Page 76 of You Fall First

“I’m sorry I talked to Landry before you. But I needed to find out if they had room for another adult and kid first.”

Noah runs a hand along the back of his neck, his muscles flexing.

Attractively.

“So you told them Dutton has Jo withdrawals,” he says.

“Those weren’t my exact words, but … doesn’t he?”

He chuffs a half laugh. “Fair enough.”

I glance down the hall. “Honestly, I was hoping to avoid another separation meltdown,” I whisper. “I have to go to the rehearsal tonight, and I figured this way, you two could come with me, and we could all come back here together after.”

“Right.” Noah blinks, like he forgot I’m sleeping over.

My cheeks pink up, so I shift the subject away from me being their houseguest. “Plus, Dutton loved playing with Wally and Rowan last weekend. If this is going to be his new home, we might as well let him make friends.”

“Man.” Noah’s mouth quirks. “How did you get so smart?”

“Born that way.” I press out a nervous laugh. “I should probably tell you I also called your sister last night. I wanted to be sure that she was okay with me staying here. If Dutton insists.”

Noah tips his chin. “What did she say?”

The whole truth is that Paige scoffed and said she was glad I’d be staying. Then she reminded me she was the one who begged me to look out for Noah in the first place.

But that’s not what I tell him.

“She said Dutton would for sure keep insisting,” I admit.

He chuckles. “That’s probably true.”

“And she wishes Dutton was making things easier on you. But I told her he’s just adjusting. And that this is all a lot for a little guy.”

“What did she say to that?”

“She said, ‘Duh.’”

“Sounds like Paige.”

“So I hope you’re okay with me staying.”

“I’m okay,” he says, but the words come out gravely. “And I know Paige is glad, because I talked to her last night.”

“Wait.” I swat his arm. “Were you testing me?”

“Nah. I told you I trust you, Jo.” Something flashes behind his eyes. Amusement? Warmth?

“You better,” I say, but there’s a hitch in my lungs. Everything I’ve done this past week has been with the Stadler family in mind. All their best interests. Noah, Paige, and Dutton.

Just don’t ask me the order of those interests.

“Welp.” Noah ducks, glances at the door. “I’d better go.”

Dutton bursts down the hall fully dressed as Buzz Lightyear, hollering, “To infinity and beyond!” He collides with Noah, wrapping his arms around his uncle’s legs.

“Actually, I’m heading to work now, Buzz,” Noah says, extricating himself.

“Will you be home by five o’clock?” I ask. “We all need to be ready for tonight.”