Page 136 of You Fall First

“The manager told me multiple people applied. Hopefully they won’t have trouble filling the position.”

“They’ll be fine.” He says this so soft and slow I can barely hear him. “Although in my opinion, you’re pretty irreplaceable.”

My heart somersaults. “You just like my waffles.”

There’s a stretch of silence, and we’ve been talking so quietly, I wonder if he might’ve fallen asleep. Then he says, “I like everything about you, Jo.”

Another somersault for my heart.

Then a couple of leap frogs.

“Me too. I mean about you. Obviously.”

He lets out a huff of a laugh. “Mutual liking is a good start.”

I smile into the dark. “I almost wasn’t going to say anything, but sir, your lips are blue-ribbon level. Like, whatever’s higher than a gold star. Your mouth gets all the ribbons and all the stars.”

“Lucky me,” he says, and I can practically hear the smile on his face.

“I’m the lucky one.”

And for the first time in a long time—in maybe ever—I truly feel like the sun’s shining specifically for me.

In the middle of the night.

“We need to celebrate,” he says. “With a real date.”

“Oh, really?” I swallow. That’s bigger than a baby step, and I’m here for it. “What did you have in mind?”

“I’d like to take you to dinner,” he says. “At Chop.”

“I would love that, but …” I get quiet, thinking about how we’ll be able to coordinate his work days and Paige’s night shifts. Not to mention my level of busyness is still completely TBD at this point. From across town, miles away, Noah understands my silence.

He understands me.

“We’ll figure it out,” he says. “As soon as Paige gets her work schedule.” His voice is like water over stones, and I know in my bones he means to try.

“We will.”

“For now, just get some sleep, Just Jo.”

A fresh smile takes over my face. “You too, Noah.”

“Hmm. I like when you say my name.”

I send a little hum back. “Noah?”

“That’s the one.”

“Well, then, sweet dreams, Noah.” I sneak as much tenderness as I can into those two syllables.

“At this point, I might lie awake all night staring at the ceiling, thinking about you,” he murmurs.

“Same here.”

“But I’m gonna close my eyes and give it a shot.”

“Me too,” I say. “And Noah?”