Page 15 of Love: Take Two

If the hopeful expression on his face didn't work, the memory of his full-body stretch would. I can't ask him to work in a space that requires a visit to the chiro afterwards. Besides, meeting at my place would be more convenient, and he wouldn't have to walk me home.

"Sure," I respond. His shoulders relax in obvious relief. I've never met someone so invested in school, yet so eager to avoid the library.

"Thursday? Seven o'clock again?"

When I bob my head in agreement, Noah smiles one last time before turning to go to his dorm.

Tonight was…nice. I expected to have a hard time staying on task, turning into a bumbling idiot around someone like him. Instead, it felt natural from the start. He put me at ease, and our work styles are aligned. This is looking like it's going to be the best year yet.

Chapter nine

Noah

November 2005

The Brotherhood

D-Money: You're meeting up with that girl again?

D-Money:What's that, like the third time this week?

I frown. What does it matter how many times a week I meet up with Awa? And why do my brothers care?

I tug my backpack higher up on my shoulder and narrowly miss running into a cyclist as I round the corner to Webb Tower.

TheBrotherhood

It's only the second time, not that it's any of your business.

We have a big assignment coming up before Thanksgiving break.

Cory:Sure, sure. And you just have to work on it alone. In her dorm room. AT NIGHT.

D-Money:Ha ha! Gotcha!

I scowl at my phone. I should never have told them about my private study sessions. They're getting the completely wrong idea. Yes, I moved our meet-ups to her room, but that was to get away from those chairs that could double as torture devices. Plus, having to whisper when we're trying to reason out an argument is a pain in the ass.

And you're hoping she'll let you jump her bones—unlikely in a public library.

I push that thought back into the vault where it belongs, since it sounds suspiciously like I might like this girl. And I can't like this girl, not when my brothers and I have a pact to stay single, sticking to hookups only. Awa isnota hookup. I can tell by the prim little buttons on her shirts and the way her eyes dart away from mine at the slightest hint of innuendo. Ifwe got physical, she'd latch on like the chick from "Wedding Crashers", andthenwhat would I tell my brothers?

That you found a girl you like and maybe it's time to call off the pact?my brain supplies. He and I are going to have a chat later, because my dick is supposed to be the one running the show, at least when it comes to women.

The Brotherhood

Cory didn't GET anything.

We meet at her dorm 'cause it's convenient and right near Crystal's spot.

Baby Bro:Heyoooo! Who's Crystal?

I smile at Adam's antics. He was psyched to finally be allowed into the group chat, though now we have to watch what we say since he just started junior high, and Dad would probably kill us if we went into details.

The Brotherhood

A cutie I met at the gym a few weeks ago. She's on the women's volleyball team.

I laugh out loud when Adam sends back a sweating emoji. I'm outside Webb Tower now and get a few looks from passersby.