Page 32 of Kissing Chaos
“You had about four boxes full when we unloaded yesterday.”
“Ah, that.”
“So, you’ll come?”
Silently wishing that is purposely a sexual innuendo but knowing it isn’t, I nod. Before I can turn away to step through the doors, he drops a kiss on my forehead.
“Later, chaos.”
Before I can process what just happened, he’s disappeared around the corner. I sigh and slip through the door, heading to Dr. Kristen’s receptionist.
12
Jett
“What do I wear to watch hockey?” I ask McKenna as she lounges on my bed.
I’ve entered panic mode and have emptied every hanger in my closet trying to find the perfect outfit for hanging out at Noah’s today.
“Are you serious, Jett?”
Without looking up, I nod. “Duh. I wouldn’t ask if I knew.”
“Just dress for comfort. You’re literally walking next door.”
“But I’ll look homeless.” Looking up at her, I pout. “I can’t pull off the bum look like you.”
McKenna groans as she sits up. “Bull crap, Jenette. You are gorge. Just breathe, friend. Noah already knows you’re a creature of comfort. He also doesn’t care what you do or don’t wear.”
“How do you know?” I know I sound pathetic, but my insecurities are in full swing today. It makes no sense to me, but something about Noah quiets me. And he seems to like me, which is even crazier to me. I want to keep as much of my spiciness away from him as I can, at least for now.
“He texted me to ask what comfort foods you’d want. So, I filled him in. He was worried about making sure you were relaxed enough to have a good time. He’s a good guy, Jett. An even better friend.”
That has my whole body freezing, my breath catching in my lungs. “Wait, how do you know that? About being a friend? And how does he have your number?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Kens, you know that doesn’t work for me.” It feels like little ants crawling through my veins as my anxiety spikes, all the possible scenarios of how the two know each other building doubt. Did they date at some point? Hook up? Does she have a thing for him?
McKenna sighs, and I can already tell I won’t like the next thing out of her mouth.“Look, babe. I need you to hear me when I say this, okay?”
I can’t force my eyes to meet hers as my heart tries to climb up my throat, but I at least turn in her general direction.
“I met Noah several years back. Not long before you and I met, actually. I’m going to save you the details, because that story is a downer, but he helped me get out of a toxic relationship. Literally loaded me up and drove me away from the drunk asshat I was ready to marry.”
So many questions swarm my thoughts as I wonder why I never knew my bestie had been engaged. She knows me well enough to recognize the curiosity she just awakened and places a hand over mine, squeezing gently. “It’s a story for another time, Jett. Besides, Noah only has eyes for you.”
I snort-laugh. So ladylike. “You’re delusional. You know that right? And it doesn’t matter where Noah’s eyes are, because I already warned him off.” I do my best to ignore the giant bomb my best friend just dropped on me. If I go ahead and lock it up tight, I can hopefully keep my focus on my night in.
“Put on one of your book sweatshirts. Those soft, thick leggings you are so fond of and some fuzzy socks are perfect for curling up on the couch with the man,”McKenna says, a satisfied smirk lining her lips a blood rushes to my neck and cheeks.
Pushing down the urge to crawl under the covers and cancel plans, I take a deep breath. “You’re sure that’s not too underdressed? It won’t be weird if I show up in that?”
“Honey, you could show up in a burlap sack and he’d still have hearts for eyes.” She stands, putting her hands on my shoulders and squeezing. “You got this, girl.”
***
I take a deep breath and knock before I chicken out. Sadie’s pitter-patter and a soft whine on the other side of the door greet me.
