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

Chapter Seventeen

KATIE

"Did you brush your teeth?" I ask Owen. He's been up and ready to go for over thirty minutes. Typically, he's dragging ass in the mornings, but not today. I'm happy he's amped to hang out with Noah, but I’m a little nervous about it. Noah’s not exactly experienced with kids, but I anticipate they’ll be fine.

As soon as I enter the living room, Owen bounces off the couch and grabs his backpack. Last night, he stuffed it full of DVDs and board games. He even has his basketball waiting by the door.

"I'm ready!"

I laugh at his tone as we go to the car. On the way to Noah's, Owen talks nonstop about the plans he's made today, and I'm an anxious wreck about it, especially when it comes to Owen bringing up his dad. I trust Noah, but this is new territory for me. Owen’s only ever been left with my parents, in-laws, and close friends.

As we pull into the driveway, Noah walks outside. I roll down the window, noticing how good he looks in his tight T-shirt and dark wash jeans. He looks and smells as if he just got out of the shower. Owen can't unbuckle himself fast enough and rushes out of the car.

"You're sure about this? I can still call my mom and—"

He chuckles, and I'd be lying if I didn't enjoy the sound of it. "Katie, we're gonna have a blast. We’ll be fine," he confirms, the smile never fading. “Gonna order a pizza and shoot off fireworks in the street.”

My eyes widen, and he bursts out laughing. "Go have fun. Relax," he says, tapping the top of my car.

I shake my head. “Just make sure you give him back to me the same way I left him.”

"Tell Gemma I said hey," he offers with a wink. "And try not to talk about me too much."

I scoff and roll my eyes, but he already knows how Gemma and Everleigh are, so there’s no denying it.

"Be good, Owen," I say. "Love you."

"Love you, Mom. See ya later!" Owen waves, and I back out of the driveway.

It takes me no time to arrive at the spa. The quaint red brick building has been completely remodeled. As soon as I walk inside, I'm bombarded by my best friends.

"Yay, you came!" Everleigh says as Gemma pulls me into a hug.

"Mimosa?" Everleigh asks, and I have a feeling she’s already downed one.

"Absolutely!" I barely get out as I'm handed a fluke.

Gemma pokes out her bottom lip. "I can’t wait till I can have alcohol again, even if it’s just a little!"

"It’s okay. I'll drink for two," Everleigh taunts.

Her antics make me snort.

"I'm sure you will," Gemma says.

Soon, we're shown to the back to change into soft robes and slippers. The mimosas are flowing through my bloodstream, and I feel relaxed as hell as I lie on the massage table.

Gemma’s in the middle of me and Everleigh and clears her throat. "So we have some things to discuss."

"Oh yeah?" I ask, playing stupid, but I know exactly what she's referring to.

"Spill it!" Everleigh demands. “You haven’t given us a proper update.” I'm relieved we’re out of town, and the massage therapists don’t know who we’re talking about.

I sigh. "What do ya wanna know?"

"Everything." Gemma grins.

"Okay, I have a question for both of you first.” My heart hammers in my chest as I delve into this conversation. “Was it really stupidly obvious that Noah had a crush on me when we were younger?"

Everleigh bursts into laughter. "I'm sorry, it's the mimosas, but also that's hilarious you ask. Yes, of course, undeniable."

My face contorts, and Gemma notices. "You really couldn’t tell?" she asks.

"Well, no. You both knew I thought I was friend-zoned," I admit. “He was my best friend, but it’s not like he ever made a move.”

"I literally told you he did!" Gemma throws back.

"Yeah, but he never acted on it, then Gabe came along and..." I trail off as the woman puts her elbow into my shoulder.

"Honey, you're tense," she says, and I try to relax.

"So let me guess...he finally admitted it, and you were shocked. How’d you respond?" Everleigh asks.

I suck in a breath. "I told him the truth and admitted how I always felt about him too and..."

"And what?" Gemma asks.

"And then we kissed," I say with a grin, remembering how it felt to have his lips on mine.

Gemma gasps.

"Finally!" Everleigh shouts.

"But we were interrupted and had to finish talking about it later. Then we talked about why he pushed me away while he was locked up. It was great hearing the whole truth, but I just don't know how to feel. I'm conflicted because of Gabe’s parents," I admit.

"Well, what does your heart say? Deep inside, none of that logical bullshit," Gemma asks.

I think about it as my massage therapist works out the knots in my neck. I'm scared to death to say my true feelings out loud.