Page 52 of The Stand-In Boyfriend

“It’s just bruised, plus it’s been a while since I changed my ice pack.”

“Crutches?”

I sigh. “They’re… around.”

The look she gives me is skeptical, but she doesn’t comment further. Instead, she gives me a hug. “Please be careful.”

“You’ll see.” I force a smile onto my face. “I’ll be like new in no time.”

“If you say so. I’ll leave you to it, but I’m one text away if you need me, okay?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Mom.”

“Go and put some ice on it, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Evie gives me a hard glare when I try to walk her out. “Tomorrow,” I agree and limp toward the kitchen instead. Noticing our empty glasses on the coffee table, I sigh and stop to grab those too to put them in the dishwasher while I’m at it.

I’m about to cross the hallway when I hear the front door open. Mom? Nah, it’s too early, it must be Evie.

“Hey, did you forget something?” I turn around, but it’s not Evie standing in the hallway. “Noah? What are you doing here?”

He takes me in from head to toe like he’s surprised to see me standing there. Which is stupid, because he’s in my house.

Finally, his eyes return back to my face, his lips pressed in a tight line. “Better question is, why aren’t you lying down? And where are your crutches?”

Here we go again.

I wave him off. “I’m fine. I was just going to…” But I don’t get to finish because my ankle wobbles, making me stumble.

Holy shi—

Arms wrap around me from behind, pulling me against a hard chest.

“You were saying?” Noah asks over my shoulder. His chin is resting against my shoulder, his warm breath tickling the sensitive skin behind my ear.

“Wha— Oh, right. I was just getting ready to go to bed.”

“Mm-hmm…” His chest rumbles behind me and I can’t help but relax into his warm embrace.

“It’s true,” I protest weakly. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“I crossed paths with Evie as she was leaving.”

“Right,” I say, reluctantly pulling back. I know there is no way I can stay like this forever. No matter how much I like it. “Well, you saw me, so…”

He grabs the glasses from my hands and goes toward the kitchen. “Did you eat anything?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Try again.”

I run my hand through my messy hair. I seriously need to shower. “Noah…”

He interrupts me. “Noah nothing. Go and take a shower, and I’ll order a pizza.” I glare at him, so done with people bossing me around. “You can glare all you want, but I’m not leaving, Jessy.”

A shiver runs through my body when I hear him use my nickname.

“You don’t have to fake it, there’s nobody to see the show.”

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