Page 38 of Kissing Chaos
In no time, I hear the pitter-patter of Sadie’s nails on the wood flooring. Then there’s a giant fluff ball on the bed licking my face.
Giggling, I scratch under her leather collar. “Hey, sweet girl. Are you ready for our slumber party?”
She yips before spinning around and plopping down on the quilt at the foot of the bed like she knows exactly what I just said. The light in the hallway cuts off, and then Noah is standing in my doorway.
“When I was over earlier, you asked if I’d put out any feelers for a place to set up shop.”
Nodding, he leans against the frame instead of coming closer to my bed. “Glad to see you thinking about it.”
“Aside from my dad, everyone has always joked that it’s just a pipe dream. But now that I have the option to actually make that dream a reality?” I shrug, studying Sadie’s coat a little too closely to avoid Noah’s knowing gaze. “You can definitely say no, but I was hoping you might be willing to help me find somewhere.” Looking up, I brace myself for the laughter that always follows these types of discussions but am met with silence. That may be worse. The urge to keep talking, to explain my thoughts or backtrack, is strong.Before I can, though, Noah eases my worries.
“I may have a few ideas in mind. I’ll put some feelers out and let you know what I find.” My eyes must be as wide as saucers, because Noah finally walks toward the bed and sits on the edge. “I see those wheels turning, and it kills a part of me that my support surprises you. I’d suggest talking to Kelsey Rileyabout it, too, if you’re looking for a business partner. She’s talked about adding to the café on more than a few occasions over the years.”
“You just spewed all that like it’s such a simple task.”
“Not a simple one, but I think you have the capability to make that dream a reality. If it’s costs you are worried about, I’d be glad to crunch numbers with you, too.”
“Ah, you’re a math geek.”
“Guilty.”
“You really think I can do it?”
“Whoever told you that it was just a pipe dream underestimated your heart. I can see the love for that store in your eyes even though it’s just a dream. Imagine proving all the naysayers wrong by making it a reality.”
Butterflies flit around my stomach at the thought of someone believing in me. My dad doesn’t count—he’s always supported my crazy dreams—but having someone else, someone I genuinely care about, believing in me? No one else ever has. I start to tell Noah as much.
“Reece doesn’t think—”
“Quite honestly, chaos, I don’t have much nice to say about your brother right now. So, if you tell me that he doesn’t support you, I may not reply kindly.”
The fluttering in my stomach turns into a full-on swarm of wings that warms me from the inside out. Noah’s eyes never leave mine.
He finally settles against the headboard but stays on top of my fluffy purple comforter. “Now, come snuggle and get some shuteye.”
I huff out an aggravated breath, although I don’t mean it. “You could at least get under the covers with me.” As I lean into him, he wraps an arm around me, securing me to his side. I toss a leg across his thighs and trace circles over his sleep shirt.
“You grossly overestimate my self-control. It’s taking everything I have not to strip us both and have my way with you.”
Groaning, I hide my face as best I can. “Not helping things, Noah.”
His laugh is infectious, making me giggle along with him.
“Okay, okay. No more. I promise.” He squeezes me and kisses my head again. “Sweet dreams, chaos.”
Sadie yips once from the foot of the bed as if to say good night as well.
A girl could get used to this. That’s what makes a man like Noah Slater so dangerous.
15
Noah
Usually, there’s nothing better than lounging on the couch with Sadie curled on my feet on my day off. This weekend is different. It’s the anniversary of when everything changed sixteen years ago. Where I would normally make plans to hang out with the guys—or more recently, Jett—I plan to spend this Friday right here, hiding from the world.
I’ve actively avoided Jace for the last few days, ignored my sister’s calls and texts, and only gone around town for the necessities. That’s why it doesn’t surprise me to see Drew’s name flash across my phone screen. My head falls back onto the couch cushion as I groan; he no doubt needs farm help, and I’d bet anything Jace set it up. It’s supposed to be my day off. I worked four twelve-hour days this week and just want to stew in my misery.
Wiping my hands over my face, I answer. “Hello?”
