Chapter 176

“Not bad,” he said, catching his breath before standing and extending his hand. “I think we can call it a day.”

Nodding, I took his hand; he effortlessly lifted me to my feet. “Thanks. That was…” I paused, watching him gather his things. “That was a good session,” I finished.

Noah glanced at me over his shoulder. “You really mean that?”

I nodded, my ears reddening slightly. It had been surprisingly good—he’d been incredibly patient, far more than I’d ever seen. We’d spent most of the session on the floor, grappling; more focus on escapes than punches and kicks, and I’d finished unscathed.

“Yeah,” I replied, “I do.”

Noah stiffened, and I met his gaze in the mirror. Before I could decipher his expression, he straightened and headed for the door. “I’m hungry. Let’s get a protein smoothie.”

Minutes later, I sat at the kitchen counter while Noah searched for smoothie ingredients. “You should have one every day,” he said, producing protein powder, milk, and frozen fruit. “Especially if you’re trying to gain weight.”

I pursed my lips, looking down at myself. I was gaining weight, but still had a long way to go. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, watching him blend the ingredients.

He poured the smoothie into a glass and slid it to me—only one serving. “You’re not having any?” I asked, noticing him rinsing the blender.

He shrugged. “We’re out of protein powder. I’ll eat later.”

“No,” I frowned, jumping from my stool. I retrieved two straws and thrust them into the glass, Noah blinking at me in surprise. “Let’s share.”

“But—”

“I won’t finish it anyway,” I insisted, taking my seat and gesturing to the seat beside me. “Help me.”

Noah gaped, clearly debating. When I gave him a warning glare, he huffed and sat down. We sipped, the kitchen silent. I couldn't deny the heat rising in my cheeks, nor the occasional brush of our knees. I didn’t pull away, and neither did he—though his face remained impassive.

Then, as we both leaned forward, our noses bumped. Hard.

Noah recoiled as if burned. I pulled back, rubbing my nose, a giggle escaping. “Sorry,” I muttered.

“I have to go.”

Before I could question him, Noah was on his feet. The last thing I saw before he rushed from the room was his face, the brightest red I’d ever seen…and a noticeable bulge in his pants.