I feel bad knowing Owen’s probably craving male attention since he’s been without it his whole life. He has his grandfathers, but it’s not quite the same as having a father figure to talk to and play with.
“I have a lot of making up to do, for both you and Owen, so seriously…come over anytime. This is your house, after all.”
She chuckles with a nod. “Right. Okay, well, I will see you tomorrow then.”
I lean down and press my lips to her forehead. “Good night, Katie Bug.”
She looks up at me with bright eyes. “I haven’t heard that nickname since high school.”
Smiling, I shrug. “And a decade later, it still suits you.”
Chapter Fifteen
KATIE
TEN DAYS LATER
Life has been crazier than usual, but I don’t mind. I’m trying not to overthink how I feel—how I’ve always felt—about Noah. The reality that we had feelings for each other and didn’t do a damn thing about it has been a lot to process. I’m fighting a constant battle with my emotions over this. Of course, after I spilled my heart and revelations to Gemma and Everleigh, they gloated, and I got them telling me, “I told you so.”
It doesn’t help me much because now they’re encouraging me to “go for it.” I wish a decision like this was easy, but it’s not only about me anymore. I have a son to think about and how dating Noah will impact him too.
On top of that, I’m well aware of how this could affect my relationship with Gabe’s parents. Loretta and Elliot have always been there for me, and they’d never support Noah being in our lives. They understand I’m best friends with Gemma and have been for two decades, but they still act as if she doesn’t exist. If they knew what was going on, Owen would lose his relationship with them, and I’d never forgive myself if that happened.
I don’t like deceiving them. However, it’s necessary for Noah’s safety right now. Until he finds out who’s threatening his life, he can’t go home. I don’t think Loretta or Elliot are behind the brick and bomb, but I can’t exclude them just yet. If I had to guess, it’s probably someone close to Gabe who doesn’t approve of Noah being back and is seeking revenge.
So until the risk is gone, Noah will stay at my house, and I’ll continue bringing him lunch and dinner. The couple of times I couldn’t, Belinda or his dad made sure he ate. However, I enjoy doing it, and Owen loves having him around too.
Lately, Owen’s been a different kid, and there’s no denying Noah’s positive effect on him. They talk about school, sports, and fun summer activities they can do together, such as hiking, camping, and even taking a road trip to the coast to swim in the ocean. However, I don’t have the heart to tell Owen it might not happen.
When I visit on my lunch breaks, Noah and I end up reliving our high school days. As we talk about our past, all the memories and details I’d forgotten resurface. Our time together typically ends with us laughing our asses off at the shit we’d do. Since Lawton Ridge is so small, the teachers knew our parents and grandparents, which meant nothing could be hidden. When we got into trouble, they’d conveniently run into our parents somewhere in town and rat us out.
When Noah and I got caught sneaking out of study hall, Ms. Landry gave us detention. Instead of giving our parents the slips, we signed for each other and turned them in. We would’ve gotten away with it had she not mentioned it to my mom at a barbecue. I was grounded for an entire month.
However, leaving school and driving around with Noah was worth it. Though we often fought over the radio, he’d eventually give in and was forced to listen to me belt out the lyrics. The memories of driving around with the windows down, listening to music are unforgettable.
“You finally got laid,” Missy blurts out as she walks into my office uninvited.
“Excuse me?” I ask, ignoring her as I finish typing an email.
“You’ve been smiling nonstop for over a week and haven’t yelled at Yolanda in days. She screwed up so bad the other day we had to stay late, and not a peep came out of you, so I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re gettin’ laid. The question is, who’s the lucky guy with the magic penis?”
My fingers stop as I narrow my eyes at her.
“So because I’m in a good mood, I’m automatically having sex?”
“In my experience, yes. And by how you’ve been prancing around, I’d say it’s happening frequently. You’re gettin’ regular dick without a doubt. So whose is it?” She waggles her eyebrows at me.
I pick up my cold mug of coffee and take a sip, trying to pretend she’s not there. “Prancing around?” I muse. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m not getting anything…except annoyed.”