Chapter 261
“Don’t fucking finish that sentence,” Noah warns.
“—but it’s about her,” Gunner finishes unapologetically. “And that’s a fact p>
“Facts my ass p>
“Look,” I say calmly. “You might not want to with your feelings, but until you do, you’ll just keep spiraling p>
Noah glares at us, then exhales slowly. “All I feel is confusion p>
“Have you ever considered that the confusion exists because part of you wants her, while the other part—whatever the hell it is—is fighting against that p>
Gunner sobers instantly, the laughter draining from his face. “And that part has everything to do with Chloe p>
“You don’t have to decide anything,” I say quietly. “But you can’t pretend nothing’s happening either. You aren’t confused, Noah, you’re just divided p>
His gaze drops to his glass, jaw tight.
“Congratulations,” he mutters finally. “You’ve both annoyed me in record time p>
Gunner beams. “We’re a team p>
I clink my glass lightly against his. “For what it’s worth… running from your feelings isn’t cowardice. It’s fear. There’s a difference p>
Noah looks up at me. “And p>
I meet his gaze. “Fear only has power if you keep running p>
He scoffs. “You always this philosophical p>
“Only when I’m not the one in trouble p>
Gunner laughs. “See? That’s why I like him p>
Noah leans back, rubbing a hand over his face. “I hate both of you p>
“Liar,” Gunner says.
I smirk. “You’d be bored without us p>
Eventually, the conversation drifts to lighter territory. Noah talks about a new model he’s considering. Gunner complains about maintenance costs. I add a comment here and there, but my mind isn’t really in it. It’s wholly on Sierra.
We’re halfway through a card game when my phone lights up. I smile before I can stop myself and reply quickly. When I place the phone face down, I feel Noah’s stare.
“What?” I ask, feigning innocence.
“You’ve been glued to your phone,” he says, nodding toward it right as it lights up again.
“So?” I say, picking it up and replying to Sierra.
“That’s odd,” he says. “You’ve never been this attached p>
“People change,” I shrug.
Gunner perks up immediately. “Hold on. Is it a woman p>
“Maybe p>
Noah straightens. “Since when do you do maybes p>
“Since recently p>
Gunner studies me like I’ve just confessed to a crime. “You’re that invested p>
“I didn’t say invested p>
“But you didn’t deny it either,” Noah points out.
Gunner laughs sharply. “Holy shit. I can’t believe you found someone p>
Noah’s jaw tightens. “You’ve never lasted more than a month with anyone p>
“And it was always physical,” Gunner adds. “No strings. No feelings p>
I don’t argue because it’s true. I’ve had fuck buddies, not relationships. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anything real.
“So, what’s different?” Noah asks.
I think of her laugh. The way she listens. The ease of being around her.
“There’s something about her,” I say slowly. “She draws me in p>
Gunner smirks. “You’re already gone p>
“At this rate?” I admit. “Yeah. I can see myself falling for her p>
They both stare at me like I’ve lost my mind and hell, maybe I have.
Gunner’s teasing softens. “Damn… So who is she p>
I shake my head. “None of your goddamn business p>
“Oh, come on. Tell us”
“Nope,” I say firmly. “That’ll only happen once she agrees to be with me p>
Noah studies me, something unreadable flickering across his face.
“Well, damn” Gunner says, lifting his glass, “I wish you the best of luck p>
I lift mine too fully aware that I’m already deeper than I planned.