I woke up early on Saturday morning. I was usually an early riser, but today I was awake before the sun had even considered breaching the horizon. I wasn’t the least bit drowsy as I checked the time. It was too early to go for a run but apparently not too early to begin freaking out about my date with Noah.
It had been a long time since I’d gone on a first date, and it wasn’t nearly so daunting because it was with Levi who I’d known since we were kids. I still questioned whether there was any hope for Noah and I, given our vastly different backgrounds. He said it didn’t matter to him, but perhaps he didn’t quite grasp just how foreign our worlds were. What if he reconsidered once he got to know me better?
When it was finally light enough, I left my dorm and set out for a jog through the woods. My gut had been churning with anxiety ever since I woke up, so it was probably a good thing our date was in the morning. I wasn’t sure I could put up with these nerves all day. Thankfully, my run seemed to help, and by the time I returned to my room, I was feeling much calmer.
“Excited for your date?” Cress asked as I opened the door. She was still in her pajamas and carrying a stack of clothes. She laid them on her bed and started arranging them into outfits.
“Uh, sure.” I was more interested in what she was doing. She kept shaking her head before tossing a piece of clothing to the side and replacing it with something else. As I came closer, I realized it was my clothing she had laid out before her. “What are you doing, Cress?”
“Helping you pick an outfit,” she said, lifting her eyes to meet mine with an enthusiastic smile. “My last roomie would never have let me pick a date outfit for her, so I’m really excited you said I could help.”
I couldn’t remember her asking if she could help, but I had no idea what to wear for a date with someone like Noah, so I wasn’t exactly in a position to refuse assistance.
“Thanks, Cress, I really appreciate it.”
Her smile widened, and then she nodded toward the bathroom. “You go and have a shower. I’ll work my magic here and should have the perfect outfit waiting for you when you’re done.”
“You’re the best.”
I quickly ducked in and out of the shower and then proceeded to do my hair and makeup. I usually dreaded trying to tame my hair, but it was being surprisingly cooperative today. I somehow managed to get it sitting in soft waves that cascaded down my shoulders rather than the usual bird’s nest that sat on my head. Even if nothing else went right today, at least I’d had one win for the day.
“So, any ideas what Noah has planned?” I asked Cress as I left the bathroom. The restless energy I’d woken up with this morning had returned while I’d been doing my makeup, and I couldn’t seem to shake it.
“I might have an idea, but my lips are sealed.” She lifted her hand and pretended to zip her mouth shut.
“Not even a hint?”
“Nope. I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“I really hope he hasn’t gone to too much effort,” I said. “What if he decides he doesn’t like me and regrets it?”
Cress gave a soft laugh. “You don’t need to worry. He already likes you. Like, really likes you. I think he’s liked you since the moment you tried to take him out in the forest.”
“I didn’t try to take him out,” I muttered. “It was an accident.”
“I’m just saying you don’t have anything to worry about.”
I still wasn’t convinced. “If you say so.”
“I do. Besides, he wouldn’t be taking you on a date if he didn’t already like you.” She passed me a bundle of clothes. “Now, try these on for me.”
“Thanks, Cress.” I shot her a smile and went to the closet to change.
I was surprised by how casual Cress had gone with my look. The outfit was a pair of high-waisted jeans and a black knitted tank with subtle cut outs on the straps. It was something so simple I might have even picked it out myself.
“Are you sure this is a date-appropriate outfit?” I called to her as I slid into my jeans.
“For what you guys have planned, it’s perfect,” she called back.
Cress was only making me more intrigued. If we were doing something that didn’t require me to dress up, then maybe Noah had planned something relaxed and easy for our date. It was probably a good thing. If we were doing something extravagant, I’d probably feel awkward.
I walked back into the bedroom and checked my outfit in the mirror. I still looked like myself, and I was happy with what I was wearing. It definitely wasn’t what I’d expected when Cress had insisted she dress me. I had imagined she was going to get me into sky-high heels and one of her tiniest skirts.
“Do you like the outfit?” she asked.
“It’s perfect.”
“Not quite.” She handed me a small box, and I frowned as I took it.
“What is this?”
“It’s from Anna and me. Open it.”
I gave her a curious glance before I lifted the lid on the box to reveal a gorgeous chain necklace. Hanging from the end of it was a charm covered in engravings of tiny stars. It was delicate and beautiful. I didn’t wear much jewelry, but I couldn’t wait to try it on.
“I’ve got the same necklace but with the moon on it, and Anna has one with the sun. We thought it would be perfect if you had the stars to round off our little trio.”
Her words hit me hard, and I blinked back tears as I looked up at her. “You guys got this for me?” After everything that had happened this week, I was just grateful the girls hadn’t ditched me. I couldn’t believe they’d gone out of their way to get me such a thoughtful gift.
“Well, yeah.” Cress smiled in return. “I know you’ve only been here a few weeks, but you’re already one of us.”
I reached out and pulled her into a firm hug. I wasn’t used to receiving such elaborate gifts. Let alone gifts for no reason other than the fact that someone liked me.
“Thanks, Cress. I really love it,” I said as I pulled back from the hug. “Will you help me put it on?”
“Of course.”
I lifted my hair out the way and she gently clasped the necklace into place. “See, now you’re perfect,” she said. “We like to think our friendship necklaces bring us luck, so hopefully it will give you some on your date today.”
“A lucky friendship charm, I like that.” I glanced at myself in the mirror and smiled when I saw the chain around my neck. “Is this weird for you?” I asked as I faced her once more. “The fact I’m going on a date with your cousin, that is.”
“No, it’s not weird at all,” she immediately replied. “Actually, I’m pretty excited about it. I’ve wanted to see someone make him happy for such a long time, and he’s so different around you. It’s like I’m seeing the old Noah again.”
“The old Noah?”
She gave me a sad smile. “The Noah I used to know before his dad died. It was bad enough that he lost his father, but since then, his grandpa has had all these expectations of him, constantly pressuring him to fill his dad’s shoes and live up to the family name.”
She let out a sigh before she continued. “People always want something from him, and I guess it takes a toll. He’s so guarded now, but he used to joke around all the time. It feels like forever since I’ve seen him crack a real smile. He seems to feel more like himself when you’re around though.”
I felt a little overwhelmed, and I wasn’t sure what to say when Cress had finished. Noah and I had only known each other a few weeks, so it was hard to believe I’d had such an impact on him. When I thought about the connection I felt between us, it didn’t seem so strange. I’d been in a pretty dark place when I’d started at Weybridge, but every time I was close to him, things felt a little brighter.
A knock sounded at the door, and my heart shot to my throat. “That must be him.”
Cress grinned. “Then I better make myself scarce and give you guys some privacy. Have fun today!” With that, she skipped into the bathroom and I soon heard the rush of water from the shower.
I took a deep breath before I stepped toward the door and pulled it open. Noah was standing on the other side, looking flawless as always. He was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, much like myself, but he managed to make even the simplest of outfits look like something out of a catalog. For some reason, he had his hands rested over his eyes.
“Noah, what are you doing?” I asked.
“Just want to make sure you’re dressed. The last time I came through this door I got quite the surprise…”
I laughed and pulled his hands down. “That’s not funny.”
“But it made you laugh. I think it must have been just a little funny.”
I tried to look unimpressed, but I couldn’t wipe the smile from my lips. “Fine, perhaps it was a little funny.”
He grinned triumphantly, and it took me a moment to remember to breathe as I stared into his joyful eyes. I’d seen two sides to Noah since I’d first met him. There was the guarded side that Cress had described, which I’d seen at parties and around the people at school. But more and more, I was catching glimpses of Noah’s lighter side—the side he seemed to hide away. He was so much more buoyant and brighter this morning, which somehow made him unbearably gorgeous.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked.
I blinked and realized I’d been staring at him. I quickly nodded and grabbed my phone and purse off my desk before following him out the door. We hadn’t even started our date yet, and already I was coming off like a mindless idiot. I’d noticed I found it hard to think straight whenever he was close.
“You look beautiful, by the way.” He gave me a gentle smile as he spoke, and he was looking at me like I was wearing a gorgeous gown rather than a pair of jeans. “Then again, you always look beautiful.”
I blushed under his gaze and returned his smile. “You look pretty good yourself.” Good was an understatement. This boy really had too much going for him. Seriously. It only made me wonder what he could possibly see in me because his interest really didn’t make any sense.
My doubt was only highlighted when we emerged into the courtyard. There weren’t many people about, but everyone we passed stared at us, and they all seemed confused to see me at Noah’s side.
I’d had a strange mixture of attention on me after Veronica plastered posters of me all over the place. There were some people who appeared to feel sorry for me, and some who rolled their eyes like I’d been asking for the attention. Then there were others, like Veronica and her friends, who thought I couldn’t be trusted and didn’t belong here. Whatever people thought about Veronica’s stunt, I felt certain going on a date with Noah was doing little to divert the attention away from me.
“So, are you going to tell me what you have planned yet?” I asked, hoping to distract myself from the many eyes that were on us. We were making our way toward the parking lot, but I still had no idea what to expect. “You haven’t given me any clues.”
“Don’t you like a little mystery?”
“No, surprises aren’t really my thing.” Especially not recently after my parents had dropped the wealthy long-lost father bombshell on me and then ambushed me with Weybridge Academy. My surprise quota was definitely full for the next couple of years.
“Well, I think you’re going to like my surprise.” His expression had changed since we’d emerged into the courtyard. His smile had disappeared, and his face stayed blank and neutral; his mask of indifference was well and truly back in place. Yet, when he spoke to me, his eyes still sparkled slightly. He was like a kid on Christmas morning trying to keep his composure but anticipating the day with a carefully contained excitement.
“Well, now you’ve got me intrigued,” I said, earning myself a brief smile.
We continued to garner attention as we walked, and I struggled to ignore it. I already felt like I wasn’t good enough for him, and the reaction of those around us certainly wasn’t helping.
“I’m not sure people approve of me stealing you away for the morning,” I said.
He frowned as he glanced around us, finally noticing the surprised looks we were receiving. “Just ignore them,” he said. “They’re probably just jealous I’m with the prettiest girl in school.”
“I doubt that,” I murmured back. I was hardly the prettiest girl at Weybridge, and the way people were looking at us made me feel like the exact opposite. It was like they were watching a troll date a prince, and they couldn’t quite believe their eyes.
It was hard to tell if Noah was bothered by the attention because his face gave little away. His expression closed up like this whenever I saw him in crowded places, and I was reminded of how Cress had said Noah was different around me. It made me sad to think he’d become so wary of the people surrounding him every day—to the point where he completely shut down around them. I wasn’t sure why he opened up to me, but I was certain I didn’t want it to stop.
Noah remained tense until we entered the parking lot, and he unlocked an expensive sports car parked right by the school. It was white and sleek, and his eyes lightened as he opened the door for me.
“I heard guys that drive fast cars are compensating for something…” I said, lifting one eyebrow at him. I was trying to break the somewhat somber mood that had overcome him, and it seemed to do the job because he let out a laugh.
“I just like fast cars,” he said.
“That’s what they all say.”
He shook his head and closed the door after me. He was still smiling as he walked around the front of the car and sat in the driver’s seat. The car rumbled to life as he turned the engine on, and he pulled it out of the parking lot. It was hard to believe only moments ago he’d been looking so gloomy.
“You act differently when other people aren’t around,” I said.
He let out a sigh, and I was sad to see his expression dim. “Other people always want something from me,” he said. “My grandfather is quite influential, and I guess people are always trying to gain status by associating with me. There’s nothing worse than people who are only friendly with you because of your last name. I find it far easier to simply shut people out.”
“Surely not everyone at Weybridge wants to use you.”
“You’d be surprised,” he replied. “I’ve learned it’s better to have a few good friends than a horde of false ones.”
“You’re talking about Kaden and Luther?”
Noah nodded. “I’m not sure I would have survived high school if they hadn’t been here with me.”
I couldn’t imagine growing up and not trusting the intentions of the people around me. Then again, I’d been completely screwed over by my friends back home because I’d been too trusting. Perhaps Noah was right to keep only a select few people close.
“You’re lucky you have them.”
“Very lucky,” he agreed.
My hand lifted to my neck as we spoke, and I traced my fingers across the star necklace Cress had given me. I’d only met her and Anna a few weeks ago, but it felt like I’d known them for years. If I’d realized anything this week, it was that these girls were keepers and that I should never be afraid of being anything but myself around them. They accepted me no matter what, and it seemed similar to how Noah felt about Luther and Kaden.
Noah sped through the countryside along a winding road that cut between open green fields. I’d only been into town a few times since I’d arrived at Weybridge, but we were driving in the opposite direction, so I had no idea where we were. The sun was out, and the scenery was beautiful, so I didn’t mind waiting a little longer to see what Noah had in store for us.
Eventually, Noah slowed the car and turned onto a gravel path. My curiosity only escalated as we drove alongside a high wire fence with nothing but open space on the other side. At the end of the road was a large shed, and as we drew near to it, Noah turned the car through a wide-open gate and into the fenced off area. Several small planes and a helicopter were sitting by the shed.
“Uh, Noah, where are we going?”
His face brightened with a beaming smile. “Somewhere very special.”
“That’s not an answer…”
“It’s all the answer you’re getting right now.” He winked. “I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
Noah didn’t say anything else as he pulled up beside a small jet plane. The staircase was lowered to the tarmac, and my heart leaped with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Noah jumped from the car and came round to open my door for me.
“I hope you like flying,” he said, still grinning widely.
I was too shocked to respond. He wanted to take me up in a plane? I mean, I should have figured as much considering he’d brought me to an airstrip, but it was only just hitting me now.
His expression started to fall when I remained in the car. “You don’t like flying?”
“I don’t know.” I hesitated. “I’ve never been in a plane before.” I realized I’d been stalling and stepped cautiously from the vehicle.
“Never? Seriously?”
“Seriously.” My palms sweated at the thought. I wasn’t afraid of the concept of flying, but I was a little nervous. “This is crazy. You know I would have been fine with just grabbing a burger at Toddy’s. It’s not too late if you want to change your mind.”
“I don’t want to change my mind,” he replied. “But if you don’t want to fly, we can go to Toddy’s if you like…”
He was being super sweet, and I imagined he must have gone to so much effort to organize this for me, so I quickly shook my head. “No, let’s go on the plane. You only die once, after all.”
“We’re not going to die.” He rolled his eyes and chuckled before he took hold of my hand to lead me toward the plane.
One of the crew walked down the stairs as we approached and shook Noah’s hand. “How are you today, Mr. Hastings?”
“I’m good, thanks, Arthur. This is my friend Isobel. She’s going to be coming with us today.”
The man gave me a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you on board, Isobel.”
I smiled and nodded in response. I was still too nervous to decide if this was also going to be a pleasurable experience for me.
Noah led me up the stairs to the plane, where a hostess was waiting to welcome us. I was struggling not to gape as we entered the cabin. It was open and gorgeous with white leather seats and beautiful wooden tables. There was even a flat screen TV on one of the walls. Noah got us settled next to each other on a couch before the flight attendant brought us over a couple of glasses of champagne.
“I can’t believe you did this.” I struggled to contain my awe. “How did you organize a plane?”
“It wasn’t too difficult,’ he replied. “It’s the company jet.”
Noah’s surname was everywhere. It was engraved across one of the walls and embroidered on the seat cushions. Even the little napkins on the table had Hastings written on them in gold lettering. If I hadn’t been so distracted when we’d arrived, I imagined I would have also seen Noah’s last name splayed across the tail of the plane.
“Wow, this is really incredible.” I was still in disbelief. I couldn’t fathom how much money a business needed to make to own a private jet, but it had to be a lot. “I guess your family’s company must be really successful.”
“Looks can be deceiving.” Noah replied in a low voice.
I wasn’t really sure what to make of his comment so I decided not to press him on it. His definition of success must have been very different than mine. He probably thought they needed a bigger plane.
“Your family is in pharmaceuticals, right?”
“Right.” Noah’s expression had become more reserved, and it made me wonder how he felt about it all.
“Cress mentioned that you’d be taking over one day.”
“That’s the plan.” His voice lacked any emotion, and he became fixated on the window. I could tell he didn’t like talking about his family business, and I wished I’d never brought it up.
“Sorry, I understand if you don’t want to talk about this with me.” I didn’t want to start our date in a negative way, and my curiosity wasn’t worth upsetting him.
“It’s not that I don’t want to talk about it with you,” he said, glancing back at me. “It’s that I don’t really like talking about it at all.”
“That’s okay. We can talk about something else.”
“It’s fine,” he continued. “It’s just that things with the business recently have been…complicated. A lot has happened that’s putting added pressure on my grandfather, and he ends up passing it on to me. I always knew there was the possibility I would step up to run the business when my grandfather retired, but recently, it’s like I don’t have a choice.”
“Is there something else you’d rather do?”
His eyes swirled with a mixture of emotions. “I’m not sure. I just don’t like the idea of my future being decided by someone else.”
“Have you told anyone this?”
“I told my dad before he…” Noah paused. “Well, there’s only one person that matters these days and my grandfather wouldn’t understand. He’s all I’ve got now. I can’t disappoint him.”
“He’s family. I’m sure he would listen.”
“Not my grandfather.” Noah let out a dry laugh. “I’ve learned by now that you don’t tell William Hastings anything he doesn’t want to hear, especially if it affects the company. He doesn’t see a difference between himself and the business, and he expects a similar commitment from me.”
“That seems a little extreme.”
“That’s my grandfather.” Noah shrugged before he shook his head, and his expression lightened a little. “Sorry, that got deep real quick. I promise the rest of our date won’t be so intense.”
“I don’t mind intense.”
He smiled. “No, but I think I should at least wait until date number two or three before I unload all my baggage on you.”
“Oh, so there’s going to be another date, is there?”
“I hope so.”
My stomach fluttered in anticipation. I already liked the idea of another date with Noah. And it wasn’t the fact he’d organized a private jet for us that had me wanting more alone time with him. There was so much more to Noah than met the eye, and I felt like I could spend a lifetime unraveling the person he was when he wasn’t wearing his cloak of indifference.
The plane jolted as it started to move forward, and I reached out and grasped Noah’s hand tightly. A flash of embarrassment shuddered through me, but Noah gave my hand a squeeze in return. “You ready to fly?”
“Uh-huh.” I wished I sounded slightly more confident. It was difficult to combat the nerves bubbling in my chest. My feet had always stayed firmly on the ground, so I had no idea what to expect. Noah kept hold of my hand as the plane started to accelerate. It was probably sweaty and gross because my nerves were getting the better of me, but I couldn’t bring myself to let go.
I felt like I was being pushed back in my seat as the plane gained momentum, and when it lifted off the tarmac, my stomach seemed to drop back down to the ground. Vibrations shook the plane as we climbed higher, and the engines roared as they powered us upward. The takeoff was much less smooth than I had imagined it would be, and I gripped Noah’s hand tighter and tighter.
“It’s okay,” he whispered in my ear. “I’ve got you.”
I was staring straight ahead of me, but I slowly turned to him. Noah was smiling sweetly, and when my gaze met his, I felt the nerves drift away. As if by magic, the noise churning around us seemed to quiet, and I felt a wave of calm come over me.
“Take a look.” Noah nodded to the window. “The view is worth the take off.”
I leaned over to look out the window and watched as trees and fields and towns drifted below us. I became more excited and less uncertain the longer we were in the air, especially once big fluffy clouds began to move past the window. I’d always figured it would freak me out to look down on the world so far beneath me, but the whole concept was a little surreal. I especially loved when we broke out above the clouds and they formed a blanket below us. It was like getting a little glimpse of heaven.
“It’s kind of magical up here,” I said.
“Yeah, it is.”
I turned and found Noah was watching me rather than the world below. It was all too easy to get lost in Noah’s eyes, but as I stared at him, I realized I was still holding his hand, and I quickly let go.
“Sorry,” I murmured. “I forgot I was still holding on for dear life.” I’d been squeezing his hand so tightly I really hoped I hadn’t hurt him.
“You’ve got a pretty firm grip,” he said, giving his hand a shake.
“You should have said something!”
“Well, I didn’t want you to let go.” He reached out and linked his fingers between mine once more. “I liked it.”
I liked it too. It was crazy how something as simple as the feel of his skin against mine set my heart fluttering or how the way he lightly brushed his thumb over the back of my hand sent tingles all through my body. I’d thought the view outside was magical, but in truth, we could have been anywhere right now, and it would have felt just as surreal.
“So, are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” I asked.
“Nope.”
“You won’t even give me a small clue?”
“Not even a hint. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”
“Maybe I don’t like surprises…”
“Trust me, you’ll like this one.”
The smile he gave me was so open and genuine. When Noah smiled like that, it was impossible not to like him—and impossible not to want to fall deeply and madly in love with him. Noah’s smile was lethal, a heartbreak in the making. I wasn’t supposed to be falling for him. I was supposed to be protecting myself from getting hurt again. Somehow, I was here with my heart in my hands, open and vulnerable, as I contemplated offering it once more.
All I could think as I stared up at Noah was that I couldn’t stop myself from wanting him, even if I tried. Falling for him felt inevitable. And if falling for him meant I was going to get my heart broken again, I was in serious trouble.
