I put my jean shorts back on and my oversized hoodie. I stand in front of the mirror wondering why Noble has some kind of fascination with me. He’s sweet and ungodly handsome. And I’m just my plain old self. I don’t understand it.
He did make me lose my job. One he is still trying to pay me for. Now he’s getting me food and trying to take me down to the party? I’d stand out like a sore thumb. People would stare and wonder why Noble was here with me. I already saw the looks of bewilderment on his friends' faces in the hallway.
I yank open the door. Noble looks up from his phone. “Food will be here soon. Wasn't sure what you liked, so I got a bunch of stuff.”
“I’m not a charity case,” I blurt out. “I don’t need your handouts. I can take care of myself.”
“Handouts?”
“What else would you call it? You’re being all extra nice to me and getting food. Then the whole job thing. I get that you’re uber rich, but I don’t need your sympathy.” The need to get out of here hits me like a ton of bricks. I bolt for the door, only getting it open a few inches before Noble’s hand comes down over my head, shutting it.
“Sympathy isn’t what I’m feeling.” I find myself leaning back into him. I wanted him to chase me, and he did.
He meets me halfway, pressing his body into my back. The hard outline of his cock presses into me. My breath hitches as desire sparks to life inside of me. His other hand goes to my hip. He doesn’t take the other off the door.
“You’re hard.” It’s a stupid thing to say, but again, my body is going haywire. I don’t like to be touched. Ever. Still, I push my ass into him more. His hand on my hip flexes. Why does he feel so damn nice against me? I want to turn around and bury my face in his chest, but I can’t. I won’t allow myself to even dream that this could amount to anything.
“Yeah, I’m hard. I walked in on my girl all but naked. Of course, I’m hard. I get hard when I text you.”
“Noble.” I whisper his name. Did he call me his girl? My stomach dips. I’ve never been anyone's anything. Yeah, Noble scares me but in a different kind of way.
“Yeah.”
“I don’t like to be touched.”
“Tell me to stop.” He relaxes his hold on my hip. I miss the tight hold instantly but don’t say anything. “All you ever have to say is stop or no, and I’ll back up. Even if it kills me.” I turn around to face him. He towers over me. I should be freaking out. I’m all but pinned against the door alone in a room with him, but I’m not.
“What are you doing?” I search his face, trying to find something.
“Truthfully?”
“Always, please.”
“I’m trying not to spook you. You’re a runner, Kitten.”
“Kitten?” I scrunch my nose.
“I’ve got to slowly earn your trust.” He drops his hand from the door. “Come on.” He snags my hand, leading me back over to the sofa. “Are you good withThe Office?”
“I’ve never really watched it before.” He pulls me down to sit next to him.
“You’re joking, right?”
I shake my head. “I mean, I’ve seen a few here and there but not really.”Only if it’s been on a random TV somewhere or something.
“Think I love the idea of getting to see you watch it for the first time.” He grabs the remote and turns it up some.
I suppose I could stay. What else was I going to do? Go back to my dorm where my roommate's boyfriend still is? I try to let myself relax. Slowly I find myself leaning toward him until he drapes his arm over my shoulder and tucks me into his side.
I melt into him. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
CHAPTER7
NOBLE
The lineof students exiting the classroom slows to a trickle and then dries up. I wait another five minutes before going into the lecture hall to find Autumn. She’s at the front with the lecturer, discussing something serious. I take a seat in the back and watch. I swear I could look at her all day and never be bored. It’s not just because she’s gorgeous but because there’s so much life in her expression. Even from the back row, I can see the sparkle in her eyes. Her hands move as she explains her point to the professor. There’s something engaging about her that makes you want to lean in.
She laughs so easily. When we were watchingThe Office, she would point to the television during a particularly funny part and laugh loud. She was unconcerned with what she looked like but instead completely enjoyed the moment.