Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,37

Yeah, it’s nice to have you guys around, but I’m always busy. It’s not like I’m alone every day.”

“It’s nice to have Noah around?” She raises her brows, waiting for me to respond.

“It’s been a while. Noah has a lot on his mind.”

“So, he told you?”

“He told me everything.”

“And?”

“And what?”

Charlie lets out a sigh. “What do you make of it all?”

I think long and hard about her question. While the news comes as a shock, the predicament he now finds himself in is more of a concern.

“I guess, if I’m honest, he needs to man-up and be responsible. He made a mistake, and now he needs to live with that decision.”

“But don’t you feel sorry for him? I mean, the poor guy can’t catch a break. I have my feelings about Morgan, but who am I to give my opinion on his marriage? It just had cracks well before the ‘I do.’ I always thought that he and you…” Charlie trails off.

I stop and turn her way. “Him and me what? Should’ve been together?”

Charlie simply nods.

“You know my stance on that. We may have been best friends, but we’re two completely different people. If we were meant to be, that would’ve happened four years ago. It didn’t, so there’s your answer.”

“You’re just like Lex in so many ways,” Charlie openly complains. “It’s not so black and white when it comes to relationships. I just think you and Noah have always had this special bond.”

“And I think this matter should be closed,” I tell her forcefully. “Noah has his hands full with his daughter and son. I’m sure, and much like me, he doesn’t have time for anything else. Now, let’s go to lunch because I’m starving.”

Shopping with Charlie is utterly exhausting. Her excitement stems from being child-free and not wanting to waste a single moment. After our trip to La Perla, we make our way back to the hotel and find Noah in the lobby.

“Nice dent in the credit card?”

“We’re in Paris, Noah. It’s a given,” Charlie informs him. “I’m going upstairs to change for dinner, but I’ll see you for breakfast before we fly out?”

I nod, shifting my gaze back to Noah, who’s staring at the La Perla bag.

“What’s in the bag?”

“A croissant,” I lie, jokingly.

“A croissant? I mean, look, I know you were excited to see me, but I had no clue you were dressing up.”

“You’re annoying, and I’m tired. Mind if we head to my place so I can change?”

“Into your croissant?”

“I think I remember why I stopped hanging out with you…”

Ten minutes later, we’re inside my apartment. Noah is busily scanning the living room, admiring the place with an impressive nod as he walks through.

“Some place you’ve got,” Noah compliments before moving toward the balcony. “I can understand why you don’t want to leave. It’s incredibly beautiful here and some view, huh?”

“It is…” I say, removing my wedges.

I tell him I’ll be back, hopping into the shower quickly, then changing into my white sundress. With my hair loose, just sitting past my shoulders, and changing my wedges for my strappy tanned heels, I grab another purse before entering the living room.

“Beautiful,” he breathes as the corner of his lips turn up. “As always.”

“You’re sucking up to me. Did you break a vase while out here?”

“Let’s go.” He chuckles. “Show me Paris at night.”

We walk the streets and watch the city evolve into nightlife. Stopping at a quaint restaurant, we talk about life and work. It’s not hard to see that Noah loves his kids, showing me pictures of Jessa and talking about her milestones. Since Nash is only a few weeks old, he doesn’t have as much to say about him.

“Being a father suits you,” I profess to him, fondly. “I can tell you adore them.”

“They’re every reason to be alive,” he claims, staring at his phone. “It’s really hard, you know, being apart from Jessa and this co-parenting business. Morgan can be quite difficult. As for Nash, it still feels new. I don’t feel like I’ve quite bonded with him just yet.”

“Jessa looks exactly like you.” I smile, noting the similarities. “Has your eyes.”

“I think she looks like her mother.”

“Noah.” I rest my hand on his, trying to understand again how this all went pear-shaped on him, but my phone vibrates, and the name Dominic appears on my screen. I should open it, but the second that I do, I know that my focus will shift to a man who doesn’t deserve my attention right