Page 18 of Love: Take Two

"About that," I answer coldly. "Are you headed back to the city?"

He gives me a sardonic grin.

"You wish, sweetheart. I'm here for the long haul, just like you."

"Thelong haul?" I laugh. "How long is that, exactly? Two months? Maybe three?"

When Noah rakes his fingers through his hair, I grin, knowing I've gotten to him.

"Are we really doing this? Now? What happened before was eons ago. I'm sure you have better things to do than hold a grudge over some perceived slight."

"Actually, this movie is my top priority. You and your future Razzie nominee client will have all my focus until Edward says it's a wrap. But ifyoufeel like bailing, go right ahead." I motion to the walkway leading to the exit. "It would save everyone a lot of time."

"I'm not going anywhere, Awa. You can be petty and make this about some bullshit from college, or you can actually be part of the solution."

"I choose petty," I reply with a saccharine smile. "Good luck turning things around with Yong-rae. And if I don't see you later, have a terrible Thanksgiving, Noah."

I turn on my heels before he can reply, making a beeline for the greenroom to find Tabitha.

I'm not proud of my behavior, but I can't deny the thrill I got from putting him in his place. Noah Park deserves everything coming to him. The Awa Faye he knew is long gone.

Chapter eleven

Awa

November 2005

Noah

Noah:Are you sure you don't want egg rolls? They're buy one-get one free.

I roll my eyes at the phone as if he can see me.

Noah

If you want two egg rolls, get two egg rolls. You know I hate their sweet and sour sauce.

Noah:So get it withoutthe sauce!

And eat a dry ass egg roll? No thank you.

Noah:Boo

Noah sends a thumbs-down emoji to further convey his disapproval, and I snort. He's going to show up with two egg rolls anyway; the man has an unhealthy obsession with greasy food…despite his washboard abs. Not that I saw them when he used his shirt to open that jar for me last Tuesday. Or when he used the hem to clean his sunglasses two weeks ago. Or—

"I know that face," Sybil says, dropping onto the couch next to me like we're a couple of teenagers gossiping at a sleepover. "Does that mean Noah's on his way over to 'study'?" She uses air quotes, so it must be obvious what I was just imagining.

"There's no need for the air quotes, Sybil. We actuallyarestudying. Tuesdays are for Intro to Cinema, and Thursdays are Entertainment Marketing."

"Oh, I'm aware of your supposed schedule," she replies with a knowing grin. "I just don't buy that there aren't anyextracurricular activitieshappening when you two go into your room and shut the door."

She waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I huff, annoyed.

"For the millionth time, nothing is going on between us. We're just friends."

"Uh huh," she says, though it's clear she doesn't believe me.

Embarrassing daydreams aside, we've only touched by accident. No kisses. No caresses. Nothing to warrant a closed door or the heat that creeps up my back whenever he's around. He's been a perfect gentleman. Astudiousgentleman, which is rare in my experience. But if I haven't convinced Sybil by now, I never will.