the history we share that burns the brightest.
And I can’t deny that he makes me happy. Being in his presence fills me with a peace I haven’t felt in a very long time, and it’s addictive.
The more I’m around him, the more I crave his presence.
Does it make me selfish that I long for this blissful feeling? That I actively seek it out even when I know I shouldn’t?
But then, who doesn’t want to go after things that make them happy?
Is there even a right way for me in this? A smart way that will keep my heart in one piece?
Noah pushes the button on the remote before taking a step closer.
There’s only a foot separating us, and the air between us vanishes like it was sucked out by some magical force. His breath hits my face as he leans in even closer, the sweetness of the cheesecake he had for dessert making my mouth water.
The anticipation—the agony—is too much, and I close my eyes.
When the car door opens behind me with a click, and I open my eyes again, Noah stands next to the door, holding it open for me.
His gaze scans my face before settling on my eyes. “Want to come with me?”
I swallow the disappointment of staying un-kissed and force an enthusiastic smile instead. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He smiles . . . slowly . . . and good God. Be still, my heart.
“Uh, what are we watching?”
“Does it matter?” he whispers.
Not in any way. Noah Winters asked me to go to the movies with him, and that’s the only thing that matters.
“No,” I whisper back. I slip, albeit dreamily, into the passenger seat and watch Noah as he closes my door and walks around the hood to the driver’s door.
Is this a smart idea? To spend more time with him?
Especially when I’m starving for more?
The thumping heart in my chest seems to think so.
Sixteen
Noah
The parking lot of the movie theater is almost deserted, as usual.
It’s nothing fancy. Just one of those small ones that plays old movies.
I put the car in park and kill the ignition.
Chloe gasps next to me. “I can’t believe this place is still standing.”
“Yeah. It’s definitely seen better days, but they’ve been doing a good job keeping up with it on the inside.”
“Wow.”
I get out and Chloe joins me at the front of the car. “Ready?”
She nods, an eager expression on her face. “Yes, I’m excited. It’s been so long since we’ve been here.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat. It’s not like I forgot. I couldn’t come here for a while after she left because I couldn’t stomach the memories of this place. I was such a fool. And so fucking in love.
And look where that got me.
We walk inside, and I raise my hand at one of the employees. He’s tall and skinny, wearing a burgundy suit.
“No way.” Chloe grasps my arm as we get closer, although I’m sure she’s unaware of her grip on me. “Is that—”
The man comes out from behind his ticket counter, quietly whistling under his breath as he takes us in. Together. “Miss . . . Chloe? Is that you? What a sight for my old eyes.”
That man has a memory like I’ve never known before. I might have also told him that she’s back when I came here a few weeks ago.
“Ernie.” Chloe blushes. “Still as charming as ever, I see. Thank you. How are you?”
He shrugs and shoots me a look. “Same old here.”
Chloe clasps her hands together and leans a little closer to him. “Well, you look great.”
Ernie smiles, the dark skin around his eyes breaking into lines. “That’s what I always tell Mr. Noah. I’m so much better looking than his lonely self.”
Chloe laughs, and I shake my head. That man is as unique as this theater, and he’s been a constant in my life once I started coming back here. I always stop to chat with him for a while before and after a show.
And now, he’s telling Chloe I’m lonely? Good to know where his loyalty lies.
Even though he’s not wrong. Lately, I’ve been here more than usual. Wanting to get out of the quiet house.
Sundays used to be our guy day where we often hung out, played poker, or watched a movie. A relaxed day after a gruesome week at the pool and the gym.
Then Jace and Ryan found their other halves and welcomed kids into the world, and Hunter’s been busy with new endorsement deals. As