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I didn’t know what to say, so I retreated toward RJ’s house. Clint had an intense look about him, and he followed me.
“Ella,” a familiar voice called. “Did you find the raccoon?”
I was startled and put my hand to my chest.
Noah walked toward us. He had a big grin on his face. “Well, hello, Clint. Interesting seeing you out here. What are you doing?”
Clint stopped abruptly, fixing his attention on Noah. “What am I doing? I’m working out. What are you doing at RJ’s place?”
“Oh, I’m renting it for the summer. Did you find the raccoon you thought was out here, Ella?”
I didn’t know how to respond, but if I didn’t think quickly, Clint would realize I was stalking Noah. “I think it ran off,” I said shakily.
Noah shook his head and then slipped his arm around my shoulders. “They are tricky. I remember all those summers when animals hung around. They always got away.” He refocused on Clint. “What did you say you were doing out here?”
I could barely breathe. My mouth was dry, and my brain was trying to catch up to what was happening. I had been stalking Noah, and Clint was apparently stalking me, and now Noah was trying to save me from being stalked by Clint? Oh my goodness.
Clint looked like he wanted to fight someone. His gaze darted back and forth between me and Noah. “Are you guys back together?”
I froze.
“I wouldn’t say we’re back together.” Noah turned to me. “More like hanging out.”
My gaze met his, and I admired how the moonlight shone in his beautiful eyes. His scent was different from when we were in high school, and I hated myself for noticing. “Yeah. Hanging out,” I agreed.
Clint snorted. “Isn’t that just nice. I thought you didn’t want to date anyone.” He made it sound like I’d betrayed him.
His attitude annoyed me. I looked him in the eye as I leaned into Noah. “I guess I wanted to date him.” I was done runningaway from everything—Clint, my ex, the past. My heart was running wild, and this felt like a turning point.
Noah pulled me closer. “Clint, I think it’s time to change your exercise routine to somewhere else.”
The low blow made me want to laugh. This had to be the craziest situation I’d ever fallen into. I didn’t know what was happening.
Clint glared at him and then stuck in his AirPods. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He took off at a sprint.
Once he was out of sight, I took a step back and shrugged off Noah’s arm. “Sorry,” I said. “Thanks.”
Noah rubbed at his hand as if touching me had left him sore. “Why were you out here?” His tone was soft, almost conspiratorial.
My heart picked up speed, and I wasn’t sure if I should tell the truth. “I was just on a walk.” I lifted my hand lamely, gesturing to his house. “I saw you were out. I guess I stopped.”
His grin widened. “I saw you hiding behind the tree. How long were you out here?”
I shook my head ruefully. “I don’t know. Dang, I’m not sure how to handle this. I probably look like a stalker.”
“I don’t mind you stalking me.”
My heart quickened. Something about the statement offered a connection between us.
“I guess I should thank Clint for stalking you so you would let me help you out.”
“You always did like to help me.” It was true; he prided himself on that … or he had, until he’d failed to save my brother. I didn’t want to think about that. How come things had to be so complicated with him? Part of me wanted to ask him that question. Part of me wanted to slip into an easy conversation with him, the kind we’d had our whole lives, and talk over how Ifelt about him. I took another step back. “I should go.” I turned, starting to walk home before I could give in.
“Ella?” he said, and I looked back. “I’m here if you need me. Just know that.”
I stumbled and kept walking. “I … I do.”
He was here, whether I wanted it or not.
