Noah smirks, ‘nope’ he replies casually, ‘I definitely did not say the words, I have a class next.’
I scoff loudly, ‘you literally said that you hope my next lesson is the same as yours’ I argue back.
The Jock nods, ‘and it is! We both have a free period’ he points out, ‘it’s like we were custom made to be besties.’
I check my wristwatch, noting that it’s already after twelve so with a sigh I nod, ‘I could do with some lunch’ I admit, especially after I skipped breakfast because I was too nervous to eat.
We head toward the doors to the college, Noah pushing them open and allowing me to go first before stepping out into the sharp sunlight behind me and wrapping an arm around my shoulders for the second time.
‘So where do you want to eat?’ Noah asks as we walk down the small sidewalk toward the car park, ‘there’s a cafe down the block that does a kick ass club sandwich.’
I shrug, ‘I only moved here a couple of days ago’ I admit, ‘I have no idea where any good eateries are.’
Noah’s face morphs into delight, ‘you are a Maine virgin?’ he asks excitedly, ‘oh sweetheart, you have been denied! Let’s go to Manny’s!’
He hurries me toward an expensive looking car, unlocking the doors and holding open the passenger side one for me as I hesitate for a second before sliding into the seat.
Shutting the door, he jogs around the front and climbs into the driver’s seat, sliding the key into the ignition and starting the engine. The loud rumble from under the bonnet vibrates through me and I have to fight not to grab hold of the small hand grip above my head.
‘I think I should warn you, if you are thinking about kidnapping me, I have mace in my bag and a scream that can pierce eardrums that I am not afraid to use’ I mutter as the man beside me pulls out of the parking space and heads for the exit.
Noah chuckles, ‘well that’s good to know as I’m much too pretty to deserve the red itchy eyes of being maced and I’m particularly fond of my ability to hear. So, I won’t kidnap you if you don’t injure my eyes or my ears.’
I laugh, nodding, ‘so I can hurt any other part of your body, just not your eyes or ears’ I verify, smirking at the pained look that crosses the jock’s face.
‘Harsh, woman’ he groans, ‘don’t be threatening my favourite body part, you’ll be denying so many ladies the most euphoric of pleasure.’
‘Wow, you sure think highly of yourself’ I retort in amusement.
‘Just spouting the truth sweetheart’ the jock replies with a wink, ‘never had any complaints from anyone.’
‘Maybe they were too disappointed to be able to speak the next morning’ I tease.
‘Wound me why don’t you’ Noah huffs, eyeing me, ‘don’t you know that you shouldn’t kick a guy when he’s already down.’
I raise an eyebrow, ‘you are upset about something? You cover it so well.’
Noah grins, ‘if you must know, I had my heart broken today’ he sighs, ‘I asked out the second line cheerleader and she said no.’ He presses a hand to his head, pouting, ‘she said no Tessa! How can you refuse this face?’
I shrug, ‘maybe she’s blind’ I offer giggling.
Noah snaps his fingers, ‘that must be it’ he exclaims, ‘she’s nearsighted, I wasn’t standing close enough when I asked.’ He nudges me with his elbow, ‘thanks new bestie’ he teases, ‘when Rosa and I are married, I’m going to name our first baby after you.’
‘Gee thanks’ I laugh, ‘I am so happy I could help you in your quest for your true love the cheerleader.’
We are pulling up outside of a small bakery and cafe, Noah cutting the engine as I unbuckle my seatbelt and open the door, eyeing the small building.
‘We’re eating here?’ I ask, glancing at my companion as he nods, placing a hand on my back and ushering me toward the door.
As we step through, a small tinkling bell rings above us and a young girl with bubble-gum pink hair glances up from the book she’s reading as she leans on the counter that is stocked with different cake options.
‘Pick a seat guys, I’ll be over in a minute, menus are on the table’ she calls before turning the page and continuing to read.
We pick a table near the back of the small space, and Noah hands me a menu before pulling out his phone.
‘You not eating?’ I ask, noticing he hasn’t even looked at his menu.
‘No need sweetheart’ he replies, ‘I only ever get the Philly cheesesteak sub with barbeque sauce, and then I’ll be topping it off with one of Manny’s world-famous strawberry swirl cupcakes.’
‘OK guys, you want drinks?’ the waitress asks, appearing at my elbow with a notepad and pen.
‘Chocolate milkshake with extra whipped cream and some chocolate shavings for me gorgeous’ Noah says, his gaze raking over the girl who merely raises an eyebrow and turns to me.
‘And you?’ she asks.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.