Page 46 of Here With Me

Noah

Don’t think so, cowboy. I was drunk off my ass, and by the sounds of it, I’m gonna have to drive my brothers home this time.

Fisher

I’ll stay sober so y’all can have fun. I’ll bring my other truck so everyone can fit.

Noah

Magnolia’s already on board and has a major crush on Tripp, so prepare for complete madness.

Fisher

She does? Is that weird for you?

Noah

Nah, she’s liked him forever. So now you know a secret of hers since she knows ours.

I laugh.

Fisher

Thanks.

Fisher

I better go. I’m still parked behind the barn.

Noah

See ya tomorrow, Mr. Underwood.

Fisher

Sweet dreams, Noah.

After I get home, I shower, then grab a beer. As I sit on the couch, I look around and see the pile of boxes that still needs to be unpacked and the dishes I haven’t washed. The overwhelming dread of having so much to do and no energy to do it hits me in full force. Insecurity consumes my thoughts when I think about how much I don’t deserve any of this. A second chance with my son, a new life, and stability. I most definitely don’t deserve a woman like Noah. I stole those moments with her, and now look where we ended up.

I can’t have her.

She’s notmine.

She’s everything I can’t have. After the life I gave up, one of loneliness and solitude is all I should get.

Still, I want to wrap my arms around Noah and keep her for myself.

ChapterEleven

Noah

Focusing on my job and not glancing over at Fisher every chance I get is more challenging than I expected. Having him in such proximity will likely cause an accident because my dumbass will one hundred percent walk into a wall while gawking at him.

Watching him work and staring at his hands gave me flashbacks of him spanking my ass while I rode him reverse cowgirl. Those goddamn calloused palms did filthy things to me, and it’s all I could think about when the veins in his arms popped as he worked.

As much as I try not to picture our night together, every time I close my eyes, I see the images and hear his deep growl in my ear. I squeeze my thighs as I walk to relieve the ache I remember he left there.

After our text convo a couple of nights ago, we’ve only said a few words to each other in passing with secret heated glances that neither of us should be doing since we agreed to befriends. Ruby or Trey have been walking the horses for him, and if he has a question, one of them or Ayden is around to help. I go from the corral to the training center all day with some breaks in between, so it’s not feasible for us to talk without wandering ears.