Page 20 of Twice as Forbidden

His assumption makes my stomach tighten, but I keep my expression neutral.

Over his shoulder, I catch Noah’s gaze. He’s watching, waiting for my reaction. I push a smile onto my lips, ignoring the weight of Noah’s stare, and shake Jacob’s hand.

“Georgia. Nice to meet you.” I keep my tone even, careful not to betray anything.

Satisfied I haven’t corrected Jacob’s assumption, Noah shifts his attention back to the woman beside him, dismissing me without a second thought.

“If you’re ready, we can get started,” Jacob says, drawing my focus back.

I muster another smile and nod. “Yeah, of course.”

Following him to a row of computers, I take in the tight workspace. He gestures to an open seat. “This is us. Sorry, it’s a little snug in here. Did you need anything to drink before we dive in?”

“No, I’m good, but thanks.”

“Alrighty then. Let’s see what you got.”

Who knows how many hours passed before Jacob finally shut up and suggested lunch. “Normally, the team just grabs food from the cafeteria. You cool with that?” he asks. Noah walks up with the sales analyst training him. “Great timing. You guys ready?”

The last thing I want to do is go to the cafeteria—especially with Noah. But with no real way out, I plaster on a cheeky smile and nod. “Sounds great.”

Jacob and Katie, Noah’s training specialist, walk ahead, caught up in their own conversation. I trail behind, completely exposed to Noah’s inevitable approach.

His presence is immediate, his voice low as he steps beside me. “How’s it going over there?”

I don’t answer.

He exhales, running a hand through his hair. “Look… about this morning. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said.”

“You always mean what you say, Noah.”

“Well, yeah, I’m pissed. You fucking blindsided me. How the hell do you think I’m supposed to react?”

“I don’t know, not go out and get laid just to throw it in my face?”

“What, are you jealous?”

I scoff at his ridiculous notion that I give a shit. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I told you, I’m sorry. I don’t wanna do this with you. What I said this morning was wrong. I don’t want you to leave.”

I stop, spinning to face him. “But you don’t want me to be here either.”

He throws his hands up. “What do you want me to say? You fucking broke up with me, George.”

“Here we are,” Jacob interjects. “Grab a tray. The food’s not bad. We’ll meet you two at the back table to the left, cool?” I nod and grab a tray, then move through the line quickly so Noah doesn’t have a chance to finish our conversation. I pile some salad and croutons on a plate, grab a packet of ranch, and head to the checkout.

“You can’t ignore me, George.”

“I’m not ignoring you. I’m choosing not to fight with you.”

“I don’t want to fight. I hate this shit.”

“Yeah, says the hickey on your neck.” I’m going to hell. I sucked his father off in his shower, and I’m making a thing out of his tramp-stamp. I’m not jealous. Knowing Noah had sex with someone last night doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is he doesn’t know how to control his emotions. There will be another girl in my place, and I have no doubt that relationship will end the same way ours did if he doesn’t get himself together.

As soon as we sit at the table, the questions start.

“How’d you two meet?” Katie asks.

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