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I’d scored a victory, but it didn’t feel that way. Our conversation felt unfinished, like a loose thread hanging off the edge of our relationship.

“If you wanted to stay longer, you could,” Noah said, rather abruptly.

My eyes flew up to meet his. A hint of color decorated his cheekbones, but he didn’t look away when I asked for clarification. “What do you mean?”

I could practically hear his teeth gritting. “I mean, if you’d like not to move out. Since you’re already living there.” Every syllable was short and clipped, like someone was forcing him to speak with a gun to his head.

This time, my heart didn’t stutter so much as flatline. “Are you…asking me to move in with you?”

“No! I mean…” The hint of color deepened to a pink flush. “July is heat wave season. It’s not a good time to move. It’ll be easier for you to stay until it’s…not heat wave season. For health and logistical reasons.”

A burble of laughter climbed up my throat. I’d never seen Noah so flustered. It was quite endearing. “So you’re saying I should postpone my move into a perfectly nice, affordable flat because the temperatures will be too high for moving?”

“That’s part of the reason.”

“You know I won’t be carrying my luggage through the streets,” I teased. “I’ll hire movers. They have these things called vans. They’re great.”

Ah, there was his scowl. I hadn’t seen it in a while. I almost missed it.

“You’re free to do whatever you wish,” he said stiffly. “Stay or don’t stay. I was giving you options, that’s all.”

My teeth dug into my bottom lip. “You’re really serious about letting me stay?”

“I don’t make a habit of offering things I don’t mean, Carina.”

Trust Noah to sound like a total grump even when he was doing something nice. But if he was serious, should I accept his offer?

I rolled my lips, torn. Staying would be the path of least resistance, but I’d survived my proximity to Noah so far because I had an end date in sight. Every time my heart skipped a beat near him, I told myself I only had to hold myself together until I moved out. Then I’d be free. I was certain that if we no longer lived under the same roof, my teensy-weensy, microscopic crush on him would disappear. Leaving would be physically inconvenient, but it was emotionally safer.

On the other hand, I really didn’t want to share a flat with strangers again, no matter how nice they seemed. I had a nice big bedroom in the Wilsons’ house with an en suite and plenty of privacy. Most importantly, I had Evie. I wouldn’t mind keeping some distance from Noah for my own sake, but I’d miss her to bits.

I quickly checked on her. She’d finished assembling her sundae and was carrying the giant concoction back to the table with small, careful steps.

Amusement pulled at my lips, but when I turned my attention back to Noah, my smile faded. He was waiting for an answer. He didn’t push me to respond, but his gaze burned the air from my lungs. Somehow, the stakes felt higher than a simple living arrangement.

Don’t overthink it. Make a decision, and stick to it.

I could sit here all night and debate the pros and cons, or I could go with my gut.

“Okay,” I said. Noah’s eyes flared, and a thrill ran over my skin. “I’ll stay.”

CHAPTER 26

NOAH

Four saves. Two goals, including one spectacular scorpion kick by Asher during the second half.

Our win against Manchester the following Saturday kept our dreams of topping the table alive, though we had one more match we absolutely must win in order to seal the deal. Nevertheless, the team used the Manchester victory as an excuse to swarm the Angry Boar later that night.

They’d dragged me out with them, but I’d spent the past half hour parked at the bar, checking my texts.

How’s everything going? Are you having fun?

Evie

Daaaad, I’m fine

Evie