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“You know, just a few weeks ago she let me bring her on a date and left with another man. Claimed they were neighbors.” His brows jumped. “Be careful with this one.”

“James, who’s this?”

James. At least I finally knew his name.

The man in question jumped as if he’d just remembered he was with someone and tore his eyes away from us. All I could think about was that scene inThe Officewhen Angela walked up on Dwight while he was flirting with another girl, and it took everything in me not to let out a snort of laughter.

I didn’t know this woman but she was too good for him.

“Just an old friend,” he answered, rocking on his heels. I was happy to report he wasn’t wearing that godawful suit or those Crocs tonight.

“She ain’t your friend. She ain’t shit to you.”

My eyes damn near popped in their sockets when I peered at Noah beside me. His jaw was clenched so tight I could see the muscles tic. And his usually friendly stare was so lethal, I had to look away.

Oh, shit.

I’d never seen Noah mad before. Why was it working for me?

With a shake of my head, I reined in my thoughts, reminding myself of where we were.

“I would say it was nice running into you, but I don’t wanna lie. Either way, enjoy your night.”

James scoffed, and I knew from the stubborn tilt of his chin that he wasn’t about to make this an easy exit.

He aimed his attention at Noah. “Didn’t you hear me? She was just here with another man. They left together. I’m trying to look out for you.”

Calmly, Noah stepped closer, forcing James to take an involuntary step back. “I heard you the first time and it sounds like you mad she ain’t leave with you. Which I can understand. I’d be mad too if I looked like that and had to belittle women to make myself feel better.”

James sputtered and my heart kicked up in my chest as I added another like to my list.

Protective Noah.

“But she—” James continued to sputter and Noah continued to not give a fuck.

“I don’t need you to look out for me. Stop fucking talking to us. Worry about your date.”

The woman beside him stared at the floor, her face a mask of mortification. I wanted to warn her that her embarrassment would reach new heights when she had to pay for this date later, but we’d already been standing here too long and Noah was gently tugging my hand, pulling me out of the restaurant.

“Let’s go, True.”

That was all he had to say and I followed him.

“What the hell was that?” Noah asked the question through a laugh and pushed the start button for the truck.

Giggling, I shook my head. “Nothing. Just some guy I matched with on a dating app. Greyson crashed our date. The end.”

“That’s why you were mad at him?”

Mad was a strong word. I’d been more mad at myself, but nevertheless…

“Briefly.”

“That’s crazy, Red.” He shook his head, his lips lifting. “Look at you, breaking hearts around town.”

Hours later, I straddled Noah’s hips, staring down at him as the moonlight streamed through his open bedroom window.

The bright glow of the full moon kissed his dark coppery skin in ways I never wanted to forget.