Page 25 of They Are Mine

Noah stirs beside me, shifting against the cushions, his breathing changing.

His lashes flutter.

Then, soft brown eyes blink up at me.

Sleepy. Adorable.

He blinks again, realization settling in. “Oh, shit,” he mutters, sitting up too fast, running a hand through his hair. “I fell asleep?”

God.

He looks so embarrassed.

It’s painfully endearing.

I smile, soft and understanding. “You must’ve been tired.”

He rubs his face, groaning. “I swear I wasn’t trying to pass out on you.”

I giggle, shaking my head. “It’s okay.” I reach for his arm, squeezing just a little. “You were comfortable,” I murmur. “I didn’t mind.”

His lips part, like he doesn’t know what to say to that.

His blush is everything.

He glances at the time, sighing. “I should probably get going.”

I don’t want him to.

But we take our time with a man like Noah.

So I nod, pushing to my feet. “I’ll walk you out.”

The night air is cool when I open the door.

Noah steps onto the porch, hands in his pockets, lingering.

Neither of us moves to say goodbye.

Because he doesn’t want to leave.

And I don’t want him to go.

He looks at me, really looks at me. His eyes soft, warm.

Then, he lifts his hand.

His fingers skim my jaw.

Gentle. Deliberate.

My breath catches.

And then, he kisses me.

It’s not hesitant.

Not uncertain.

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