Chapter 5: Chapter 5

EVIE

Noah was not what I had anticipated. His unexpected appearance at the club took me by surprise. I was certain Molly had a hand in this; it couldn’t be a mere coincidence.

I was torn between trusting him and maintaining my guard, but I figured one drink wouldn’t do any harm, especially since Molly had left me hanging—~again~.

“I’m the youngest among my brothers,” I found myself saying.

I wasn’t sure why I was sharing details about my family, my personal life, with Noah. Yet, there I was, in the dimly lit bar, pouring my heart out to Noah Landry.

“~Awh~, I have a younger sister too,” Noah responded with a smile.

“Are you implying I’m a baby?” I retorted defensively.

Noah’s smile faded instantly.

“No, not at all. I just meant that I have a younger sister who also has to deal with three older brothers,” he clarified hastily.

I found a strange pleasure in teasing Noah. It was effortless, almost instinctive. He seemed to be trying too hard to win me over, and I couldn’t fathom why.

But I kind of liked it.

“Actually, I have two older brothers and a twin. He’s five minutes older and never lets me forget it.” I shrugged.

“Must have been quite an experience growing up with a twin,” Noah remarked.

I chuckled. “You could say that.”

My gaze drifted across the dance floor, where Molly was still energetically dancing with some random guy she’d just met.

“Do you want to dance?” Noah asked abruptly.

I shook my head. “No, not in the slightest,” I replied.

Noah exhaled, looking relieved. “Me neither,” he said, smiling again.

His smile was captivating. His wide grin revealed dimples on his cheeks, and his dark olive eyes sparkled. I was so lost in his eyes that I didn’t realize I was staring until Noah cleared his throat, snapping me back to reality.

“I hope you’ll consider coming to the bonfire tomorrow night,” Noah suggested.

“~Another one~?” I asked, surprised.

“It’s fall in Lafayette. We have a bonfire every weekend.” He shrugged, amused by my reaction.

“I’m not sure. Last weekend was quite eventful for me,” I replied.

“I assure you, that won’t happen again,” Noah promised.

He seemed genuinely concerned about my opinion of him and sincere about making amends for the fight. I couldn’t understand why. I was just a girl his friend had introduced. Why did my opinion of him or his bonfires matter?

“Why are you so concerned about what I think?” I decided to voice my thoughts.

Noah seemed taken aback by my straightforwardness.

“I don’t want you to be scared of me,” he confessed.

His gaze ignited a fire deep within me, a warmth I had never experienced before. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. Every fiber of my being was urging me to trust him—to let go. My brain was the only part of me resisting.

“I should go,” I said abruptly, standing up and grabbing my jacket.

I felt an overwhelming need for fresh air. Noah stood up with me.

“You’re always running away,” he murmured, sounding almost sad.

“I can only handle social interaction in small doses,” I joked.

“Let me at least walk you to your car. It’s not safe for you to be out there alone,” Noah offered.

I nodded. “That would be nice, thank you,” I replied.

Noah led the way through the bar and held the door open for me.

As I stepped outside and reached for my jacket, Noah came up behind me, holding my jacket and helping me into it. His fingers brushed against my scarred shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine, reminiscent of the sparks I felt at the guesthouse.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, feeling his breath on the back of my neck and his proximity.

I stepped away, and Noah was right beside me.

“I hope you’ll come tomorrow,” he said again, opening my car door.

“I’ll think about it,” I assured him.

“It was really good to see you again, Evie, or whatever your name is,” Noah’s voice had deepened as he leaned over the door toward me.

“Just Evie,” I retorted, my tone laced with defiance.

He shot me a smirk, his eyebrows dancing in amusement.

~All right, game on.~

“I’m onto you and Molly’s little scheme; I just can’t piece together the why,” I confessed, catching him off guard.

“Can’t say I know what you’re talking about,” he replied, a playful wink accompanying his grin.

I shook my head, shutting the car door beneath his lingering arm.

As I drove home, my mind was consumed by Noah’s captivating eyes and the powerful emotions they stirred within me. I had only experienced something similar once before, and it nearly broke me. I wasn’t sure I could endure such intense feelings again.

The following day was spent in a mental tug-of-war over attending the party. Mostly, I was wrestling with whether to resist or surrender to my feelings for Noah. Molly’s early morning text, pleading for my attendance, didn’t help. I couldn’t fathom why she wanted me there, considering she’d likely abandon me as usual. That girl was on a fast track to a slew of regrettable decisions.

“Ah, to hell with it,” I muttered to myself.

As I grabbed my keys and headed for the car, I questioned my sanity the entire drive.

By the time I arrived and parked, I was still uncertain if I’d made the right choice. I berated myself for thinking this was a good idea and was considering turning back when a knock on my window startled me. I looked up to see Sawyer, his face adorned with a goofy grin. I opened the door and stepped out.

“Well, look who decided to show,” Sawyer greeted.

“How are you holding up?” I asked, scanning his face for any signs of bruising.

To my surprise, there were none.

“I’m good, really. Noah and I trade punches at least once a week,” he joked.

“So I’ve heard,” I muttered.

“Let’s head to the beach. Noah will be glad you came,” Sawyer suggested, leading me through the parked cars.

“Why?” I questioned.

“Hmm?” Sawyer seemed preoccupied.

“Why would Noah be glad to see me?” I repeated.

“He didn’t want you to think he’d scared you off for good after last time.” He shrugged.

“Why is everyone so concerned about my opinion of Noah?”

I was beginning to suspect I was being set up, and I didn’t like it one bit.

“Maybe we see something you don’t,” Sawyer suggested, winking at me.

“Well, knock it off. I’m not looking to get involved with anyone,” I grumbled.

Sawyer rolled his eyes.

“You need to loosen up, Evie,” he chided, sounding eerily like my mother.

We reached the ledge, and Sawyer hopped over it.

“Hey, a little help here,” I called out, but Sawyer continued his trek across the beach.

“Allow me.”

My face twisted in annoyance as a familiar voice approached from my side.

“Noah,” I grumbled, watching Sawyer’s retreating figure.

“Nice to see you too.” Noah chuckled, reaching up to wrap his hands around my waist.

“Hey!” I protested as he lifted me off the ground and set me down on the sand.

“Apologies. I thought you needed assistance,” Noah said, slowly removing his hands.

“I didn’t need you to do it for me,” I groaned, tugging at my shirt, which had ridden up and exposed my stomach.