Page 42 of The Stalker Snafu

“That’s why I said borderline.”

The corner of his mouth quirked. “Does this mean there won’t be any seduction?”

I blinked. “I didn’t say that. I just wasn’t sure if it was necessary anymore.”

“How strange.” Noah’s fingers flexed on my hips. “I suddenly find myself far less convinced by your apology.”

I snorted, grinning up at him. “Guess I’ll need to pull out the seedy music after all.”

His eyes danced, and he looked toward the coffee cart. “Before we get ahead of ourselves, you promised me a cup of coffee. When was your last one?”

I frowned and guiltily followed his gaze. Scott was watching us, and I waved—hoping he’d translate that to mean everything was okay. “Honestly? Yesterday. I was too nervous to stomach anything this morning.”

Noah mirrored my frown. “What about food?”

“I have some Pop-Tarts in my dorm,” I assured him, but he was already shaking his head.

“I’ve got a lot to make up for. Come on. I’m getting you a real meal,” Noah said, placing his hand on the small of my back and leading me toward the student parking lot before I had a chance to argue.

CHAPTER 15

Apology

After a quick compromise turned Noah’s idea of a real meal into the nearest drive-thru we could find, we went to his place. I sat on his kitchen island, polishing off the last of my fries while Noah leaned against the counter across from me.

“Delicious.” I hummed approvingly, popped the last fry into my mouth, and took a swig of coffee. Noah ate the last bite of his salad—seriously, who gets a salad at a fast-food place?—and set it aside.

“I’m still amazed you could eat all that,” he said, crossing his arms as he watched me.

I shrugged and checked the bag for any fry stragglers. None. “It was only a cheeseburger and some fries. And lucky for us, there’s still a hot fudge sundae left.”

I usually ordered a Happy Meal too, but I was already happy today.

“A double cheeseburger,” Noah corrected as I pulled out the ice cream container. “And two orders of fries, since you ate most of mine.”

I paused in rummaging around in the bag to stare at him. “Do you want me to share my ice cream with you or not?”

Noah smiled in answer. He stepped closer until his blazer brushed my knees. “You enjoy your sundae. I’m good.”

My brain struggled to understand, and I blinked at him. “It’s hot fudge, Noah. How can you turn down hot fudge?”

Oh, right. He was a salad eater.

Noah rested his hand on my bare thigh, and I went still. His thumb rubbed my skin in the most delightful way possible. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”

I looked down at his thumb, another concern stealing my thoughts. My tongue peeked out to wet my lips. “Are you really going to New York tomorrow?”

His thumb stalled for a beat before resuming its circles. “It’s only a weekend trip. I’ll be back on Sunday.”

I told myself not to pout.

But Noah didn’t miss a thing. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that tomorrow is the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break.” I lifted a shoulder. “We talked about exploring different cafés in the city and taking Mr. Elephant to the zoo to visit his ancestors. Now you won’t be here for the first three days, and Teresa is flying home on Saturday.”

Noah smiled, which was way too distracting this close up—and therefore totally unfair. “We have a whole week of no classes ahead of us, and I plan on spending each and every single minute of those days with you. I just need to get this business finished while my client is available, before the holidays.”

My lips twisted, but I reluctantly accepted it. I wasn’t sure where my clinginess was even coming from. So what if Noah was gone for a few days again? I had more important things to focus on now—like this sundae.