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Noah abandons the party, disappearing up the stairs to the second floor.
My chest is pounding and I’m enraged.
I’m tempted to storm up to Beth and give her a piece of my mind, but my heart is too heavy with guilt.
I know Noah.
This isn't him.
He's hurt. Seeing me in his arms again—regardless how innocent—had to have triggered something...dark in him.
It’s the only explanation.
I weave through the crowd and make my way upstairs to my room. I knock on the door gently since he has my only key.
It’s a minute before he opens the door and my heart stops.
He looks...broken.
“I’m sorry I slapped you.”
He steps aside, letting me enter. Closing the door, he presses me against it. “Don’t be. I liked it.”
“You liked it? And people think I’m weird.”
He smooths my hair and strokes the side of my face before looking into my eyes. “I like that you don’t take my shit.”
“You don’t really think—”
“No," he breathes. "It was a reaction you didn't deserve. One I’m not proud of.” He pulls away. “I’m sorry.”
“Can we talk about it?”
He runs his hands through his hair and sits on the bed. “That’s breaking rule number one.”
I step between his legs, making him look at me. “I think we broke that rule when you cornered me downstairs because I was saying hello to an old friend.”
He looks up at me with a small grin. “I know. That wasn't fair. I told you it was never about you and that's still true. It just…doesn't make it hurt any less.”
My throat clogs and liquid fills my eyes. “I’m s—”
He presses his finger to my lips. “Stop. I never want to hear another apology from you.”
“But—”
“No matter what. That’s not why I’m telling you this. I’m telling you this because we agreed to honesty. And regardless of how innocent—I didn’t like his hands on you tonight, Charlie.”
I nod. “Okay. I'm okay with that," I say with a smile.
He smooths my hair again, almost like a reminder to be gentle with me. Then pushes me aside to stand, leaving me facing the empty bed. “Please just give me a minute. It’s supposed to be a celebration. I’ve ruined enough for you.”
I don’t move, keeping my gaze on the covers. “Why did you call me up here?”
There's a beat before he answers behind me. “No reason. Heat of the moment.”
I turn to face him. “What heat? What did you want to say? Or do?”
“It was nothing. Fine, look, I’ll walk down with you.”
