Page 43 of Even Exchange

“And besides, I’m in Seattle next weekend for a tour with the Grizzlies,” he says, reminding me of his impending move, and my stomach sinks. “I have to leave for the airport Thursday after graduation.”

“Right,” I say, glancing over, allowing myself to get an extra long look at him. He taps his left hand on his thigh to the beat of the music while his head bobs back and forth. A few days’ worth of stubble covers his jaw, and I find myself wondering how it would feel rubbing between my thighs.

Charlotte, it’s going to be a long weekend if you allow these thoughts to flood your brain.

Noah grips the steering wheel loosely, his elbow resting on the center console. The veins in his arm tense and release as he moves his hand along the leather. He reaches up to scratch his chiseled chin, and I can’t take my eyes off his perfect mouth as he brushes his thumb over his plump lip. The CBU Football hat adorned atop his head is backwards, and that’s just not even fair.

It should be illegal for a man to wear a backwards ball cap when you’re trying to keep them in the friend zone.

“Something I can help you with?” Noah asks, catching me staring.

My cheeks ignite. Along with the rest of my body. The Roman emperor has burned me along with the cinnamon. “Just trying to figure out why you’re doing this for me.”

“Your siblings seem awesome, and I’m looking forward to something more low-key.”

“Is that really why?” I ask, ruining my illusion of nonchalance.

“I can party with the boys any time,” he says, twinkling green eyes meeting mine for a split second before he focuses back on the road.

“Well, I’m super grateful you’re giving up tits and tequila for tents and twins.”

Theo was very adamant on that fact.

“Stop acting like I’m doing you a favor.” Noah shakes his head, a crooked smile spreading across his face. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

A sense of serenity takes hold inside me, and we settle into comfortable conversation all the way to Longwood.

We pull up to the Benson estate, and a rock the weight of a two-ton elephant returns to my stomach. It’s cold and callous shell is a total contrast from Noah’s cozy white-picket home oozing love and family. He doesn’t comment on the lavish building as we get out of the truck, and I’m grateful.

The moment we’re inside, Mom’s voice pierces my ears. “Kids, are you ready yet?” she calls down the hall.

“Almost!” Nash shouts back.

“I’ve gotta leave when Charlie gets here,” she says as I close the door with a loud thud.Just like her, always running out.Her footsteps echo down the hallway, and she comes into view. “Oh, good,” she says. “I was worried you’d run late. I have a meeting in”—she looks down at her watch—“well, now, actually.”

“We’re here,” I say.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Benson,” Noah says, extending his hand. “I’m Noah.”

“Pleasure’s all mine,” she says, donning a perfectly poised smile. “Thank you so much for taking them on this trip.”

“Of course, happy to.”He’s happy to.

“You’re lucky to have such a good friend,Charlie,” Mom says, checking her watch again. My eyes find Noah’s, and our lips quirk to a matching smile.It seems I am.“Kids, you ready?”

Nash rounds the corner, a ginormous backpack hooked on his shoulders, and I’m filled with happiness at the sight of him.

“I’m so excited,” he says, grinning ear to ear, one misstep from toppling over.

“Me too,” I say, squeezing him tightly.

“I’mreadyyyyy!” Denny calls out, dragging her equally large bag down the hallway. Noah laughs, the warm, unfamiliar sound echoing in the spacious foyer, and he walks to her.

“Isn’t this a little too big for you?” Noah teases.

“Aren’t you a little too big for weird mask T-shirts?” Denny sasses back, and Noah glances down.

“This is Darth Vader,” Noah scoffs. “It’s a classic.”