Page 38 of Before We Break

“You’re somethin’ else.”

“Thank you. I’m taking that as a compliment.”

Around the halfway mark, Noah’s thumb strokes my bare shoulder where my sweater dips down. I’m positive he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. It feels too good, so I don’t say anything.

When was the last time someone touched me with any sort of quiet affection?

I swallow hard, trying to conjure any recollection, but I come up empty. Has anyone ever touched me like this? If they have, I don’t remember. What a sad fucking existence. If dating is off the table for the foreseeable future, I’ll enjoy whatever this is for as long as I can.

NOAH

If I’d known Clio would be here, I wouldn’t have taken Emma’s advice and brought Auggie to the movies. Half the damn town is crammed into this theatre, and now I’m all cozied up to my fake fiancée in these rickety-ass chairs from the seventies.

So, why does it feel so damn good to hold her? Why can’t I bring myself to let go?

I’m having trouble focusing on anything but the softness of her skin beneath my fingers and the scent of her hair.

I must be starved for physical touch. Now that Auggie’s living with me, I can’t bring anyone home, and even if I wanted to, there’s a clause against it in that ridiculous contract.

As the movie ends and the lights come back on, Clio sits up straighter and swipes at her damp cheeks. Of course, she’d be the type to cry over a cartoon dinosaur.

It’s only when she leans over to speak to Lexi that I remember Auggie’s here. He’s been quiet the whole time.

Too quiet.

He’s curled up in a ball with his head on the armrest, fast asleep, and at some point Lexi must’ve draped her hoodie over him. That can’t be comfortable.

“I should get him home,” I say.

“Yeah. I think we’re gonna head out, too,” Clio says. “Lexi starts work at the library bright and early tomorrow.”

“So, you’re saying I should expect to hear your hype girl playlist at five a.m. again?”

She backhands me in the chest. “I’ve been a good girl lately.”

My cock jolts as the words leave her lips. “I bet you have.”

Her pupils dilate, and she draws in a shaky breath before breaking eye contact and picking up the discarded popcorn bag. “Ready, Lex?”

Lexi nods and shuffles past us into the aisle, disappearing around the corner toward the exit. Clio follows her out, her round ass bouncing beneath her green skirt with each step she takes, and I can’t tear my eyes off her.

Fuck.

I need to get laid.

TEN

HARD LAUNCHING THE MANWHORE

♫ Something To Talk About - Bonnie Raitt

CLIO

Me: People are talking. First date at the town meeting tonight?

Asshole Landlord: The movie was our first date.

Me: That was a chance encounter. Doesn’t count.