Page 23 of Make Us Yours
I bite my lip as I read his text. It’s like I can hear him saying it. Hear him calling me Kitten in that deep, smooth, masculine voice. Even when he says my name, it always sounds different coming from him. Over the last few years, I’ve hated people calling me Veronica. But with him, it makes a knot form in my stomach. And not an unpleasant one.
Another message comes in that makes me giggle.
Noah
BTW, I’m a little disappointed that you’d prefer to have something at a deli rather than eat with us.
Me
I didn’t have a choice. I promised Aubrey I’d bring her dinner at work. Or else I could have maybe been persuaded into staying.
Noah
Noted… for next time.
Me
Seriously, though, I didn’t mean to use your card. I noticed after using it and was going to tell you. I’ll pay you back.
Noah
No need, I like knowing you’re using me. If it’s not for my body, at least let it be my money.
Me
You’re ridiculous.
“Oh God, not you too…”
I look up from my phone to find Aubrey staring at me with wide eyes. “What?”
“They got to you, didn’t they?” she questions.
“No, why would you say that?” I furrow my brows in confusion.
“Because you were just wearing that same goofy smile that the other girls wear every time their men message them.”
My mouth opens and closes like a fish.Was I really doing that?“I was not,” I stagger.
“You were. Trust me, I see that look all the time on Emma’s face, as well as Cecilia’s and Morgan’s.” I honestly don’t even know what to say about that, so I just stay mute. “I take it today went well?”
I clear my throat, pushing what she said to the far back of my brain. “Yeah, actually, it did. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but they’re really not how I’ve alwaysseen them. We actually had a good time and talked like normal people for once. It was refreshing.”
She nods. “So, what now? What does that mean for you guys?”
“Absolutely nothing. You know I don’t do the boyfriend thing. We’re just going to be spending more time together, probably become better friends. But that’s all,” I say, trying to convince myself more than her.
~ One Week Later ~
The boys are coming home from their away game today. This was their third win in the Stanley Cup finals, which means they now have a three-to-two lead. One more win and they take the cup home. It will be their first time winning it in a very long time, so I know how excited they all are. Although I might be dimming that excitement a bit when they get home.
I started redoing the outdoor space two days ago, and I’m glad to say it’s pretty much done. It now looks like a beautiful oasis with a magical view of the city. I’ve set up two outdoor couches, a coffee table, a small outdoor dining table with chairs, some tall leafy plants, string lights all over, and a cute little bird feeder in the corner. It’s simple, yet breathtaking.
It gives off this sense of calm and peace. I picture myself coming home after a long day at work, kicking off my shoes as I pour myself a glass of wine. Then I’d come out here to watch the sun set over the city as the birds stop by for their final snack of the day before flying freely back to their nests.
Ugh, I could live here forever.
Except the reality is, this is my place of work, not my home. And I won’t get to do those things I dream of. Hell, I’ll probably never even get to use it, let alone watch the sunset out here.How unfair life can be sometimes…
