Page 31 of All of Him
“So,” I summarized, “you’re saying that, as obvious as it might be that Noah has skeletons in the closet, I should pretend they aren’t there until he’s ready to talk? Got it.”
Delia chuckled.
“I guess that’s what I meant. Just be there for him, Manda. Be a friend and be prepared for anything the friendship could throw at you. Allow him the time to build trust.”
“Thanks, Delia,” I said, smiling at her. Then, I remembered the wedding party detail I’d brought up to Noah earlier. I cringed, but I knew what had to be done. “I should tell you something, by the way.”
“And what’s that?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at me suspiciously.
“I might or might not have slept with Marcus at your New Year’s Eve party a few years ago…”
Surprisingly, Delia threw her head back in laughter.
“What could possibly be funny about that?”
“Marcus told me that, like, the day after it happened. I just figured you didn’t want to talk about it.”
I let my jaw drop and shook my head.
“Thatweasel…Does Teel know?”
“Oh, yeah,” she answered, nodding. “She wanted to tease you about it, but I convinced her to leave it be. What possessed you to sleep with Marcus anyway? He’s a good friend, but not very good with women.”
I thought back to that night, remembering some decent sex and the way his jeans had hugged his ass. And lots of alcohol.
“I think it might have been tequila, but also his butt?” I guessed.
Again, Delia laughed uncontrollably and covered her mouth.
“Oh, Amanda. Please be more careful when it comes to Noah, okay?” she responded, wiping tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes.
“Who said anything about being more than friends with Noah?” I asked, shaking my head. “Just because I find someone attractive doesn’t mean I want more than that.”
“You literally just admitted to sleeping with Marcus based on a pair of jeans and tequila,” she deadpanned.
“Yeah, but he isn’t really in my life. Noah is pretty much everywhere. Could you imagine the awkwardness that would ensue from sleeping with him?” I thought about myself having to move cubicles, grow a mustache, and change my name, then cringed.
“True,” she agreed. “Which is another reason to tread carefully. So, don’t text Noah unless he texts you first or it’s important. And don’t push him anymore. Be a coworker unless he needs a friend and then be there to support him. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, saluting her. “All systems on hold until the next mission.”
Delia rolled her eyes and stood from the couch.
“You know,” I continued honestly, “Teel is so lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, kiddo, but I’m even luckier, because I have the both of you in my life.”
18
Noah
“DO YOU TRUST ME?” Amanda asked at work the following week.
She was helping with a spreadsheet and had to get in close to my screen. I’d done my usual lean to one side, but she kept looking at my cheek.
“I don’t know,” I answered warily, turning my face so I was looking right at her. Her proximity made my chest flutter, and I pretended to clear my throat as an excuse to turn back away.
She laughed and backed up, realizing I was apprehensive about whatever she had to say.
