Page 155 of Naughty & Nice

Hendrix wraps his hand around the back of Noelle’s neck, whispers “Happy new year,” and then slams his lips down on hers.

Pain slices through my chest.

38

NOELLE

The wrecked expression on Wilder's face as he stood before us and tried to explain how he was feeling, and what he wanted, is one I’m not going to forget for a while.

His usual confidence was gone. There was no sight of the arrogant player who struts around Trinity Royal as if he owns the place.

Standing before us was the real Wilder Kemp. The one with feelings, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. A guy who was willing to admit that he was wrong, that he was sucked in by the allure of college life and everything that comes with being a Titan.

Is he saying that he’s going to stop partying with the team? No. I don’t for a second expect him to. The team, parties, they’re all a huge part of his life. But maybe… just maybe, they’re not the biggest part.

Family is important to us. We are all each other had for a very long time. We are family. As fireworks explode on the TV and Hendrix’s tongue pushes past my lips, I reach out.

Wilder startles at my touch, his entire body flinching as if he weren’t expecting it.

I drag my hand down his bare forearm until I find his fingers.

I’m still mad at him for his attitude on our last morning and the things he said when we dropped him off, but I do also understand where it was coming from.

Is he off the hook? No, absolutely not. But has he made a good start to apologizing and making it up to us? Yeah, he’s doing okay.

Hendrix pulls back and rests his head against mine.

There’s a silent question in his eyes that I can't help but agree to.

“I love you,” I whisper before turning to Wilder. “Happy new year, Wild Child,” I breathe before grabbing the back of his neck and kissing him just like I did in the cabin.

The second our lips collide, he noticeably relaxes, and the piece of my puzzle that’s been missing all week slots back into place.

Our kiss is over almost as soon as it starts.

“Are you sure?” Wilder asks nervously, his eyes darting between the two of us.

“It’s New Year’s,” Hendrix says, taking my hand and tugging me back toward the couch. “I’d planned a relaxed night of movies, so that’s what we’re going to have.”

The two of us crawl back into our previous positions, leaving Wilder loitering at the edge.

“Are you joining us or what?” Hendrix barks after a few seconds of scrolling through the movies on offer.

“Uh…”

“Don’t tell us you’ve changed your mind already?” he asks as if none of this is a big deal.

“No chance,” he mutters before toeing off his shoes and reaching for the waistband of his jeans.

“Did you run all the way here?” I ask, watching him closely.

“Yeah. I should go shower,” he says hesitantly, taking a step back.

“Tomorrow,” I breathe. “We’ll deal with everything tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll just... be.”

Still uncertain, Wilder watches me for a moment.

“Come on, before we change our minds.”

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