Page 73 of Kissing Chaos
“Open it and find out,” he says.
“You’ll love it,” my mom adds, stepping close and squeezing my shoulder. “I’m going to slip out since you are no longer alone.”
Reaching out to grab her hand, I hold tight, unable to voice my appreciation.
“Love you, sweetheart. Call or text me, okay?”
I mumble an “I love you” and stare after her as she leaves. Once the door latches, my attention flips back to Noah and what is in my hand.
Feeling even more unsure, I slowly peel into the envelope and slide its contents onto the counter. Leaning my hip into the bar stool, I stare down at two season passes for the Steele Valley Voltage’s upcoming season.
“Is this for real? How did you even manage this?” My fingers ghost over the items in front of me. These haven’t gone on sale yet. When I say as much, Noah reaches up to smooth my lip from between my teeth.
“I had Silas pull some strings for me. He was more than willing when I told him they were for the woman of my dreams.”
“Stop.”
“Seriously. That’s all it took.”
“This is too much, Noah. I know what those tickets run. I’ve looked at them every year but never had anyone to go with.” Unable to keep my fidgeting under wraps, I pick at my sleeve. Noah quickly traps my hands in his and places them on his chest.
“I called in favors, so I didn’t pay full price. But I would have if I hadn’t been able to secure these.”
“You’re insane.”
“For you? Always.”
Fisting his shirt and pulling him closer, I press my lips to Noah’s. He understands my method of appreciation and kisses me back, one hand sliding to cradle my head while the other settles on my waist.
My mind drifts, wondering how any of this is real.
This chapter of life since moving to Havenwood was a much-needed reset. I never expected to find love, friendships, or business success when I came down here on a whim after being stuck in an elevator during a thunder storm. I never expected Noah Slater and this town to piece me back together the way they did. For the first time in my adult life, I feel whole.
Fighting the sudden emotions that these thoughts bring, I pull back just enough to ask, “How did you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Turn my life around. Quiet my mind. Make me a better, stronger version of myself.”
“That was all you, chaos. You learned how to chase your dreams. I just cheered you on.” He squeezes me to his chest, his chin resting on my head. “And I’ll continue being here for you for as long as you’ll let me.”
Lucky for me, I plan on letting him be my biggest fan indefinitely.
Epilogue
Noah
“But like, are yousureyou want to deal with this long-term? I mean, I know it’s been almost ten months—not that I’m counting or anything—and you’ve learned the doom pile system, but at some point, you’re going to get sick of me. You have to.”
I swear I could strangle this girl if I didn’t love her so much. The way her brain works is anyone’s guess, and I am at a loss as to how to get it through to her that she is my end game.
“Chaos, you are shit out of luck. I’m not going anywhere.”
“But you might. I put peanut butter crackers in the freezer and a container of gelato in the refrigerator, for cryin’ out loud.”
As she tosses the ruined dessert into the trash can, I refrain from telling her that it should be fine to put it in the freezer now. She’d argue that the texture is ruined. It’s alright. I have my own stash next door specifically for her.
“I want it all with you, Jett. Don’t you get that?” I ask as I try to take her hand into mine, but she pulls away.
