Page 23 of Numbers Boy (Working Boys #2)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Steve

“ALRIGHT, MAKE SURE you get a really deep arch in your back.”

I snort a laugh as I walk past Stu to go get changed for our workout. He winks at me from where he’s currently leading his client through some cooldown stretches. I give him a small wave and an eye roll in return, then push into the locker room.

By the time I’m back out in the main room, Stu has finished up with his client and is walking on one of the treadmills. I join him, hopping on the one to his right and matching his pace.

“How many times did you get to say that today?” I ask.

Stu turns to grin at me, upping his tempo to a light jog. “Too many to count, dude. I also got to show someone how to do a clean and jerk.”

“Sounds like your typical Saturday night.” My voice is light and teasing, and we both laugh as Stu flips me off.

“Just because you’re getting it good from someone other than your hand doesn’t mean you have to brag.

” My best friend matches my easy tone, but I sense something is slightly off.

I know when we talked the other day, he seemed down about not dating.

Before I can ask about it though, he keeps going.

“How’s it going with Noah, by the way? Did you guys have fun with his nieces the other night? ”

“Yeah, we did,” I reply, switching to join him at an easy run pace so we can keep the conversation going.

“I actually ended up watching them by myself for a bit because Noah had a pet-sitting emergency. The girls are awesome. We did hair and makeup, then had a dance party.” I pause for a bit, but Stu stays quiet, letting me gather my thoughts.

Just like I know there’s more he hasn’t said about how his love life is going, he knows there’s more for me to tell. “I also told Noah about Eve.”

Stu hits his Stop button and turns to face me, a giant smile splitting his face and causing his cheek to dimple.

“That’s great, Stevie! How did he take it?”

“Really, really well. He asked me a little bit about doing drag, but we were interrupted before we got too much into it.”

I can feel my face flush, and I can’t stop my smile as I remember what else Noah had said. You’re royalty, alright, but you’re not a princess. You’re a queen.

Stu chuckles beside me, and I stop my machine to look over at him.

“Did you invite him to your show in a few weeks?”

“No, I didn’t get the chance.” I shake my head, knowing it’s only the partial truth. I probably could have brought it up before Noah left, or I could have texted him about it in the two days since then. But I just haven’t. “Noah did tell me that he also performs. He plays and sings at local bars.”

“That’s cool,” Stu says, leading us over to the free weights once we wipe down our treadmills. “Maybe you could both see each other perform soon.”

I smile, picking up a weight and getting started on my routine. “I hope so.”

LATER THAT DAY , my puddle boots pulled on in deference to the recent weather, I get Stacy ready for our evening dog park date with Noah. It was raining earlier, but when we head out on the short walk to get there, the sky is clear and the sun is bright where it’s just beginning to set.

We’re meeting at a new place, one that Noah suggested because there’s usually a taco truck parked down the block.

I can smell the scent of meat and spices as we get closer.

Just as my stomach starts rumbling, Stacy lets out a greeting bark and tugs the tiniest bit when she sees Noah. He turns toward the sound and waves.

“Hold on, girly, we’re getting there,” I chide softly, keeping the leash taut.

She immediately walks closer to me again.

Since I’ve got her enthusiasm reined in for the moment, I let myself get a better look at Noah, and now I’m the one picking up the pace to get to him.

He’s gorgeous in a pale blue hoodie and navy beanie.

And, fuck, are his jeans painted on? They hug his strong thighs like a lover, and I’m honestly a bit jealous of the fabric that gets to touch him in public.

“Hi, beautiful,” he says with an easy smile when we get closer.

“Hey, handsome,” I answer, heart melting as Noah crouches down to give Stacy pets, and she eagerly returns his affection. When he stands again and pulls me in, hands cradling my jaw, lips brushing the softest kiss against my lips, my heart finishes its transformation into a pile of mush.

Noah kisses me again, his lips a bit firmer this time, causing my eyes to flutter closed. I wrap my arms around his waist and shift my weight against his solid frame, content to just let him explore for a bit. He holds me easily, a satisfied hum rumbling through his chest as I relax into it.

“Love kissing you,” he murmurs against my mouth.

My voice is breathless when I reply. “Love your kisses.”

Just then, my stomach growls again, and Noah pulls his head back an inch. But instead of letting the moment go completely, he keeps his hands on my face, and his body continues to support mine. His gaze pings between my eyes, a tender smile on his full lips.

“Let’s get you fed.”

I nod, still a little dazed from his lips on mine, and follow as Noah threads our fingers together and leads us to the food truck. Stacy trots alongside me, happy now that we’ve met up with Noah. And I get it. I’m pretty happy to just go along with whatever now that we’re with Noah, too.

We order a few tacos each, plus a soda to split, then slowly stroll toward the park as we eat.

Conversation flows easily, both of us sharing about how work is going.

Now that Noah knows about Eve, I mention the small brunch performances I’ve been doing, as well as what I’ve got coming up.

Noah tells me about his upcoming appearances.

The whole thing feels easy. Light. I don’t remember having that with guys I’ve dated before. There’s no awkwardness. No worrying about saying or doing something wrong. It’s like chatting with Stu or one of the other Working Boys. Only, I don’t want to lick the taco sauce off any of their fingers.

Finally making it to the park, we let Stacy off her leash to run for a bit. After she takes off, we meander over to one of the benches along the fence.

“Would you want to come see me play on Saturday?” Noah asks, arm casually winding around my shoulders.

I’ve noticed he does that, gives me physical touch that I can either leave as it is or take further if I want to.

I quickly take advantage of the position, snuggling into his body heat.

There’s still a little bit of sunlight, but the air is cooling off.

It’s the perfect amount of chilly to be tucked up against his side.

“I wish I could, but I have a drag commitment that night.” I lean my head against his strong shoulder, and Noah’s fingers find their way into my curls, both of us vaguely keeping an eye on Stacy as she plays. “Which reminds me. I’m not rehearsing Friday night, so I won’t need you to walk Stacy.”

“Sounds good,” he accepts without hesitation. “Maybe some other time.”

I feel something against the top of my head, and when I look up, Noah presses another kiss to my forehead. Gah, my heart is already a puddle. What’s next, evaporating into thin air? It certainly feels light enough to float away.

Just as I’m about to lean in and kiss him back, Stacy yips loudly from the other side of the park. We both startle slightly and pull back to look for her. She’s hopping around the base of a tree, excitedly barking at something in its branches.

“Maybe we’ve had enough park time for one night,” I suggest, reluctantly moving away from Noah’s warm embrace and standing.

I move a little quicker when I realize Stacy is surrounded by puddles left from today’s rain.

I call her, but her attention is firmly on whatever is in the tree.

“Shit. She’s probably going to need a bath by the time we get her away from there. ”

“Probably,” Noah agrees with a chuckle. “I’ll see if I can get her on the leash without too much mud joining us for the way back.”

I gladly hand over the leash, walking with him over to where Stacy is still bouncing around. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like she’s jumped into any puddles yet. And she’s wearing booties, so her paws should be relatively clean.

“Come ’ere, Stacy,” Noah calls, holding out the leash. “Let’s go home.”

Stacy starts to make her way over, and Noah meets her in the middle.

But as soon as he reaches an arm out for her, a squirrel darts down the trunk, causing Stacy to take off after it.

I watch, eyes wide, as Noah goes to follow her, and his foot slips in a nearby patch of mud.

He tries to catch his balance as he falls forward but ends up overcorrecting and landing on his ass instead.

I roll my lips in as we both stare at each other for a second.

Then, Noah laughs. It starts as a disbelieving huff of air, then quickly becomes a full, booming sound that lights up his whole face.

I can’t help the giggle that escapes, try as I might to stay quiet.

But his laughter is infectious, and when he slips again when trying to get up, I chuckle as I offer a hand to help him.

“Are you okay?” I check, both of us still laughing. Noah nods as he grabs my palm with his.

The quick flash of mischief in his amber eyes is my only warning before I’m tugged down on top of him. A soft “oh” puffs out of me, and then suddenly, I’m on my back in the mud. Noah hovers over me, making sure his weight is held up by his arms even as he manhandles me.

“Oops,” he says with a grin. “I slipped.”

“A complete accident, I’m sure.” I roll my eyes, aiming for petulant but falling short of the mark because my mouth is still stretched wide by my smile.