Page 48 of Almost Rotten

Concern creases his brow. “Are you all right? Anything I can help with?”

Pain blooms in my chest. What I wouldn’t give for his support. But this isn’t his battle. He’s endured enough.

“Just a lot to deal with right now. It’ll all work out.” The words sound weak even to my own ears. By the way his brow furrows even more, it’s clear he sees right through my shit.

For a few seconds we stand like that, unable to move closer but not ready to walk away.

Finally, with a frustrated sigh, Noah runs one hand through his hair.

“Damn, I want to kiss you right now.”

My eyes water, but I will not cry.

I run the tip of my tongue back and forth over my teeth to stave off the tears, then, with a thick swallow, I pull myself together. “I should probably get back out there.”

He deflates just a fraction. “I get it. When will you be back? This weekend, maybe?”

The tears instantly threaten again, and a lump forms in my throat.

I will not cry.

I will not cry.

“The guys have a game this weekend. On Friday night.”

He stands straighter. “So you’re free Saturday, then?”

“I—”

Good grief.

“I don’t know my schedule at the ice arena yet. But I’ll text you as soon as I do.”

With a small frown, he raises both hands and takes a small step back. “I’ll let you go. Just know that I can’t wait for you to be back.”

Teeth gritted, I nod. I don’t trust myself to speak again. If I do, I’ll surely burst into tears.

He walks backward a few strides, then eventually turns and leaves.

When he’s gone, I stumble to the wall and press my back into the worn wood, closing my eyes against the tears that won’t stop tormenting me.

“That was fucking brutal.”

Yelping, I throw my hand over my mouth.

While my heart pounds, I step away from the wall and turn in a circle, searching the dark space.

Above, in the loft, a tiny light flashes and goes out quickly, then a puff of smoke fills the space in its place.

When it clears, Bella comes into view, legs swinging off the edge as she brings the vape back to her mouth. I study Noah’s second cousin for several seconds, concern swirling in my gut that she witnessed that painful exchange.

“Either get lost or get up here.”

Shit.

I guess I’m going up.

Carefully, I climb the ladder, noting how sturdy it is, then stand and shuffle toward Bella.