Pushing You Away - Noah & Katie (Ex-Con Duet 3)

Throughout the week, we've texted but have both been so busy with work that I only saw her once when she stopped by the gym during her lunch break. She took me by surprise when she kissed me goodbye, and it took every ounce of my strength not to lose control. I hadn’t expected it but was more than happy to kiss her again. We’ve been talking about our date this weekend, and although she told me she’s still processing me being here, we’ve definitely grown closer since then.

“How’s it goin’?” Tyler asks when he walks in the studio after his meeting. Smith and I have been hanging mirrors all morning.

“Good, almost done.” I wipe the sweat off my forehead.

“If y’all wanna take your lunch break, go ahead. I have some calls to make.”

“Oh my God,” Gemma squeals as she enters. “It’s looking so good!”

Tyler wraps his arm around her and grins. “Just the way you imagined it?”

She looks up at him. “Even better.”

Leaning down, Tyler kisses her.

“Alright, let’s keep it PG,” Smith groans. “I don’t wanna get sick before I even eat.”

I chuckle at the disgusted expression on his face. Though we’re not close, I’ve learned a lot about him while being here. He lives a bachelor lifestyle and prefers it like that.

“Don’t be that way, Smith,” Gemma teases. “There’s still someone out there for you.”

With a scoff, he grabs his stuff and walks toward the door to leave. “Nah, hard pass.”

I smirk and shake my head when he’s out of sight.

“So a little birdie told me you’re making dinner for Katie tomorrow night.” Gemma beams.

“Yep, gonna celebrate her birthday.” I have about ten of them to make up for.

“Hope you know how lucky you are that she forgave you so fast.” Gemma crosses her arms. “So don’t screw this up.”

“Thanks for the confidence, sis.”

Tyler chuckles, then mouths, “Hormones.”

Gemma smacks his arm. “Oh shut it. I’m on your side, Noah, but Katie’s my best friend, and I don’t want her to get hurt again.”

“Trust me, I don’t deserve her kindness and definitely don’t deserve her, so I’m willing to do anything to make up for the pain I’ve caused. Hurting her is the last thing I’ve ever wanted. I won’t make the same mistake twice, and I’ll do anything to prove that to her.”

“I have no doubt you two will figure it out.” Tyler pats my shoulder.

“I’m just worried that I could be putting her and Owen in a dangerous situation, considering there’s a target on my back, so I’m not telling anyone,” I explain.

“Yeah, Aunt Loretta and Uncle Elliot would lose their shit.” She rolls her eyes. “But don’t worry about them. This is between you and Katie, and that’s all that matters. On the plus side, Katie’s parents are supportive no matter what, so you won’t have to worry about them.”

I nod because I’d like to keep it that way. If people knew we were hanging out again, it’d be the talk of the town. It’s the last thing either of us needs while we figure out what our future holds.

“Alright, go enjoy your lunch so we can start the flooring this afternoon,” Tyler says.

I grab the sandwich I packed and hang out in the back while I text Katie.

Noah: Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you and can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

She must be on her break too because jumping dots appear immediately on the screen.

Katie: Been thinking about you too and really excited for our date :)

After I told my dad about my plans for this weekend, he booked an overnight trip with Belinda at a romantic bed and breakfast in Mobile, the next town over. Now we’ll have the house to ourselves, and the thought makes me feel like a nervous teenager.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious as hell for today. Though I’m eager to make Katie’s birthday special, it won’t make up for the decade I was gone, but hopefully, it’s a start. After I shower, I send her a text.

Noah: I couldn’t wait till later to say Happy Birthday!

Katie: Thank you :)

Noah: Can’t wait to see you! I’m about to hit the grocery store to grab the food for our dinner. Anything particular you’d like me to get for dessert?

Katie: Surprise me!

Noah: You got it… see you soon ;)

Tonight is all about her, and I’m ready to spoil her. If I’m being honest, I want more than just one evening with her. I want forever, and by the way her eyes soften when she looks at me, I think she might want the same.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been contemplating what to get her. Anything materialistic doesn’t seem right, and we never bought each other those types of gifts when we were younger. It was always something sentimental or homemade. After thinking about it, I came up with an idea and can’t wait to see her reaction when I give it to her.