. So, I overreacted.”