Page 65 of Let Me Show You

“You like him?” I ask.

He nods. “A lot. He’s super cool.”

I laugh. “Good, that makes me really happy. Now go get your dirty clothes together so I can get them in the washer.”

He sticks out his bottom lip but doesn’t argue. I go to the kitchen, replaying the conversation I had with the girls today.

My doubts have kept me from giving in to what and who I want.

I pull out my phone, then text Gemma and Everleigh, filling them in on my thoughts and Noah’s plans for my birthday next weekend. I already know how they’ll react, but when I get their responses, I smile.

Gemma

FINALLY! Get knocked up so we can have kids the same age.

Everleigh

That would be AMAZING! But then y’all have to have more when I’m ready to start.

I snort.

Katie

Jesus, no one said we’re having sex.

Though the thought has crossed my mind a few times over the past few weeks. I realize this could be the beginning of something amazing. I know I’ll eventually have to figure out what giving Noah a chance truly means before rumors fly like airplanes.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

NOAH

After being gone for two weeks, it felt good to be back at work. It’s only been five days since I’ve returned to the gym, and I’m on high alert when in public. I constantly look over my shoulder and double-check my surroundings. The trauma of what’s happened affected my anxiety, so a couple days ago, I finally booked an appointment with a therapist. I won’t go for a few weeks due to their availability, but I think it’ll be good.

Even if I don’t like talking about my personal life to strangers.

Though I miss seeing Katie during her lunch breaks and at dinner, I’m hoping that will change after this weekend. I’ll never pressure her to make a decision about us even if she’s conflicted, but I want her to know where I stand.

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 grown closer since then.

“How’s it goin’?” Tyler asks when he walks into 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 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.”