Page 10 of Even Exchange

“She did good,” I tell him. “Got first in beam for her age group.”

“That’s awesome!” Noah says, removing his arm from my chair to signal the bartender.Finally, I can breathe again.

“Yeah, she loves it,” I say. “And I’m glad comps keep them busy.”

Keeps themdistractedis what I don’t say.

“Well, at least you’ll see them this weekend,” Noah reminds me, and my mood instantly brightens.

“I can’t wait. We’re gon?—”

“Excuse me,” a feminine voice interrupts on the opposite side of Noah.

He turns, and a redhead who looks like she walked off a Miami Swim Week runway comes into view. “Yes?” Noah replies.

“Are you Noah Caruso?” she asks.

A smug smile graces his lips. “I am.”

Welp. His ego’s officially been stroked.

“Can I buy you a drink?” she offers with a lazy smile, and my lips roll together.

“I appreciate the offer,” Noah says. “But no thanks.”

My eyes bolt to my hairline, and I force them down.

“No?” she repeats, her smile faltering. Fortunately for her, I’m wingwoman of the week.

“He’s kidding!” I tell her, side-eying Noah while leaning on the bar for a better line of sight. “Playing hard to get.” I throw a thumb his way. “You know how these cocky little athletes are.”

Noah grips the back off my chair, spinning me toward him, and my stomach drops as our eyes meet. “Little?” he scoffs, fighting a smile.Breathe, girl!

“Don’t get your jock strap in a twist,” I choke out, waving him off, returning my attention to the redhead. “He’d love one.”

“Thank god.” She places a hand on her chest. Her very large, very voluptuous chest. “I’d be mortified telling my friends the hottest guy here turned down afreedrink from me.”

“Come on,” Theo says, butting in and throwing an arm around Noah. “He’s clearly in second place.”

Time to make my exit.

I hop off the bar stool, my body gliding past Noah’s to leave.

“Where are you going?” he asks, and our eyes meet. His expression is unreadable. My stomach burns.Maybe I shouldn’t have drank that last merlot.

“Don’t want to be a cockblock,” I say with a wink and half-hearted smile, then slip away, his gaze searing my back my entire walk to the lounge.

I spot Sophia and Elijah, along with Sage, another close friend of mine, and her “friend” Julian. I consider joining them but don’t want to be a fifth wheel. I also don’t want to kill their fun. Every time I hang out with Sophia, it feels off. Which I guess is my fault, considering what happened with her ex-boyfriend, Seth. Part of me does wonder how a good guy like Jonathan could even remotely sympathize with that dirtbag.

I swallow down the unwanted memories. Any desire I had to party has fluttered away like a dandelion in the wind.

“Hey!” There’s a tap on my shoulder, and I turn to find Jonathan’s roommate, Eric. He scoops me up in a hug, and I feel tiny in his strong linebacker arms. “Thought you left already.”

“Tomorrow,” I say, pulling away.

“Having fun tonight?”

“Yeah.” I force a smile, the truth on the tip of my tongue.

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