Before You Go

TWENTY-THREE

It was no doubt the most romantic, erotic, amazing, incredible night I’ve ever experienced. Noah not only continues to gain control of my body but also my heart.

That’s even scarier.

He’s broken through all the walls I put up after Thomas destroyed me, and now I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get Noah back outside at a safe distance…or if I even want to.

Holding my hand as we walk on campus the next morning, the air is crisp but all I feel is Noah’s warmth. It’s perfect until we have company.

“Hey, Jenna,” Noah says as we pass Her Royal Bitchiness.

“Noah,” she says to him all soft and sweet. “Your article in today’s edition was flawless. It’s one for your portfolio.”

“Thanks,” he says, a little too pleased with her praise.

She pats him on the shoulder, then looks over at me, rolls her eyes, shakes her head and walks off.

Noah pretends not to notice.

His reaction makes it even worse and that’s when I start to realize I’m completely out of his league and probably making a huge mistake.

###

The incident with Jenna has me in knots all day. It takes me back to the place I’ve worked so hard to run from. But that damage hasn’t healed. Not even close.

I’m on pins and needles all day, scared to see Jenna again. Worried of what she might say to me. Afraid of what she thinks of me.

Then in poly sci, I hear the whispers. She’s not even trying to be quiet.

“I swear, that Tabitha girl and Noah,” Jenna says to her wannabes. “Poor guy, he’s lost it,” she adds. Her words are like a snakebite.

“Looks like she just had an extreme makeover,” Jenna laughs. “But it’s going to take a lot more than that. So anyway…”

As Jenna moves to another topic, I take slow, deep breaths and swallow back the tears as they start to pool in my eyes. I can’t cry here. In front of her.

Jules catches my attention from the other side of the classroom. She mouths to me, “Are you okay?”

Over the past two months, I’ve become quite friendly with Jules and Foster—vices and all. Jules eats lunch with me almost every day in the commons. Foster joins us when he’s not hung over.

I look at Jules, shake my head, and look away before she gives me the pity face.

Jenna’s whispers buzz in my ear. Her laugh makes my head hurt. I have to get out of there.

I manage to excuse myself before the tears flow, but I know they’re on the way. It’s too late to recover. I make it to the newspaper office in the next building. Once I’m in Noah’s office, I lock the door and drop to the floor.