Page 67 of Prove Me Wrong
Nathan stalks into the house as if he owns it, and sinks into the couch, right where Jade and I were sitting. Carrying her over, I make sure to be on the other end of the couch, but Jade crawls off my lap towards Nathan.
Chuckling, he scoops her up and pulls her into his chest, making noises and pretending to nibble at her arms. Jade squeals so hard it almost hurts my ears.
Sitting quietly, I keep my focus on the screen. Noah didn’t tell me his friend would be coming over, but I wish he had. Then I could havementally prepared myself instead of feeling as uncomfortable as I do right now.
“So, Mia.” Nathan breaks the silence as he props Jade up on his lap and bounces his knee. She giggles and looks at me with rosy cheeks and a gap-toothed grin that softens my heart. “How are you liking being Sterling’s babysitter so far?”
“It’s good,” is all I can mutter out before turning back to the TV, a lump sitting too high in my throat.
He casually snorts a laugh. “I’m not here as his spy, you know?” That makes my muscles loosen slightly. “I’m just curious, especially because he doesn’t normally leave Jade with strangers. Noah is way too protective of her, but I’m sure you can understand why that is.”
My eyes move to his dark ones as I try to figure out what he’s trying to tell me without actually saying it. “I would be too if I didn’t have a partner to help care for my kid.”
Nathan’s mouth ticks. “You should have seen him when Jade was trying to learn to walk. She’d hold his hand, and Tatum’s hand, and waddle around everywhere. It was a very cute thing to see.”
I turn to stare in his direction, my face slightly pinched, remembering that name from my conversation with Sinnett. “Where is Tatum?”
He groans, leaning his head against the side of the couch, mouth pouting a little. “She left for Sydney. Got a deal with a rugby team there as a physiotherapist. She’s liking it more than I thought, which is annoying, because I wanted her to move back home.”
My lips curl a little as I learn back, arms folding over my stomach. “To the Wolves?” His dark eyes snap to mine. “Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Just a guess. I think I saw it on a news site somewhere,” I lie, because I know exactly who Tatum is… and I have a feeling there might be something going on between her and my brother.
“Hmm, I haven't seen anything about it, but I guess I am more of a basketball and motor sport kind of guy. Do you watch rugby?”
My chin dips. “I grew up on it.”
Nathan nods, a smile pulling in his mouth. “Girls who like sports are hot.” My face falters. “Sorry. It’s a fact, though.”
Looking back to the screen, Noah appears in his orange and white racing suit. His fluffy golden hair is waving in the breeze as he beams at the interview lady holding a microphone. She’s saying something, but I am only focused on him. Noah’s perfectly lined jaw dotted in stubble, carved out cheekbones, thick eyebrows and straight nose. He’s handsome, nobody can deny that—both inside and out.
Jade coos, trying to get off Nathan’s lap, but he holds her tightly. She smiles at her dad on screen, reaching out a hand to grab him.
“How are you feeling for today’s race?” the lady beside Noah asks. She’s beaming just as wide as he is, showing her small dimple. Thick, curly hair stops at her shoulder, matching her dark skin and eyes. She’s beautiful, with a sort of elegance and poise. For the first time since meeting Noah, I feel a flicker of jealousy coming to life in the pit of my chest. I don’t like the way she’s looking at him, her shoulder pressed against his as they laugh together.
I know it’s ridiculous, but for some reason, I really don’t like it.
“Conditions aren’t bad today, windier than we expected, but that won’t stop us.” Noah flashes her his face-eating grin.
“Well, since your Canberra race, I think you’ll be one of the best out there.”
The simmering of jealousy is flickering into a full flame now.
“It’ll be a tough race, but I’m hoping to score the team some extra points today.”
“I think you’ll be bringing them points, there’s no doubt about that,” the lady, Simone, says giddily. “And who is at home cheering for you today?” She holds the microphone to his mouth again to catch his answer.
Noah looks right into the camera, apple eyes staring right at me. He grins. “My daughter Jade, of course. Hi, princess.”
Jade giggles and tries reaching for him. Nathan has to hold her in place before she tumbles off his lap. “Daddy!” she squeals, and my heart sinks as I watch her begging for her dad. It must be so hard for both of them when Noah is away.
“And my friends.”
Nathan leans over and flicks my arm, making me flinch with surprise. He snickers before nodding towards the screen. “He means us.”
“And Grey,” Noah adds before raking his hands through his hair.
My heart jolts and a wash of cold passes over me at Noah saying my name on TV. Well, not my real name, but the name he’s reserved only for me, which makes it feel even more special. Green irises stare into mine, and I feel my pulse quickening.
