Page 97 of Come Back to Me

“Does Xander have a thing for Bella?”

Noah clears his throat a bunch of times and bounces his eyes around the room to avoid answering my question.

“Noah!” I raise my voice.

“Look, he hasn’t flat out told me if he has feelings for her, but I’m confident he does. Don’t say anything to anybody about it though. I don’t want to embarrass him.”

“I wouldnever do that.”

Grayson aggressively plops down on the sofa next to Xander. “Vi, you should tell everybody about your exciting news!”

I sit back down next to Willow on the sofa, directly facing the giant TV. “Oh, really?”

Grayson nods. “Mm-hm.”

“What’s your news?” Dani asks.

“Tell us!” Bella shouts.

“Laura promoted me to assistant manager at Sweet & Salty.” I place my hands on my cheeks, feeling them get warmer with every second that passes by.

“That’s awesome! Congrats, Violet.” Noah grins at me.

“I second what Noah said,” Xander adds.

“Wait, did you know about this already?” Bella asks Grayson.

“Yeah, Violet told me after you guys left the game,” Grayson tells her.

“Well, Laura did the right thing. You’re a part of the heart and soul of that store. I’m so happy and excited for you. When one chapter ends, another one begins.” Dani’s eyes dart back and forth between Grayson and I.

“Cut it out,” I say softly.

“So, when are you going to leave us to converse with the Stingrays?” Xander asks Grayson, resting his fist underneath his chin.

“Not for a while. I’m sure they’re drunk off their asses by now, and I don’t need to see it.”

“Good for you!” Noah puts a thumb up into the air.

“Wow, we’re a fun bunch, aren’t we? We’re sitting up here to get away from everybody and the noise.” Grayson looks at all of us individually.

“What matters is that we’re having fun together. Right?” Dani makes a point.

“You’re right, Sunshine.” Noah goes in to plant a kisson Dani’s cheek.

I turn my head away from the mushiness, but not enough because Grayson is still in my view. My eyes keep meeting his. When I smile at him, he returns a smile back at me.

Bella rolls her eyes. “Are you two done swallowing each other yet?”

“I hate to inform you, but we might be here until tomorrow,” Xander answers her question. He successfully gets Bella to giggle before he pushes Noah a bit. “Seriously bro, can you guys not do this right now?”

Noah releases Dani’s lips from his and gives his full attention to Xander. “Okay, calm down.” He wraps his arms around Dani’s waist.

“What’s going on with you?” Dani asks Xander, narrowing her eyes a little. “Are you okay?”

“I’m peachy.” He winks at Noah.

Dani gives Noah an intense death stare. “I’m going to kick your ass if you told him!”