Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,40
matter which way I turn.
I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t.
My pace slows against the unpredictable storm which lashes our city. The strands of my hair cling onto my skin, a sticky and uncomfortable feeling which is rampant with the humidity. In the reflection of the glass, my makeup is strewn. The so-called waterproof mascara has left me with panda eyes. Fumbling inside my bag for my keys, I lift my head and see Noah standing against the wall beside my door.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, catching my breath.
“Waiting for you. I wanted to apologize for what I said tonight, but perhaps I’m the idiot,” his tone turns deep with resentment. “You went to him, didn’t you?”
“See, this is why we can’t be friends, Noah. What I do with my life is my choice. Not you or Charlie have any say. Just like I never once stopped you from marrying Morgan.”
“I’m not stopping you from doing anything, okay? I’m pointing out that he’s no good for you. You deserve better.”
“I deserve to make my own choices. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m drenched, drained and want to go to bed.”
Finally, finding my keys, I jiggle them in the lock and open the door. Noah hovers at the entrance, and with my shoulders slumped, I pull him in without saying a word.
In a sudden move, he wraps his arms around me in a tight embrace. As my face falls onto his chest, inhaling his scent, I beg myself not to cry in his presence. I can’t even recall the last time I shed a tear. I’m not an emotionally driven person, and tonight has fucked with my entire belief system.
“Remember when you told me we all make mistakes?” he whispers softly. “Just a mistake, Kate. Move on.”
In the time we were apart, I forgot what it was like to have someone who knows the pits of my soul, who understands my resistance to fail and knows precisely how to make me move forward to better things.
Noah has always done this until, of course, I was pushed aside.
My hands fall flat against his chest, creating distance as I avoid his stare.
“Go shower. Then we’re watching a movie and ordering takeout,” he demands with a warm smile. “I need some American food because I’m missing it like crazy.”
I drop my head with a soft chuckle. “So that you know, we’re watching The Breakfast Club tonight.”
“Is it about breakfast and eating?”
“No, consider it a rite of passage into adulthood.”
“I think I’ve heard that before.” He smirks.
“And before you ask, yes, it’s the same actress as in Pretty in Pink.”
I step away to the sound of his groan. Taking a quick shower to wash tonight off me, I throw on a pair of gray bed shorts and a matching tank. I brush my hair aside, letting it dry naturally as I head back to the living room.
Noah’s eyes turn as I sit down beside him.
“What?” I ask, grabbing the remote.
“You’re half-naked on me.”
“I’m not half-naked on you. This is bedwear from a very expensive boutique in Italy.”
“I can literally see all of your tits.”
My hands cover my chest while I turn to face him in shock.
“You’re such a man. The fabric isn’t see-through.” I remove my hands, trying to prove a point. “See?”
Noah’s face strains. “What do they charge you for a piece of fabric which barely covers you, and also, are you cold?”
I grab the pillow, smacking him with it, which causes my strap to slide and an accidental nip slip. “Oh, sod off!”
Noah laughs. “The Brit is back. And just so you know, ready when you are but with those girls on show, I probably won’t last long.”
“Hey, ground rules, buddy,” I remind him. “We’re just friends. The sexual innuendo stops here.”
“Can I make one more comment about your nipples?”
“No.” I yawn while using the remote. “I get it. I have big tits. Now shut up.”
“Is your yawn an indication of how boring the movie will be?”
I smack his arm. “Just watch, no questions.”
Only ten minutes into the film, he clears his throat. “Can I ask just one question?” he begs with his eyes and a naughty smile.
I pause the film, turning to face him with an annoyed glare.
“How much did you miss me?” He grins.
Unable to hide my smile, I nudge him before resting my head on his shoulder.
“No more questions,” I tell him before whispering. “And a lot. More than you can ever imagine.”