When August Ends(61)

She lifted her brow. “You want me to take it out on you…in what way exactly?”

I should have known she wasn’t going to let that one slide. And that was most definitely what I wanted. I squeezed her feet even harder.

***

When Katy joined us in the living room a little while later, I went back to the boathouse to give her and Heather some alone time. I knew they had a lot to discuss about the new living arrangements and the logistics of Katy’s move from Boston to New Hampshire.

Just before midnight, I was just about to turn in when there was a knock on my door.

When I opened it, Heather stood there in a thin, white nightgown. I could pretty much see right through it. She scooted past me into the house, leaving a wave of her delicious scent.

“I wasn’t expecting a visit from you this late.”

She started to pace. “I couldn’t stop thinking about what you said. I wanted to let you know that I am really mad.”

The floodgates were about to burst open, and that was fine. This needed to happen.

“Talk to me, Heather.”

She unleashed everything. “I’m mad at my father for making me sweat over that damn money. I still don’t know if he’s serious or not. But more than that, I’m so angry that I spent half my life trying to convince myself he loved me as much as his other kids. Deep down I never believed it was true. And that hurts.”

When she started to cry, I took her in my arms. “Tell me more. Let it all out, baby.”

She stayed like that for a while. After I let her go, she continued to pace.

“I’m mad that no matter what I try, I can’t make my mother happy. It has to come from within herself and the right dose of medication.” She wiped her tears. “I’m angry that my sister is dead, and I never had the opportunity to have a normal relationship with her. But I’m not angry that she brought you into my life. And while I’m not mad at you for the reason you came here, I have been keeping some of my feelings inside about it. It hurts to think about what Opal did and the fact that you knew her at all. The truth is, I do block out thoughts about my sister as a habit. They’re just too painful.”

I nodded. “Keep going.”

Heather spoke through gritted teeth, her voice growing louder. “I’m mad about that text you got from Lindsey—not at you, though. I’m mad because it made me worry that I won’t be there when you need a warm body. I’m extremely jealous. While we’re on the topic, I’m jealous of your ex-wife, too—that you still talk to her and confide in her when I want you to confide in me.” Her tone softened. “I’m mad about a lot of things, but most of all I’m sad, so fucking sad, Noah. Because I don’t want to lose you.”

Her last statement was like a punch to the gut. I could relate to that fear.

Placing my hands on her shoulders, I looked into her eyes. “No matter what happens in our lives, no matter where I am, if you ever need me, I will always be here for you. I can promise you that.”

Her eyes glistened. She’d heard me. I wanted to hold her again, but I was afraid to lose control. I wanted to rip that nightgown right off of her.

Heather wiped her eyes. “Thank you for listening, and thank you for encouraging me to let it out.”

“You’re welcome. I—”

Before I could even finish my sentence, she ran to the door and disappeared into the night.

I didn’t stop her, because then what? I did, however, stand on the porch to ensure she got home.

Five minutes later, while I was lying in bed, a text came in.

My heart raced as I realized what it was. A photo of the most beautiful set of tits lit up the screen—breasts I wished more than anything I could taste just one more time.



Heather: I figured I owed you one after all that.



My head sank into the pillow as I typed.



Noah: You’ve just made things ten times harder.



Heather: I hope so. ;-) You’ve been too good. Plus, I’m not there, so I can be bold without getting into trouble, right?



Noah: Did you see how much I ate tonight? I’ve been eating like crazy to make up for the fact that I can’t touch you. Don’t think I’m not dreaming about your body 24-7. And dreaming about that thing you do.



Heather: That’s a good song.



Noah: What?



Heather: That Thing You Do, one-hit wonder from the 90s.



Noah: Ah. Figures you’d know that. I bet it’s on your iPhone.



Heather: No comment.



I laughed. Pretty sure I woke the guinea pigs up.



Noah: LOL



Heather: What actual thing do I do, though?



Noah: I don’t want to even think about it right now. It’ll put me over the edge.



Heather: Come on. I need to know.



This conversation was veering into territory I’d been trying to stay away from. But she wasn’t physically here, so how much trouble could I get myself into?



Noah: I thought it was a one-time deal, but by the third time you did it, I knew it was a thing.



Heather: What is it?



Just thinking about it made me harder.